Shooting with a port-a-cath

[viragoman]

I've just got my port put in. And I'm going to have it for a few years most likely. It's on the right upper chest. My Dr doesn't have a strong opinion about shooting, other than "use my judgement". Does anybody have experience shooting with a port? Specifically a rifle, I'm not concerned about pistols.

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[floogy]

Good luck with treatment, hope it goes well. Might be a chance to switch up shooting with your left. I have no experience with medical devices but I'm right handed left eye dominant so I really should learn to shoot long guns on the opposite side. I shoot archery lefty.

Regardless of the reason, being able to switch from right to left is a good skill to have. Plus training your brain to do it can keep you sharp. Plus it's a bit of a challenge and that doesn't hurt either.

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[beanz2]

No experience with one personally, but the port must be there for an important reason. Yes, shooting from the opposite shoulder would be best.

[k1dude]

Man, I sure wouldn't want to mess with that cath.

I'd shoot with the opposite shoulder unless it was just a .22 rifle.

Even using the other shoulder, I don't think I'd shoot anything with recoil. I personally wouldn't shoot anything bigger than .223 or 6.5 Grendel.

Good luck with your treatment.

[Tim1071]

Once the stitches have healed shooting with a port was no problem for me. Mine was on the right upper part of my chest about center of the pectoral muscle. It didn't interfere with normal everyday life.

[SDDAVE56]

I had a port in my upper right chest for chemo. Last thing on my mind was shouldering a long gun.

[Boswell]

I didn't give a second thought to shooting with mine. If you are hesitant, pad the port with a 6" square piece of foam. You will be fine. Good luck on your treatments.

[viragoman]

Took the AKs out to Arizona and burned a few rounds. No issues.

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[Skip_Dog]

Sweet. Glad it worked out for you. Keep on keeping on.

[viragoman]

I had a port in my upper right chest for chemo. Last thing on my mind was shouldering a long gun.

How are you doing now? Did you keep the port after treatment? They want me to keep mine in case it comes back. So no boxing or martial arts I guess.

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[SmokieBear]

Sounds like you need to get into crew served weapon like 1919A4, M2HB lol. Hope you get a speedy recovery.

[SDDAVE56]

How are you doing now? Did you keep the port after treatment? They want me to keep mine in case it comes back. So no boxing or martial arts I guess.

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Im doing a lot better now. Thank you for asking!

Its been 10 months since I ended treatment, May 03 2021. I got rid of the port, and feeding tube ASAP after treatment, maybe three weeks after or so.

I wanted to get back to some king of normalcy. I still go get the camera down my nose every six weeks. Also go in for a scan every four months, to make sure the cancer hasn't come back. So far, so good.

The port didn't really bother me, unless I looked at it. The feeding tube on the other hand. Not one good / normal night of sleep.

If the port doesn't bother you, and you feel comfortable shouldering a long arm, keep it. I don't know if recoil could cause an issue / damage it or not. Maybe use some extra padding?

One thing for sure. Because of the port, my arms don't look like Im a "junkie".

Best wishes, stay safe, get healthy.

[viragoman]

Im doing a lot better now. Thank you for asking!



Its been 10 months since I ended treatment, May 03 2021. I got rid of the port, and feeding tube ASAP after treatment, maybe three weeks after or so.



I wanted to get back to some king of normalcy. I still go get the camera down my nose every six weeks. Also go in for a scan every four months, to make sure the cancer hasn't come back. So far, so good.



The port didn't really bother me, unless I looked at it. The feeding tube on the other hand. Not one good / normal night of sleep.



If the port doesn't bother you, and you feel comfortable shouldering a long arm, keep it. I don't know if recoil could cause an issue / damage it or not. Maybe use some extra padding?



One thing for sure. Because of the port, my arms don't look like Im a "junkie".



Best wishes, stay safe, get healthy.

Sounds like you had it rougher than me. Cancer sucks. But we're survivors. Stay well man.

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