The picture to the left is exactly what I had done and exactly how the port is placed in my body. I feel horrible. It's uncomfortable for now, I feel it move a little when I get up and I have pain in my chest when I lift my right arm up. This time I am taking my pain medicine. I was given heavy sedation during my procedure. I was told some people get local anesthesia but I was knocked out before I was wheeled out of the pre op room into the the operating room. When I woke up they ordered a chest x-ray and I was able to go home about an hour later. Looking at the picture it is a little frightening no one wants something in this in them. Truthfully I am scared to move around. My shoulder hurts also. This was nothing like the mastectomy. I was able to move around and I had no pain. This on the other hand is very different. I have to pray that everything works out well, I will have this port in for over a year. Now because I am getting the herceptin ( because I am Her-2 neu positive) for a year I can't have the right mastectomy with reconstruction on both sides until I have completed the full year cycle of medicine.
Here is more detailed info about the port and it's associated risks.
An implanted port is made up of two parts: a catheter (kath-uh-ter) and a port. A catheter is a small plastic flexible tube. A port is a pocket for fluids that you get through the catheter. It is made of metal or plastic and holds a small amount of liquid. One end of the catheter is connected to the port, and the other end goes through a vein near your heart.
Most ports are the size of a quarter. They have plastic or metal on the sides and rubber over the top. The port is placed right under your skin and you can usually feel it through your skin. A special needle goes through your skin and the rubber on top of the port when the port is used. By having an access port, you can have blood taken for tests, and get IV fluids quickly and easily. Having the port may keep your arm from being stuck many times with a needle.
A vein is a tube inside you that carries blood from the body to the heart and lungs. Your doctor will put the catheter into a vein near your neck. The port is placed on your chest near your collarbone, or in your upper arm. If the port will be used often, there may be a catheter tube (tail) attached to the needle. It will hang down onto your chest.
RISKS
There are always risks with any medical procedure. You may have more bleeding than usual or get an infection (in-fek-shun). You could have trouble breathing, or get blood clots. The port may become blocked or clogged. If this happens, you may need to have a special medicine put into the port to unclog it. The tip of the catheter could move out of place, or the catheter could get a leak in it. This may cause IV fluid to leak out into your skin, and damage it.
The port may become loose and move around. Air could get into your blood stream through the catheter, or you could get an irregular heartbeat. Rarely, your lung may collapse, or the catheter can break apart in your vein. You may die. Your caregivers will watch you closely for these problems. Call them if you are worried or have questions about your medicine or care
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