tjrasMOM Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 My mom is waiting to have her port put in before she starts chemo with her new oncologist. We've gone almost 5 weeks I think since her last chemo. But she wants a port. However, she's worried about not being able to do things again....can you swim with one? Is life "normal" with them? Or are there things you can't do??? Thank you in advance. I'll take all answers to Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julienyc Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 You can totally live a normal life. My mom has very small veins and the port made her chemo treatments so much more manageable. It's been in for 6 months and she doesn't even know it's there usually. Once in a while she feels it but not much- she swims, showers and everything else... Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raneyf Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 Yes - life's normal with one - even with my kids. Life is actually much better not worried about every IV. Most of my anxiety now is during MRI's and CT's with contrast where they can't use the port for whatever reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 A friend of mine was told not to swim for 24 hours after the port was used. No one told me that though. I had mine for 3 years, nine months. Never a problem. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 I've had mine for 2 years now with no problems at all. I really only remember I have when it's time to have it flushed. Hope it works out well for your mom. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjrasMOM Posted August 22, 2007 Author Share Posted August 22, 2007 THANK YOU everyone at this point who has answered. I'm calling her as I type this...she thought this past weekend was the last time she'd be able to swim. I didn't think that sounded right. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 My dad has gone swimming with his port. It has not been a problem...One thing to bear in mind though: if your mom is using a public pool, she should probably be careful a few days after chemo when her immunity is at its lowest... Glad to hear your mom is feeling strong enough to swim. Best, Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 She can swim once the port site is healed. You have to be very careful not to let any germs in the incision and infect the port. Our onc told us no swimming until it was healed over (it is just a small incision they make in the chest). Tell her she will love it and it will save her veins. Ask for the creme that numbs the area before they access it- then she won't feel the needle at all. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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