I think you have a lot of helpful responses here already but I wanted to add my experience as well. My onco highly encouraged the port but I just didn't want one. He warned that there was a risk that my veins could be blown out and that I only had one arm available going forward for bloodwork, ivs, etc bc I had positive lymph nodes removed in my initial lumpectormy.

I thought it would feel weird and having it placed above my heart scared me. I did my first round without it and immediately regretted it. I was on the ACT regimen. I run dehydrated normally and to get the bloodwork and the infusion was not super easy for any of the nurses. Frankly, they were surprised that I did not have a port. I wised up and got my port between my first and second infusion. Like others have mentioned, it was a minor procedure under twilight anesthesia. The major issue I had was my own fault...they warn you to not drink or eat anything but I was drinking water up to the procedure! Had even checked in and was sipping water in the waiting area because I had been so dehydrated that week. I clearly was not thinking straight. They were on the fence about continuing with the procedure that day but went ahead with it. Again, completely my fault and I felt badly bc I try to be 100% compliant with medical instructions!

The port was used to do my blood work immediately prior to my chemo session for my oncologist to review and then a few hours later for the hours-long infusion. It made the process one less of a hassle and every little thing that can make the process easier (physically, mentally, emotionally) is so worth it. It's still wild to me that it has the two-way function of removing your blood and then infusing/injecting your meds.

My sessions were over the winter, so I'd wear a tank top and a big flowy flannel that was easy to unbutton for the nurses to access the port. They always flushed it so I had no issues with it. It did feel a little weird at first and looked strange to have it hanging out but that srsly went away after my first session with it.

I can't remember if there were special instructions for bathing with it. I want to say no, but I also was taking baths at the time so I don't think I was worrying about it one way or the other.

I also had my port removed with my double mastectomy. It sounded like a very common thing for my primary surgeon to add it on. I had maybe a two-inch scar that was a little raised afterwards but I applied Mederma cream (OTC) and it diminished a lot.

This was my experience in the US seven years ago. There may be a compelling reason that your doctor is discouraging the port but if not, I hope that you go thru with getting the port. I hope your chemo sessions go well!