/ Updated August 3rd, 2022

Some Good Advice from Her Nurse Helped Ovarian Cancer Survivor Marecya Burton Minimize Scars During Chemo

Creator: Stephanie Watson
Published: 2021-01-06T12:41:03-05:00

: Dr. Elisabeth Diver Written by: Stephanie Watson

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Chemo Can Leave Scars

One way to administer chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is through a port placed in the chest.
Survivor Marecya Burton was reluctant to have the port, because she worried she’d be left with large scars.
Thanks to a nurse who understood and recognized her concerns, Burton was able to get chemo through an IV and avoid significant scars.

People who are undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer often have a port placed underneath the skin of their chest. This opening gives nurses easy access to the large veins near the heart. Having a port prevents patients from needing frequent needle sticks to place an IV. Some cancer patients prefer this delivery method — but not all.

When Marecya Burton's medical team recommended a chest port because she was having daily chemo sessions, she paused. "I had these lofty dreams of getting married in a strapless wedding gown. My concern was, what is my chest going to look like if I were to get a chest port?" she wondered.

People with dark skin are more likely to develop thick, raised scars called keloids when their skin is damaged. Burton was afraid the scar from her port would be highly visible.

"I got some of my best advice from the Black nurses, in regards to what I should do with my skin," she says. Ultimately, Burton got an IV, "which ended up being the best option for me physicallyâ€¦And mentally, going home each weekend without any reminder of chemotherapy, for me was huge."

Though she has a few small scars from the IVs on her arms and hands, her chest remained unmarred. Her nurse also taught her how to take care of her scars including avoiding the sun, which can make scarring worse.

The advice helped. Today Burton's scars are barely noticeable. "A lot of people say, 'Oh, you had cancer? I can’t even tell when I look at you.'"

While this was the right choice for Burton, it may not be for everyone. Most patients will benefit from other forms of access including a port or a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), which may be safer options for patients who require long-term access. Those with a history of scar formation or keloids may want to have a discussion with their doctor about getting an IV instead.

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