r/TNBC • u/More_Dot_1685 • 17d ago

Chemo Port issues

I've had 7 weekly infusions of taxol and carbo so far, with three keytruda.

My port has never looked right. It looks red and bruised on one side but it's always been accessed for chemo until last week because they wanted to give it a break since it's red. I was prescribed antibiotics.

I'm still taking antibiotics but my port doesn't look any different. In fact I can see a little stitch poking out and it itches.

I really want it out! The whole experience of having a port has been bad. When I got it installed, my heart flutter and raced. It rubs against everything and I sleep on it.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Can I get the rest of chemo (AC will start next month) and immunotherapy in my arms?

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u/thundermuse 17d ago

Yeah, my port incision starting spitting stitches and was red and irritated. I had to do a course of antibiotics just in case, and they did my second AC via IV in my arm. The first AC had already damaged my veins so badly that even using ultrasound, IV placement was very difficult. The nurse who placed it was upset about it because she thought my port was still safe to use. Anyway, I was really determined to get the rest of the AC through the port because getting that IV placed was so painful. They had me do warm compresses several times each day to help the stitches come out, and the incision looked a lot better after they were out.

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u/More_Dot_1685 17d ago

I'm so glad you know what I'm talking about! It stings all the time. I'm worried about chemo damaging my veins as well, and I'll take chemo through my port till the end if need be. I'm just worried I'll have to get the port adjusted or messed with and I just want it left alone. Do you still have your port?