Sewing a Port Pillow for Cancer Patients
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
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**** To skip the chatter and get right to the pattern information please skip ahead to 11:17 Thank you!!
A portacath is small port that is placed beneath the skin so that cancer patients can easily receive their chemo treatment and other IV treatments. It is helpful for patients that need to receive any form of IV therapy regularly.
What is a portacath?
www.cancer.gov...
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This video is the best one I have seen. It gives me confidence to make them for our cancer patients. Thank you
Thank you so much 💜
Thank you for explaining what these pillows are used for. Watched another tutorial video, which was good, but at the end, I still didn't know what the pillows were used for. I agree that patients would probably like bright, fun fabrics. Will put this project on my list of charity items to make! 🙏🏻
You’re very welcome. Happy to help.
Skip the chatter? No way. Thank you for making a great instructional video. So easy to follow.
Thanks Anita. With all of the new followers I thought It was a good time to double check. Looks like we’re keeping the chatter and skipping the music. 🌴
I’ve made one for my seatbelt which rubs slightly on my neck collarbone area. It feels comfortable now. Thank you Robin. I stuffed it with the tiny scraps left over from making small hexies and setting aside slightly larger scraps for crumb quilts. Zero waste.
eileenfb1948 Wonderful use of scraps! I’m glad It helped. It’s those little things like a rubbing seatbelt that can drive us crazy.
Thank you Robin and I’m hoping to find out if our cancer centre here in the UK need these
Thanks so much for a great tutorial. My daughter recently started chemo treatment. She sent me a picture of a port pillow from an Etsy shop and said she was going to order one. I found your tutorial and told her I would make one for her and many more for the cancer center if they wanted them. Thanks again!
Awesome!! I’m sorry your daughter is going through chemo but now you can make her something that will comfort her and many others. The port pillows were very popular at the cancer center while we were going there. I’m sure they’ll be very welcome at your daughter’s center too.
If you round the corners of the velcro before you stitch it down, it won't be so poky. You may have to just measure the velcro a quarter inch longer to allow for the rounding.
Thanks Karen! That’s a great idea.
You are more than generous with your time and supplies. So very kind of you.
I do not mind your "long" explanations. You seemed to think of the many details that may arise. Nice easy project and would be great to evolve kids.
I did enjoy this project. Thinking about making them for the cancer center I go to for my treatments. Thanks for a great tutorial. You explain things so well.
Thanks Kathy! I hope everything is going well with your new treatment plan 🤞
I love the idea of setting the number of pillows to your age. I turn 60 this year and have been thinking of how I could commemorate it. I am going to make 60 of these and also make 60 chemo caps, 60 pillow cases and as many pet beds as I can from my sewing scraps. I just got an accuquilt 8 1/2 inch square and I am going to use it to cut out the squares and then just cut them in half.
Awesome!! You’re going to help so many people and pets this year! Happy Birthday!! Using your 8.5” die is going to make cutting the fabric so quick.
I’ve been making these, saw a batch at the hospital when I took my bf in for pre-chemo treatment. I think fun fabrics are great, because cancer is not just restricted to one age group. I thought to make them using a good variety of patterns, things that both men and women would like, superheroes, Mario, cats and dogs, eye catching fun patterns.
You can donate these to hospitals, the Cancer Society, and other places where putting in a catheter port is the norm in that treatment. And if you screw up, cut the fabric too short or something, well, you can just add some catnip and make a great cat toy.
I love the catnip idea. I agree. Cancer and other reasons for needing a port just suck. Why not add some color and silliness into the mix? Of course make some calmer port pillows but there will always be someone who wants a Sponge Bob port. 😉. Thank you for making and donating port pillows. I know the patients appreciate them.
@@rsislandcrafts They have a few other uses, too. You can put them at pressure points on the body, say if you continually rest your arm on the chair while getting chemo, you can place one beneath your arm to cushion it. They can also be used to raise your clothes away from bandages or stitches if they are causing friction on your skin. Making them is just a small, fun project, that might be nice for home economics at school, or a Girl Scout group.
Robin....What a wonderful thing you are doing. Thank you for this. I will check with our local cancer center to see if they are needing these. And, we have an upcoming road trip of 4000 miles and can think of all sorts of reasons to use these. Thanks again!
