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

[Dee09]

I've had a power port since Aug. 08.  It's probably very similar to your chest port.  Mine is completely under my skin.  I've been told the difference is that it can take injections at a higher pressure, which is what they need for the CT contrast - I do get my CT IV contrast through the power port.  It is fairly new but I think it's becoming more common.  It's pretty much all Memorial Sloan Kettering uses these days as far as I know.

[dian07]

I had my port put in back in May of 2005.....it is under the skin in my L chest......I think the brand is Bard as well.  I am determined not to have it removed until I am at least 5 years out from the end of my chemo which was October of that same year.  They put this thing in when I was completely awake and I don't want to go through that again!  The doc kept telling me I wouldn't remember anything.....he didn't hang around long once he realized , after the procedure, I hadn't been sedated....anyway, it has served me well and it is sort of a good luck charm as far as I am concerned.  I do get if flushed every 6-7 weeks.
I hope you all have as good a relationship with your buddy the port as I have had with mine.
Peace.
dian

[gah_70]

Was part of it sticking out of his skin?  I have a port that is completely contained under the skin in my chest.  However, when I was on Topotecan and had treatments 5 days a week, they would leave the access to it hooked up.  During that time, I had to use shower shields to keep it covered so the dressing would stay dry.  Still, there was no way to keep it completely dry because the shower shields didn't stay stuck to the skin around it all the time (too many folds of fat, maybe?? :)  ).    

Gail

[Teresa222]

I had a pic line.  However, my husband had a port that could not get wet. I know because I had to wrap and cover it every time he showered. It was in his chest. What could be the difference in yours and his?

[JC145]

Teresa/1 ... do you have a "pic" line or a port.  

A pic line is covered with a bandage between visits and must stay dry ... usually in the arm.

A port is buried under the skin in the upper chest.  Bathing, swimming, etc. all OK.

Judy

[marie3B]

Good.  Thanks.  Marie