port vs IV chemo treatments

My doctors have told me I need chemotherapy treatments. It's with a drug called gemcitabine.  I was told it's a low grade dose so I  'should' have mild side effects from it.  However, my biggest concern is having a port put in versus putting an IV in my veins every time.  I will have a six month duration, on three, off one week.  Does anyone have any suggestions concerning as to which is the best way to get this chemo?  Not looking forward to being pricked every time and I've heard it wasn't the greatest for my veins, however, having a port put in doesn't excite me either.  Thanks for any help you can give me. Tom 

Putting in a port is a relatively minor procedure done under anesthesia. I would recommend that you do it. My friend did not want a port and she was getting chemo through her veins. One day, they could not find a good vein and ended up taking her to the short procedure unit to have a port put in anyway!

On Oct 26, 2009 10:27 PM Dr_Tom wrote:

My doctors have told me I need chemotherapy treatments. It's with a drug called gemcitabine.  I was told it's a low grade dose so I  'should' have mild side effects from it.  However, my biggest concern is having a port put in versus putting an IV in my veins every time.  I will have a six month duration, on three, off one week.  Does anyone have any suggestions concerning as to which is the best way to get this chemo?  Not looking forward to being pricked every time and I've heard it wasn't the greatest for my veins, however, having a port put in doesn't excite me either.  Thanks for any help you can give me. Tom 

There is nothing to have a port put in. I am allergic to all local anesthetics. They used saline and benadryl in place of numbing medicine. I did not find it difficult. (Maybe because my cancer pain was so severe) It lasted 6 weeks. Beleive me having you arm stuck 3-5 times each week, as your veins deteriorate, you would be begging for one. I took a shower each day. My husband wrapped my arm in plastic and sealed each end. NO problem. Take care

My dad also got gemzar and the side effects were minimal. As far as the port, the first few treatments he had the IV but he was getting poked a lot as they also have to do several blood draws. He had a port put in which he said was a breeze and it made a huge difference for him, no more IV's and they could draw blood from the port as well. I believe it made his treatments much easier. All the best.

I was getting stuck for every chemo which didn't bother me all that bad, just hurt for a couple of seconds.  But after a while my veins pretty much closed down and they sometimes had to stick me 2-3 times to find a good vein.  I got the port and it's now one stick every time. 

Be sure to get the POWER port.  They can use that when you get scans as well as when you get chemo. 

But just so you know, the stick into the power port goes through skin so there is a little pain but not quit as bad as vein stick. 

Hope this helps.

Hi, I had a port put in in July last year and it was the best thing they could have done,  I have chemo and blood taken through it.  I virtually have no patent veins now but still have to have the CT constrast put in through a vein.  I guess everyone is different but for me it has been a godsend.  One little stab and it is over with. Takes no real looking after at all.

I usually don't recommend things as everyone is different but in this case, go for it you will not regret it.

Pauline

I had a port put in Sept 18 (after my Whipple Aug. 20).  I am on Gemzar (gemcitabine) IV and Xeloda.  I am having problems keeping my blood count up when I am on my chemo, but very glad I have the port.  I have to have a blood draw before every IV treatment, and they can do that through your port as well.  After all the surgery and all the labs thus far, my arm veins were trashed.  The port is the way to go and my experience with gemcitabine (in comb. w/ Xeloda) has been ok except for the blood count issues.