Barbara Percival Barbara isn’t it wonderful that we have social media that allows us to contribute something positive. Robin’s tutorial has made a tremendous impact on people who want to help our communities. I’m reading all her comments and she’s taking us on a world win journey by sharing her tutorial. I will start my batch of 50 this week and donate them to my community facilities, 🙏
This is an awesome idea! My mom had breast cancer 10 years ago and these would have been perfect! I wish I would have known about them then. I'm sure she would appreciate it if I made her one that was a little bit longer for her car rides, the seat belt does irritate her. Thanks for the great idea Robin! I will also be 50 next month so that would be a great donation on my part.
That's really nice of you for donated does Portillo's whenever I had surgery taking my report out whenever I got done with cancer it hurt really bad because it was hard to sleep on my left side because my porridge was on my left side because I had brain stem glioma now I have to live with this disability but I learned to control in this is makes me who I am It Made Me Stronger and whoever is out there dealing with cancer or other illnesses just remember that there is always hope God bless all of you
That's a great idea! I have one but its alot longer and not so stuffed. I have extremely boney collarbones and the seatbelts are very painful to wear and cause sores. I use them on both driver and passenger sides and are lost without them in someone else's car. For some reason God decided that in my older years, I needed to be extremely thin on top and all of my fat from the top kind of melted to my waist and down. Altho I do have my arm wings. Lol I'm praying for Rob!
@@vickirobles3406 hahaha! That's good. Thank you
Imagine seeing here Christine I just found her video I think it is neat
Thank you for this! ❤ came at a perfect time. I appreciate you!
You’re very welcome. 💜
Thank you for making this video! I made a couple pillows this morning to give to my uncle. He gets a port tomorrow and starts chemo soon.
I hope the pillow helps your uncle. 💗
I am listening but sending shivers to me but you got me thinking on that good idea to make for the hospitals thank you
Nice explanation. Our cancer Center runs out frequently. Our church is doing some this month. I have completed about 15. Will do more when I purchase more batting and Velcro. I made several NFL ones. Our patterns are the same. LOL. Hope everyone who watches you will do a few. Will help the centers a lot.
Thanks for the tutorial. I will definitely make some for my cancer center. I didn't have a port so didn't know about these. Hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks Robin. I never knew about these little pillows. I'm going to make some for my project 70.
I worked on the 37 I cut out a bit yesterday and finished them up today. Next time I think I will do them in batches of 10 or 15. I felt burnt out and had to force myself to finish these. I work on the last chunk this weekend. I already have my eye on another quick little charity project for next month 😉.
Thank you so much for your time, expertise, and thoughtfulness.
Thank you. You’re very sweet. 🌸
Just want to make some for my 50 year old friend that had a port put in today. You do not have to be old to have breast cancer! I don’t need to be educated what a port is or chemo. I will go to another site
Thank you very much for the detailed explanation and examples. I now feel confident enough to make port pillows for a teacher at my school and some for donation.
Wonderful! Those that use them appreciate them so much.
Thank you for the brilliant idea Robin. I may add some of these to my 70 items for charity project.
Wonderful!! I took them to our cancer center this morning and everyone was so happy to see them.
A great charity idea. With all the lovely cute fabrics you have I bet they won't stay long in the basket. Hugs for you and Rob - hope you have a nice weekend :)
Thanks Leslie! I’m a bit curious to see if these disappear quickly or not. Many of the snowbirds are heading back up north since it’s getting hot down here now.
That is wonderful. I wish I had one of these when I was in chemo. I'm going to make some of these to donate
You are such a caring soul. Blessings.
Thanks Bev.
Thank you Robin good idea I make some I need one my self I got Stens in my neck on both sides and the seatbelt is painful on my neck thanks again Robin have a nice day love all your videos.
Yes! These would be helpful for a variety of things. Even something as simple as a large mole on the neck can be irritated by a seatbelt. Enjoy your day!
What a great idea, Robin. You are so sweet.
Thank you 🦩
Thank you for this video, glad I found it. My port drives me up the wall in the car. I will have to pick up some velcro and make a couple.
