Neck Incision pain normal?

[Jen1967]

I had a port put in this past Friday during my sentinel node biopsy. If anyone else has had this done - how long is the pain supposed to last? I feel like my throat is being pushed on where one incision is and the place where they put the port is really sore and stinging. The underarm hurts too but is this port pain normal 2 days afterwards? They also put in a breathing tube (I guess) and one side of my bottom lip is so swollen and numb. The nurses told me at first that I must have bit it but I doubt that I could have done that. I think something happened when they pulled out the tube. When will this swelling go down? I don't want to be a whiner but this is a weird feeling.

Jen

[healingwell62]

When are you starting your chemo?  I'm halfway through and it's doable.  Have you scouted wigs yet?  Highly recommended with one of your most fun friends.  We went to a great guy in Chicago (where I live), Brian Blanchard.  You can google him -- I think Brian Blanchard chemohair.  He may have references to people around where you are.  Everyone who saw me when I first started wearing my "new hair" didn't even realize that I'd had my head shaved and replaced it with the new wig!  He takes a really nice approach where I spent a couple of hours with him at the fitting and he does a series of hair cuts shorter and shorter. That way you can see what to expect as it's growing back in.  It made it much kinder than a quick buzz cut.  Anyway, my two cents you may not have wanted!  My thoughts and support continue with you.  Keep in touch.

Chris

[darcytwin]

my port never stopped aching..3 days after he put it in, i went into the office crying for him to take it out...he didnt....he told me to rub aspircream on it...that helped some, but the weird iccky feeling never went away....i wouldnt say you get used to it...but it is better after the first week or so....

just think of it as, one more thing done, one less thing to do!

i named mine the goider....since it stuck so prominently out of my chest.....

[healingwell62]

Hi girl,

I'm so sorry I've been out of the loop lately.  It sounds like you've been going through a lot.  I can tell you that the symptoms you are experience post port placement are nearly identical to what I had.  LOTS of bruising around the port, stretched skin over the port.  A yucky sense of the tube travelling up my neck.  Someone had described to me the aftermath of the port placement as feeling like the recoil of a riflebutt against my chest.  It leaves quite a bruise for a while, but it does go away.  Now, a few months later, I'm aware it's there, but it doesn't really bother me.

[katarina777]

I think you would feel much better if you take off the tape now as the doctor said. don't worry. i ripped mine off the same day, terrified. And that was OK.

[Jen1967]

Thanks

I did talk to the dr this morning. He said I could take the clear tape off today but I want to wait til tomorrow to make sure. I dont want any problems. He was kind when he spoke to me but I felt really rushed to get off the phone. My port is still stinging a bit. He said it could take awhile for the port to heal - and that my skin is stretching around it.

I will have the results by Thurs for the biopsy.

Joyce - dont worry I have taken Percocet and the like for many years - (I have slipped discs in my neck) I know how it makes me feel - very tired. So I wont get addicted. Thanks for your concern though.

Thanks everyone - Jen

[katarina777]

I don't think it's normal at all. With me, it also hurt really bad after they put the port in but that was because I was allergic to the tape and it ate off my skin. otherwise I really don't think it should hurt like you desribe unless this is related to the sentinel node biopsy. i would call the doctor for sure.

[Joi400]

Just be careful, Percocet is very addictive.  Just follow whats prescribed by your doctor.    As much as possible try tylenol or motrin for pain.  
Hugs,  Joyce  

[Jen1967]

Hey - thanks - I'll just keep popping the Percocet!

Jen

[Ray515]

It took a good week before my port area quit hurting.  The pain I felt was just normal surgical pain from the two incisions.  You have to remember that it was surgery and it just takes awhile for it to heal.  I no longer have pain in my port area but it is black and blue right above it.  It doesn't hurt, just looks like it should.  Give it some time unless you think the pain is beyond what it should be.