Jennifer,
My advice is to totally get a port! I was completely resistant to the idea as well when I got mine put in, but I got one put in after a nurse accidently put a PICC line into my artery and nearly left me brain dead (disgusting, I know). At the time I was 18, had a baseline of 85%, and was getting IVs maybe once a year, so the concept of needing a permanent line was confusing, but I can honestly say I have never once regretted it. Things to think about:
1) No more PICCs. Ports are easier on your veins, super easy to access, and allow you more flexibility with your schedule.
2) I have had my port for 8 years and have never had a single problem. They can last quite a long time.
3) I had my port put in on an outpatient basis and was back at school the next day. Literally.
4) As a lawyer at a big firm in NYC, I know what it's like to work with workaholics! With my port I can do IVs at the office without worrying - I know the line isn't going to get infected and I don't have any pain around the access site like I used to with PICCs. In fact, I am doing IVs right now and no one in the office knows. I simply close my door, plug myself in, and 30 minutes later disconnect. I know you could do this with a PICC as well, but for me those things just never went smoothly.
5) This is a little bit odd, but my port is in my inner left upper arm. They do not "have" to be in your chest, although some people apparently prefer this. I wanted it in my arm because it is noticable - it will look like a small circle sticking up under your skin. When mine is not accessed it is miniscule, and I wear tank tops without any self-consciousness. Like I said, I was 18 when I got the port and I was self-conscious about my breasts. You may feel differently and I imagine there must be some reason docs prefer it in the chest, but I am always surprised to learn that most people think they have no options when it comes to placement.
Feel free to private message me if you have any more questions about my port and/or working with IVs.