Susie—port question

I had one until several months ago. It was put in when I started chemo. The oncologist likes to leave it in for a year afterward, but when I had a lumpectomy a few months short of that, they took it out (kind of 2-for-1 in the OR.)
I used a lidocaine cream, prescription strength, on it before going to have it accessed, so the skin wouldn't hurt when they did that. It was quite handy and I had no issues with it!

Having it put in was a bit more of a procedure than I had anticipated; by that I mean that I was no good for the rest of the day, between the grogginess and a sore neck from the position I had to be in for the procedure. Not to scare you! It wasn't a huge thing (we've been through worse, eh?) but it wasn't as absolutely minor as I had been expecting.

UB, I had no issues after my port was put in. I had a little soreness for a few days, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Every person is different on how long it takes to heal. I took showers, but it's been so long ago I cannot remember the instructions. You will be given instructions on aftercare. I was apprehensive at first, after 2-3 infusions I was fine with it & relaxed. I never watched them, it would have been awkward trying to for one thing. My nurse always would say you may feel a pinch. I was also in a recliner with it reclined back.

about the scar, I have a thin line, about a one inch scar. As more time went by it faded. I do have an area about the size of a quarter that is raised. I have many surgical scars, no bigger than this one is I don't give it a thought.

I had a Remicade infusion less than a week after it was put in. What a breeze it was too compared to trying to get an IV line in. The kits they use are sterile, from the betadine scrub to the paper cloth placed around the site. I never had pain when they accessed my port. I felt a bit of a pinch but nothing more. I found the constant sticking of trying to find a good vein more painful than ever having my port accessed. I had a 5 stick rule, the nurses had a 3 stick rule. Most of the nurses would just get another nurse or get an oncology nurse involved.

Based on my experience, I never had a downside to having one. Even after all these years, it can still be used. Wear a button up shirt or a zippered top is my suggestion. Take a pair of earbuds & listen to some music if you think it will help with the nerves.

Let us know how it goes. I'm very interested in this as well now after my last infusion experience.