My husband was tall so his port didn’t bother him in the car but I know many of the patients at the cancer center found them very useful.
@@rsislandcrafts I am 5'3" lol. I have had my port since 2012 due to MS and have many of the covers they sell at stores but they have no cushion.
@@DeviSisk My husband was almost a foot taller than you 😆. Yep, the store bought seat belt covers are flat. They’re to stop the edge of the belt from rubbing against your neck. Very necessary but that won’t help your port.
I loved your informative tutorial. I’m going to make tons of them and donate them to my community. Thank you so much. God bless you🙏
Wonderful!! Thank you! 💗
Thanks for this video. This is definitely an item for me to add to my donation crafts list. My mom had a longer port pillow with a set of straps near each end that closed with snaps. Velcro would have been better as the snaps were hard to open and close. I might make both this size and longer ones.
Hi Robin
When you run out of your Velcro there this a softer version for making diapers and one that is the hook and loop in one. BTW, A very heartfelt project.
Thank you Sophia! I actually bought a roll of the soft Velcro for premie shirts and I won’t need the whole roll. I was surprised at how much softer the soft Velcro is.
Where can the hook and loop be bought?
Thank you for this tutorial! I had a port placed just this week. But I do not have cancer...ports are used for more than chemotherapy. In my case I have a rare muscle disease that the dr believes is autoimmune related and I get an infusion of IVIG regularly. There are many people at this infusion center getting a variety of medications infused besides chemo. I had felt discomfort when my husband hit the brakes and the seatbelt tightened right on the port spot. I wish the nurses had warned me about the seatbelt! Thanks again!
Nevada Stitcher I think I did mention that ports are used for a variety of infusions. At least I hope I did. A variety of diseases use IVIG. It’s a life saver for so many. We’ve seen a pregnant women who came into the center just for fluids. Blood transfusions, a long list of liquid medications, and many things that I’ve never heard of are used in ports. Such an amazing little device. Never to take away from any other use but I think chemo tends to be the thing most people recognize. I was aware of the many uses of ports prior to my husband’s diagnosis but I had never heard of port pillows. Ports can be placed in different places on the chest so I guess I never thought about the seatbelt being an issue. It would definitely be helpful if more doctors or nurses mentioned that to patients. I hope your treatments are helpful and that you feel the best you can.
RsIslandCrafts - Robin Yes you did mention it was used for other diseases. I didn’t mean it to come across as a criticism-it’s just that I am always trying to educate the general public as my disease is so rare. 😊
Nevada Stitcher oh no you’re fine. I honestly can never remember what I’ve kept in a video and what I’ve cut out 😆. I just wanted to make sure I included everyone else too. I think rate diseases like yours should be talked about. You never know when one of your symptoms might sound familiar to someone else who has been struggling. Thanks!
What an amazing idea.....well done you .....love hearing you.xxx
Thank you 🦩
A great video, Robin. Go Gators....love the mustache material. What a great idea. I have a friend whose daughter just started chemo...perfect timing...thanks so much for sharing....
Thanks Janet. Port pillows are so helpful for those going through treatments
I wanted to say Thanks for this video. I am going to make some for myself and also see if they will allow me to bring in for others.
Wonderful! I know our cancer center was happy to receive mine. Maybe now they can quarantine your pillows for a week to make sure they’re “safe”.
Thank you for this video. I just had a port put in and the ride home after surgery was made more uncomfortable 🥵 by that seat belt. Thank you again 😃
I hope a port pillow makes riding in a car easier for you. Sending healthy vibes to you.
Robin, I go for more surgery tomorrow and I already hand stitched one in about 30 minutes for the car. I love it, thank you again.
Wonderful. I hope your surgery goes well and that you heal quickly. 🙏
I love the way you explain this
Thank you. 🦩
Great project, Robin! You are always so thorough in explaining things in your tutorials. I really like that. I wonder which of your fabrics will be the most popular choices. Lovely cheerful flowers, heroic fighters like Batman or Ninja Turtles, or, I'm sure there are days when patients just feel like the zombies. Maybe the cancer center people can let you know which ones got chosen first.
