What is a Port?

So many people have been asking me lately, "What is a port?" so I think that should be answered.

A port is a device located just under the skin that connects to the heart to give meds or to draw blood. It is "easier" to use for medical personnel and the patient when frequently getting meds ...... basically. Oftentimes, it becomes neccessary, though. The device is usable usually for around 10 years!! It is simply maintained by flushing every month (since I go to infusion every 3 weeks, I'm good to go) and by being sensitive to not hit it or put pressure on it. (Hence no contact sports, roller coasters, etc). Everything else is fair game. When being used a specialized needle is connected to it through the skin and it's good to go. :)

In my case specifically: For 5 years on and off now, I have been receiving various medications intravenously. Most recently and for over a year now I have been on a chemo (yes, chemo is used for cancer treatment but for a variety of other medical ailments as well) medication called Orencia. While hooked up to the IV, I get nauseous, a headache, it burns, and I have trouble keeping food in. This lasts for about 2-6 days after, yet it isn't the most of my worries. My veins have begun to reject the meds so it is quite hard to get the IV started. Even when the catheter is placed in the vein and everything looks good, it tends to blow and then a new IV spot must be found. I am running out of usable places and even then it doesn't work. The most sticks I've had lately is 9 and a specialized helicopter team had to come place it. But success was made!! lol

This process used to be hard about a year ago and my doctor told me to consider getting a port, yet I declined since I went through a long period of only 1-3 sticks. But now it is getting to a point where my nurses say that a port is the way to go. I feel as if I'm succumbing to it, yet at the time I feel as if I am being brave by doing what needs to be done and facing it head on. I mean.... I am blessed that it isn't worse and I don't have another option anymore. 

So yup!! That's the story. Oh and this is basically a visual of what a port is :

I think that was pretty descriptive, but I'm open to answering any questions. :)
And no worries 'cause God's got this one since I'm His princess <3