waterproof port

[westajul]

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone has a waterproof port. A friend of my mom's had one while she was going through chemo, so she could waterski. I am supposed to get a Groshen port put in on Tuesday and would love to have a waterproof port instead. Julie

[sheri938]

hi i had a pick line at first and  had to protect from getting wet -now i have what is called a power port -placed near my rt collar bone - it it great -last for up to 8 years- can have ct scans  and transfusions -chemo- blood draws.- heals fast- it hardly shows unless ones looking for it-  they spray something on to freeze the skin   a little before they access it- it only needs to be flushed every 4 weeks.you can do a search for -power port- and read about it-  takes only  a little  while to  have it  placed and a short time in recovery about a total of 3 hours.- i think you'll like the freedom it will give you and  they don;t have to start an iv. good luck

[westajul]

Thanks for everyone's input and advice. I am going to have a port put in at the end of the month and for tomorrow's chemo they will just do a regular IV. I am so excited that I will be able to continue with my water aerobics and take showers instead of Baths. I don't know why my Oncologists( local and at MD Anderson) never mentioned there were options to the Groshong besides a PICC line.  

[abrite]

Hi Julie,

If you go to the following site, you will find information about both types of devices. The groschong is under PICCS and the waterproof ports are under Ports. www.BardAccess.com  Bard is the company that makes both of them. I have a port and swim, body board etc. Hope you are able to get a device that works for you! Take care

[jane65]

Hi Julie,
I also have a port under my skin in the same place butterflytc has hers. I have it flushed once a month, and can shower and have no restrictions. I'm not sure what you mean by a waterproof port since it is under the skin.

I've had it for over 2 years, and it's worked great for chemo and blood draws. Good luck,
Jane

[butterflytc]

Sorry Julie, cannot help you there. I only know of a "port" and a "power port" (you are way ahead of me knowing it is called a Groshen?
  My port is under the skin, on my left shoulder area, above the breast..it is not a power port I know. I swim all the time with it, except on the day it is flushed. I have had it in since Dec. 2005, so I am sure newer versions may have come out since then.
   Ask the doc? and see if he can tell you, prior to your surgery.

all the best
butterflytc