Removal of Port

Divine1 · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 7:52 pm Post subject: Removal of Port

Well I went to see my Surgeon today and he wants my Port removed.
His thought is that Iam doing wonderful and all is over.
Iam on the 5 yr treatment of Arimidex and so I do not Need the Port No longer. His worry is if a part of this breaks of inside then it can travel and go to the heart and that could be deadly.
So Iam with my Dr all the way.
I go on the 20th my birthday to get my nipple and tatto done and then following that the port will be pulled.
Then all this will be over and done, No looking back only looking forward to bigger and better things in the future. (2005)

Gob Bless you all,,
Tammy
_________________
Tammy 43 yrs old ,Wife to Doug for 25 yrs
Mom to two kids, Comp Hyst 1/90
Ant, Post Fus 10/02,,Cerv Fus 8/03 Dx. Lob B/C 12/18/03 19 nod Neg Stge 2, ER Post. Mast lft w/expan, Rt Mast 6/03 imp. 11-03 Imp Finished .7/03 Arimidex 5 yrs.

Minnlady13 · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 10:41 pm Post subject: Re: Removal of Port

Good luck, Tammy. Sounds like that will be some birthday celebration. Wishing you years of good health and happiness. Hugs, Lauri
_________________
Diagnosed 4/11/1996
Lumpectomy, 6 mm tumor
Neg. nodes
ER/PR+
33 rads
Tamoxifen, 5 yrs.
NED

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Dear Tammy,

Congrats to you! Sounds like you have a wonderful doc and that you are doing great! Very wise not to look back, but to look ahead instead. Lots of wonderful possibilities out there. You are healthy, happy and raring to go! LOL

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! I know it's early, but just in case I don't "see" you around then. Have an extra piece of cake, too! LOL

Hugs,

Margie

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hey

That looks perfect ! Like I said, if you don't need the port, get rid of it !

best regards !

Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

JM · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:26 pm Post subject: Re: Removal of Port

I'm still new to all of this, but I'm thinking that my port might stay in for a long time. Since I had bilateral mast. with nodes removed from both sides I'm concerned about lymphedema. (Granted I'm more concerned about recurrance but still, lymphedema is something I would like to avoid if possible). So, I was just thinking I would leave the port in, even though it still bothers me and it's been three weeks since I had it inserted. If I remove the port, how do I do blood draws that md or health care providers may want with annual check up or for other medical reasons?
(Sorry I haven't posted in a bit, I just finished 2nd round of chemo, go every other Monday on dose dense protocol and it really takes it toll on me Tue pm thry Sat am)
_________________
JM Age 44
DX9/04 Lobular
10/04 Dbl MRM 9 cm tumor & 16 pos nodes on right side & 12 cm tumor & 18 pos on left
Stage 3C ER+/PR+ HER2-
11/04 AC-T
3/05 -6/05 Rads under arms,sides & chest, collarbones to last ribs. 3rd degree burns,lost 5 layers skin
4/05 Tamoxifen-Is it hot in here or is it just me?

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hello

In your case your port is still being used, so you have good reasons to keep it in. Only when the doctors know with good confidence that a port will not be needed they can take it out.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

JM · Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Removal of Port

Thanks Dr. Leo for your speedy reply. I should have indicated that my concern was for after all my treatments are done, say one year from now for a non cancer related routine blood test. I had many nodes removed bilaterally and was advised to use legs for blood pressure, thighs or butt for needles and feet for IV's. No one advised on what I do for blood draws. Say for a regular checkup for cholesterol or what ever any md down the road might need blood for. Prior to having my port most techs looked at me in horror when I suggested drawing blood from my foot, but can anyone other than an RN or MD access a port? If not, how do people with no "good arm" have blood drawn? Also, prior to having the port I did have IV's in foot and that was very painful, even with the emla cream. So, what will I do in the future regarding this, especially if I develop lymphedema?
Thanks,
Jan
_________________
JM Age 44
DX9/04 Lobular
10/04 Dbl MRM 9 cm tumor & 16 pos nodes on right side & 12 cm tumor & 18 pos on left
Stage 3C ER+/PR+ HER2-
11/04 AC-T
3/05 -6/05 Rads under arms,sides & chest, collarbones to last ribs. 3rd degree burns,lost 5 layers skin
4/05 Tamoxifen-Is it hot in here or is it just me?

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Jan

If that's the case, you will need blood draws and infusions from an unaffected limb, which means a foot. My understanding is that only RNs and MDs can access a port, as it requires more training, and believe me, you don't want to get those infected. It can be a very serious infection, and most often the port needs to be taken out.

best regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Divine1 · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:03 pm Post subject: port

Well I saw my Dr yesturday and he said he does Not want the Port out yet! I asked Why and he said Not till 1 yr..
Also that my blood count is low and now they are wondering why and what is causing that.
I have been out of treatment sence May..
Scared and now Worried !
Hugs to all.
Tammy
_________________
Tammy 43 yrs old ,Wife to Doug for 25 yrs
Mom to two kids, Comp Hyst 1/90
Ant, Post Fus 10/02,,Cerv Fus 8/03 Dx. Lob B/C 12/18/03 19 nod Neg Stge 2, ER Post. Mast lft w/expan, Rt Mast 6/03 imp. 11-03 Imp Finished .7/03 Arimidex 5 yrs.

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