Port a cath question

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
1
Hi everyone
 
I just had a question for those of you who had a port a cath. How soon after chemo did they take it out? I am almost 2 months past chemo and my Dr still wants me to keep it for awhile. This of course worries me because it makes me feel like she thinks we will have to do more chemo. I'm probably just reading more into it, but I can't stand the thought of chemo again. I know that there are many of you that have been thru chemo more than once and I feel for you.
 
Other than that problem life is so much easier during rads. I am starting to get a little color from the treatments. I also started getting the zings in my breast, just sharp pain every so often. Any info is greatly appreciated.
 
L&H
Bernadette
2
Hi Bernadette,
Whether or not I will regret this, I dont know, but I have asked my onco to schedule me for my port removal. I asked her if it could be put in again if (heaven forbid) I need it again, and she said yes. We are at the beach alot during the summer, and my port is very noticable, so I'd like it out.

I'm glad to hear that your rads are going well, I start mine March 15.
Still waiting for those curls!!

Chantry

There are no wrong turnings, only paths we did not know we were meant to take - Guy Gavriel Kay

3

Bernadette-

I kept mine in for 6 months past when I was done with Herceptin, which I had for a year, so I think I had it in for about 1.5 yrs.  I did NOT want it in the first place, but had to give in when my arm veins wouldn't cooperate after the 3rd chemo.  After I got it and it settled in, I didn't want it out!!!  It was SO NICE not to have to deal with them trying to find a vein, but I developed this red mark where the tube tied into my jugular vein, so my onc wanted it out. darn.  but that was december 2002 so I've been without it for over 3 yrs (doesnt seem like that long!).  Ironically, the red mark is still there, and never went away.  I call it my 'permanent hickey' and cover it with durablend makeup.  no biggie.  good luck in getting yours out, and don't worry about ever needing it again.... just cross that bridge if you ever have to in the future..... and you may not!  :-)

hugs

stefanie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It's been worth everything I've been through,
 To do what I do"

                       To Do What I Do   -Alan Jackson, 2004

4

Bernadette: My port was put in when I had my mastectomy (2001) and it is still in. My surgeon said that it could be removed after I finished chemo the first time. Heck, I couldn't see it and I told her to just leave it in. I would be taking a shower and panick because I thought I felt a lump. Then I would realize that it was just my port. Who knows what the chances of your cancer returning is. None of us can predict that. If you want it removed, then do so. Whatever makes you feel good. I am sure that your dr is just being cautious.

Keep a close watch on your skin. Don't let it get to red w/out having your rad onco give you some meds. Be sure and tell them about the pain that you are having. I am sure that it is normal but they need to know.

Hugs...Deb

In order to see the rainbow, you must first endure the rain

 

5
My port was put in during my first mastectomy and it's still in. I've had it for over 10 years and I'm hoping I never have to have it removed, especially since I've had two mastectomies and shouldn't use either arm. My left arm developed lymphedema and it can't even be used for taking a blood sugar test (just sticking my finger).

If it doesn't bother you, why not keep it for awhile.

Hugs, Jo-Ann

A good friend will bail you out of jail...
but a true friend will be sitting
next to you saying,
"Dâmn... that was fun!".

6
Hi all

Thanks for all of the info, I really don't mind mine except it sticks out so much. Other than that there is no problems. I guess since most of you still have yours I will just leave it for now. I have a vacation to Mexico planned for May so if I change my mind I will get it out before.

Thanks again!
Bernadette

 
 

7
Weighing in a little late here, but I had mine out IMMEDIATELY. Mine stuck out, I was so skinny at the top and it always hurt a little. I look at it this way -- if i need it again, I can get it  -- it's not brain surgery. For me, there was no reason to keep it. It comes out lots easier than it went in. A real breeze. Whatevery you decide is exactly right for you.
 
Judy
8

Bern,

I had mine removed at the same time as my surgery before radiation. I had chemo first then surgery. I told my surgeon to remove it the onco doc and surgeon and both agreed to it. They also said that if my path came back bad I may still need it. God was with me and my path was good so it all worked for me.. I figure if I cancer again then I guess I get port again, thats just a given. I am glad its out. Gosh on another not. I talked with my onco about my bad leg pains after working such long hours he said to go off my arimidex for 10 days and when I see him he will try maybe femera anyway I have been off now for 5 days and its amazing my leg pain are all but gone and I have more energy then I had before. Now I know forsure that all my leg pain were due to the arimidex. I just hope the femera will be better. It give me faith that once I get off all of the precautionary meds that my legs will be fine.. just wanted you to know... hang in there k and do what you want with the port if you want it out by all mines get it out... skeeter1

9
I had mine removed sooner then normal, I think.  I asked to do it during a specific week and they agreed.  It may have been during rads.  I didn't want to miss more work or something stupid like that.  I don't remember the reason. 
 
Something neat, though.  I did something very empowering.  I opted for no general anesthesia.  The anestesiologist (who charged me almost two hundred dollars anyway grrr) was actually surprised I had the audacity to assume it would be ok.  I had discussed it with my surgeon that morning and he had agreed.  The gas passer came in to me, all prepared for a nervous patient, patting my hand and treating me like a child "Now, all we're going to do is put you to sleep, a twilight sleep...."  I politely said I think I'll do fine without it, give me a local.  He was a little flabbergasted and went to confer with the surgeon, who agreed that it was fine.  It was quick and painless and I was out of there within the hour. 
 
Mind you, I've been through at least 16 procedures, some general some twilight, some local.  This just didn't seem like much. to worry about.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius

Ellen

10
Ellen

I have to agree with you, I don't think you need a general for taking the port out. It seems to me they could just do it in the Drs office. Just open the one spot and pull it out. I think I will do the same and boycot the twilight sleep. I guess I will worry about that when the time comes.

L&H
Bernadette

 
 

11
I was awake when they put the darn thing in, so I figure I'll be awake when they take it out. They said I may need a drain for a few days because of the cavity. Did anyone else have to have a drain?? I hope that I dont need one. I'm also hoping that it wont affect my ability to care for my DD... I asked if there are any lifting restrictions, but the nurse didnt know. I also forgot to ask how long it will take to heal...could someone give me a guess-timate?

Chantry

There are no wrong turnings, only paths we did not know we were meant to take - Guy Gavriel Kay

12
Removal was a a 15 min operation. My neck cut and the cut in my chest were glued together and I was told to leave them alone for a week. Chantry, I can't believe that you were awake when they put that thing in! Mine nearly killed me, and I was asleep during the procedure. After insertion, I could hardly turn my head, and I felt bad for 3 weeks. The port came out easily though. Mine was just below the skin --it was very prominent and I had to be careful not to bump it or it would hurt. With that in mind, I am unsure why they told you that you may need a drain because of the "cavity".

I still have a noticable scar along side a "crease" of my neck, a half inch scar on the chest and a little red dot where they stuck the needly every time.

Judy
13
Well, The port is out, and I was in and out of the hospital in under an hour. I have a big gauze patch, and the incision is a bit sore, but other than that, everything is good. Although I am not supposed to have a shower for 10 days...ICK!! There was alot of tugging and pulling during the procedure, but no pain. All in all, relatively easy.

Chantry

There are no wrong turnings, only paths we did not know we were meant to take - Guy Gavriel Kay