Port-a-Cath chemotherapy involves the implantation of a small device, or port, beneath the skin. This is a thin tube attached to a small reservoir, and allows the transfer of chemotherapy drugs and other medications directly into your body through the port.
Chemotherapy treatment can take a toll on the body, and symptoms include aches, pains and discomfort.
Whilst patients were often advised not to swim at all during their treatment in the past, a new understanding has developed that – when the proper precautions are taken to ensure safety and hygiene, such as swimming in a private, filtered pool – swimming can be beneficial for Port-a-Cath wearers, depending on their stage in the chemotherapy cycle. It may even reduce the pain and discomfort of treatment by a substantial amount.
The benefits of swimming for Port-a-Cath wearers include:
1. A low-impact exercise that reduces stress on your joints
Water supports your weight, and as a result, swimming is a great low-impact exercise that reduces stress on your joints. This is particularly beneficial because chemotherapy can cause excessive joint and muscle pain, which often occurs soon after treatment.
2. Improved cardiovascular health
Swimming improves your cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs, which assists your circulation and lowers your blood pressure. Port-a-Cath wearers in good cardiovascular health may find themselves with reduced symptoms after treatment, and a more comfortable experience in treatment overall.
3. Reduced stress and anxiety
Undergoing port-a-cath chemotherapy takes a toll on the mind and body. Not only are any medical diagnoses difficult to process, the ensuing treatment can increase your stress and anxiety. As an exercise, swimming is extremely rhythmic and soothing, which improves your mental health and reduces these negative feelings. Your mental wellbeing will benefit in the long-term, and you may discover a sense of community with other avid swimmers as you try out this activity – chemotherapy can be isolating, and being supported by others at this time is essential.
The reason why activities such as swimming depend on your chemotherapy cycle is because your immune system is more vulnerable at certain stages, and in most public swimming pools, the risk of infection is so high. You should always discuss the safety of swimming during and after your chemotherapy treatment with your healthcare team, and if allowed to do so, cover up your port with proper waterproof dressings. If you’re personally advised against swimming, other solutions may be found to alleviate your discomfort from port-a-cath chemotherapy.
At Lumina Interventional Radiology, we provide a host of treatments for various cancers, including percutaneous ablation. However, we also provide essential vascular access procedures, including port-a-cath insertions for port-a-cath chemotherapy, so that you can receive vital and invaluable treatment. Find out more about how our specialists can help you by contacting Lumina, today.