I am a bit curious myself. I will be dropping them off on Monday morning and we’ll be there for maybe 5 hours so I might get to see some people choosing them. Then we’re back on Thursday for another long day. I’m hoping they are popular and most of them are gone by the end of the week. Things are slowing down a bit (not as many patients) because the snowbirds are heading back up north now that the weather is getting hot down here. Thank you! I appreciate hearing that.
Hello that is a great idea there sun trying to shine we had rain no snow yippie lol
Woohoo!!
Such a wonderful idea!!
ps.... You don't ramble on.. I love the stories behind your ideas. ☺
Thank you!! I receive comments each week complaining that I talk too much 🤷♀️. I thought for this tutorial I would give them an easy way to fast forward past the story portion of the video.
I too love your stories! My sister had breast cancer. And while I didnt care to much for her Dr, the nurses and other staff were amazing. I live 10hrs away now, but I could easily mail these to her center :)
I know how you feel. There are a few people at the center that I'm not a huge fan of. I think they would love a fun package in the mail.
Thanks for a great tutorial!
What a simple thoughtful thing❣️. So these are used for the seat belt in a car for people who have a port in? I think I have plenty to make some of these and donate. Thank you! 👏👏👏👏👍🏻
You can wrap it around your wrist to use as a pin cushion
Yes! It would make a nice wrist pin cushion.
Could these be used to prevent rubbing on the neck if so how would you construct them differently
I haven’t tried It to protect my neck from the seatbelt rubbing. I’m not sure that It would be the best option. I don’t currently have a video for a seat belt protector but they are easy to make. They’re basically a potholder with Velcro. Something to wrap around the seat belt and a way to secure It. I’ve added a seat belt cover to my future tutorial list. Thank you.
You can coat the edges with 'fray-check'.
Thanks for the tip!
May i ask if velxro is 3/4 or 1 inch wide? Thank you for your detail instruction.
I believe mine was 1” wide but if you already own 3/4” Velcro that should work also.
@@rsislandcrafts thank you so much.
You’re welcome
Could I use quilt batting instead of the stuffing?
You could try using batting instead of creating a pillow but you would most likely need several layers. The port pillow provides a cushion between the port and the seat belt. I’m not sure if you’d get the same effect with just batting.
Thank you! Just wondering, can these be washed, since they have stuffing?
Yes. They can be washed and dried by machine or by hand.
is it a good idea to use fleece fabric?
I think fleece should be fine. It’s soft. If you’re just making one or two for someone know then you can ask them. If it’s for a cancer center It might be good to double check with them. I can’t think of a reason fleece or flannel wouldn’t work. 🤷♀️
Robin could we in large o 1x 6for breast cancer seatbelt o you think it would work?❤
10 X 6???😮
I think you could. I always suggest a test model out of random fabric before you use your favorite fabric. 💗
Ok see I can do this now or tomorrow
Great idea, I'm definitely going to make some to donate. Also, did you check your P.O. Box? There should be a small box waiting for you. Filled with fun stuff.
Yes!! I went up to mail a few things this morning and thought I would check the PO Box while I was there. Thank you so much!! I was happy to see your comment pop up. You saved me from having to search for one of your comments. Lots of fun scraps to play with and different from the scraps I already have. It’s fun playing with someone else’s scraps. I needed to replenish my crumb bin so they’ll come in handy this summer when I get back to sewing crumbs. Imagine my surprise when I was digging through the scraps and I felt something hard 🤩. I pulled out the Arizona shot glass. What a fun surprise!! Then I went back to digging around and hit another hard object. I happen to be in the Sam’s parking lot at the time and i started laughing out loud. Good thing my windows were rolled up otherwise people would have thought I was crazy 🤪. The cactus shot glass is hilariously adorable. I don’t know if I can bring myself to wear the sewing bandaids and if I do I’ll have to make sure it’s in a visible spot so everyone can see It. ✂️ Thank you for the giggle today. I needed It. 😊
Try now leave a note
How wide is your velcro, sorry if I missed that in the video.
Any Velcro will work but mine is 1”. I believe that’s the standard size. It just needs to be wide enough to hold It onto the seatbelt.
Sent you an email not sure if you got it
Sorry no emails here