I had a port as well. When you go for chemo or anything that the nurse will use your port, you can ask for numbing spray. Here if you dont ask they wont offer it. Its mainly used for children to numb the skin around the port area.

As far as your intake goes, every day you need to have a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. I know it sounds like alot but it is the MINIMUM! If you can take more in, say 3000 or even 3500 calories it will only help you get thru this easier. Water is especially important when having chemo to flush the poison out of your system. Try to go heavy on the water the day prior, day of and the day after chemo. Most patients will receive extra fluids thru an IV on chemo days. If you begin to struggle with taking in enough water, ask the doc for a prescription for extra hydration (usually done in the chemo lab).

Best wishes!

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile