Port out????

Annette 11
Annette 11 Member Posts: 380
in Breast Cancer #1
Please give me your opinion because I don't know what to do. As I had stated in a prior post my wbc is low (2.5) but dr. said my port could come out this month. I will be getting another blood test next week to check to see if wbc goes up at all.
I'm worried about having the surgery, because of the risk of infection due to low count. Anyone have the port taken out under the same circumstances? Please tell me what you all think.
I'm sorry to ask this again but I only got one response to my concern. I really want to know because if I want to delay it I'm sure Dr. will although I would love to be rid of this port.
Thanks in advance.
Annette

Comments

  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #2
    If you trust your doctor
    I would do whatever he/she recommends. Many of us struggle with fluctuating WBC counts after chemo/surgery/rads. If, by chance, an infection develops (which is probably unlikely), you would be put on an antibiotic and would be fine.

    Try not to worry about this--it will work out.

    Hugs, Renee
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #3
    Getting ones port out is
    Getting ones port out is usually not a big procedure, per se~ it is most often done in the doctors office with a numbing anesthetic. It feels ( if you will forgive me) not much different from the tug one feels when removing a tampon. Mine had been in for over a year, and whereas I did not have a low WBC, I was on blood thinners for a long time and that also posed no problem with removing the port. Rely on the expertise of your Dr, and by all means, if you are concerned, please also voice your fears/concerns to your doctor!
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #4
    chenheart said:

    Getting ones port out is
    Getting ones port out is usually not a big procedure, per se~ it is most often done in the doctors office with a numbing anesthetic. It feels ( if you will forgive me) not much different from the tug one feels when removing a tampon. Mine had been in for over a year, and whereas I did not have a low WBC, I was on blood thinners for a long time and that also posed no problem with removing the port. Rely on the expertise of your Dr, and by all means, if you are concerned, please also voice your fears/concerns to your doctor!

    It was my decision when
    my surgeon proposed to take my port out when I was undergoing radiation treatment. I did not want to do it and waited for 3 more weeks. While it is a relatively easy procedure, I was very weak and it took me at least 1 week to recover. If you have concerns please let your doctor know that you want to delay it. If you do not have blood clots, there is nothing urgent in taking port out. Please make sure that your port has been flashed every 4 weeks.
    Hugs
  • Hippiechick58
    Hippiechick58 Member Posts: 320
    #5
    New Flower said:

    It was my decision when
    my surgeon proposed to take my port out when I was undergoing radiation treatment. I did not want to do it and waited for 3 more weeks. While it is a relatively easy procedure, I was very weak and it took me at least 1 week to recover. If you have concerns please let your doctor know that you want to delay it. If you do not have blood clots, there is nothing urgent in taking port out. Please make sure that your port has been flashed every 4 weeks.
    Hugs

    Most Docs I know would never
    Most Docs I know would never perform surgery(albeit minor) with such a low WBC. This is not something you need to worry yourself over. When your counts return to normal, I'm sure they will schedule you for surgery.

    "May you be at Peace; May you be Free of Suffering,"
    Dianne
  • Mothercrone
    Mothercrone Member Posts: 28
    #6
    I'm Keeping Mine In
    I've talked with my oncologist and chemo nurses and I have decided to keep my portal in. I was told that as long as I come in every six weeks to have it flushed out, there will be no problem.

    I am on my 5th chemo treatment and will be doing Herceptin for quite a while. I've also had to have several blood transfusions during this time and the portal makes it so much easier.

    I had my first chemo infusion in my wrist and I was not a happy camper since I am a Major Big Bsby. The portal is just wonderful and I call it my "flip top cap."
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #7
    Talk to your Dr.
    Just because you CAN have your port taken out at a particular time does not mean that it has to be taken out. (Unless you are experienceing problems taht necessatite it comong out a taht time (clots, infection, etc.) Mine has been in for over 1 1/2 years and hasn't been used in over a year - it is staying right where it is just in case it's needed again. All it takes is going every 4 weeks to have it flushed (takes less than 1/2 hr.). Some go every 6 weeks (the Center I did Chemo at said every 4 - 6 weeks) but the info I was given with it says every 4 weeks so it's done at the Clinic every 4 weeks.

    Talk to your Dr about your concerns.

    Susan

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