power port!

[jane65]

Good morning,
I saw on Marie's thread, several mentions of a "power port", I've had the regular chest port for 2 years. the last few times I've had blood draws, or chemo, the nurses have had to double flush it. They said it's not often that the port has to be replaced, but some people's bodies build up a rejection to the port over time.
I'd be interested to know what the power port is, especially if they can also do the ct contrast through it rather than accessing my arm vein.
Thanks, .... Jane

[jane65]

Thanks for the info, ladies and my best wishes for both of you to have success with your treatments.
I'm just so sick and tired, of being sick and tired. I wish we could all just wake up from this nightmare and be regular people again!!.... Jane

[Arlynn1]

Hi Marie,

I have an IP port too.  That does bother me some. It is place on my right ribs and when I sit I can really feel it. I think when the bruising goes away, the power port won't bother me. I have some nice purple bruising.  It is a lot smaller than the IP port. I really don't think it is going to bother me at all. We have a number of similarities.
Arlynn

[marie3B]

Is it comfortable or annoying?  I can't imagine how this will feel.  My I/P port was bad, but I got used to it.  Celebrated big when it came out though.  You and I are the same age and now we will be power-port twins.  How cute. LOL Marie

[marie3B]

This is my first one.  Last time I was on chemo I had a huge I/P port but no port for I/V access.  My veins barely made it through all 18 treatments.  I think the only reason they did was that the chemo nurses were so good at starting I/Vs.  I hope those same nurses will be there for me through this time.  Marie

[Arlynn1]

Hi Jane,

I had a power port put in yesterday. It is easy access for a CT scan as long as the place your having the ct scan done at a place that has the PowerLoc safety infusion set.  This hooks up to the power port to put in the contrast agent. It also allows blood draws and IV infusion.  I have my first chemo on Tuesday so I hope it works well.  I am bruised and sore right now from having it put in.  I read the little book they gave me to read. They told me they put in 8-10 of the power ports a week, so I guess it is the new technology.  I don't know since I am new to everything.  As I have something done I am learning from it and everyone here.

Arlynn

[dian07]

Marie, what's the deal ?  Are you having one replaced or is this your first one ?  I am confused (I'll chalk it up to chemo-brain.....this excuse comes in handy some times !).
Peace.
dian