Lynn,

Good to hear from you. I am happy to answer questions. I had my port put in by a cardio surgeon, but an interventional radiologist or even general surgeon can do it. It was a day surgery, and it was pretty tender for a couple of days, but then healed fast.

I have a 1 inch thin palr scar on my chest where the port was inserted. Some docs need to do an additional incision under the collarbone. I am not overweight, so requested a "slimport" so there wouldn't be a big lump on my chest. My port is barely noticeable altho after all these years there is some dark scarring from all the sticks. It is usually always hidden under my clothes and if not, who cares? .

I infuse monthly and the port is flushed and heparinized at that time. It needs to be done every 4 weeks if you are not infusing. I can do it myself but most use a nurse.

When it is not in use I don't even think about it. When my daughter was little she'd sometimes crash her head back into it, but nothing like that has happened in a long time. It's pretty much a non-issue.

I am happy to show you photos. Just let me know!

Good luck on your decision. I suspect you will wish you did it long ago!