I don’t know if a port is always necessary but mine has been a godsend. I have bad veins and the port allows blood tests and treatment without the pain and trauma of someone trying to find a vein that won’t collapse.

Yes that is the only way you will get Chemo

I guess it's another one of those things that depends on the circumstances. I had R-CHOP in 2022-23. They said they used to require a port but not anymore. The first treatment by IV in my left arm (I'm right-handed) felt like a burning sensation. They gave me heating pads which made it tolerable. The doc said to try the other arm next time, which I did. No problem! They would have given a port if I couldn't tolerate the IV, I'm 68 years old. So, is a port always required? No. But you and your doctors will decide, depending on the state of your veins, which chemo you're given, and your preferences.

My Oncologist would not give treatment w out a port. No way. Not even a pic line. Not a option for RChop21 chemo