Minnie- my husband has a port and the procedure to install it was no big deal. We were home in a matter of hours. He is so glad he got it-much easier that getting stuck with a needle. When he was on the Cisplatin he didn't have many side effects. They gave him meds to halt the nausea beforehand. With the Erbitux he had mostly skin changes-no nausea. This time the Taxotere is kicking his butt. He had three treatments before his hair fell out. So much easier for a man, he has a crew cut. It really tends to make him sick to his stomach for a few days so he is taking the Compazine but I think he will switch to the Zofran. Kytril is a great anti nausea med but it is really expensive so ask it the nurses have any samples and sometimes they can order it as part of your treatment. Good luck and your grandaughter sounds like a wonderful girl.
Sue

cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.