last minute thoughts, pre-hernia surgery

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Hissy_Fitz
Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I can't believe I waited until the 11th hour to address these issues, but I decided to call the surgeon this AM and ask (1) if he could take my port out, since I will already be there and under the anesthetic, and (2) can I leave my wig on during surgery. I fessed up the fact that I wore it thru my trigger thumb repair, my old port removal, and the placement of the new port. No one asked, and I didn't tell. He said it was fine with him, but I might be wise to adopt the same "don't ask, don't tell" strategy with the anesthesiologist and the pre-op nurses.

Still waiting to hear about the port. My husband thinks I should leave it in. I think he is afraid that I will jinx myself by taking it out. But I don't have a lot of padding in my upper chest, and even a "bear hug" will make me wince, plus, I've had issues with the TSA people. I tell them I have a med port; they can see it on the scanner, and still, they want to "pat" me down. Only their pats are definitely not love pats.

Carlene

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  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
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    my thoughts
    leave on the wig and take out the port. You don't need it anymore and you won't jinx yourself either. Tell hubby you hate tsa patdowns and your port causes you some discomfort. Then he can give you a great big bear hug soon and no pain...val
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #3
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    Port
    Hi Carlene, I guess I'd want my port taken out too especially if you've had it awhile. I was wondering how they handle this with the TSA, as I was thinking of going away, but unfortunately my primary care doc said that I could go away just not on a plane. Anyway again good luck tomorrow, hope to hear from you soon.

    AntCat
  • NCEllen
    NCEllen Member Posts: 115
    #4
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    Best Wishes!
    Sending you the bestest and quickest recovery prayer.
    I'd take the port out too. I wore a cotton scarf/head cover for my surg. and it was just fine (I didn't want to create any extra static in the OR) but I know how you feel. Looking forward to your posts once again after you're home. Had #3 of my vaccine trial - next one due in 4 weeks. Your pro-attitude helped me decide to pursue what's out there for the possible future. Again - will be thinking of you ♥
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
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    NCEllen said:

    Best Wishes!
    Sending you the bestest and quickest recovery prayer.
    I'd take the port out too. I wore a cotton scarf/head cover for my surg. and it was just fine (I didn't want to create any extra static in the OR) but I know how you feel. Looking forward to your posts once again after you're home. Had #3 of my vaccine trial - next one due in 4 weeks. Your pro-attitude helped me decide to pursue what's out there for the possible future. Again - will be thinking of you ♥

    The surgeon is willing to
    The surgeon is willing to take my port out while he's in the neighborhood (more or less).
    To answer everyone's questions...
    This is my second port. The first one eroded thru the skin after a year, and this one is almost 11 months in place, so I have a little bit of concern that it could happen again.

    When you fly with a med port, it's best to mention it up-front. If they scan you, it will show up anyway. I just pull the neck of my shirt down a little and announce, "I have a med port implanted in my upper chest.". They say the metal detector does not pick it up, and I never set off any alarms, but I fly a lot and with my old port, I swear I got pulled aside for scanning and pat downs every single time I went thru security.

    I asked a TSA agent at La Guardia not to pat too hard, because my port had been accessed several times over 24 hours and it was a little tender. I think it just made her suspicious and she prodded me all the harder.

    I wish I had a scarf to wear into surgery! It never crossed my mind.

    I am 17 months NED. The surgeon said, "Congratulations. You beat the odds." I said, "Not yet I haven't."

    Carlene
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #6
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    Hissy_Fitz said:

    The surgeon is willing to
    The surgeon is willing to take my port out while he's in the neighborhood (more or less).
    To answer everyone's questions...
    This is my second port. The first one eroded thru the skin after a year, and this one is almost 11 months in place, so I have a little bit of concern that it could happen again.

    When you fly with a med port, it's best to mention it up-front. If they scan you, it will show up anyway. I just pull the neck of my shirt down a little and announce, "I have a med port implanted in my upper chest.". They say the metal detector does not pick it up, and I never set off any alarms, but I fly a lot and with my old port, I swear I got pulled aside for scanning and pat downs every single time I went thru security.

    I asked a TSA agent at La Guardia not to pat too hard, because my port had been accessed several times over 24 hours and it was a little tender. I think it just made her suspicious and she prodded me all the harder.

    I wish I had a scarf to wear into surgery! It never crossed my mind.

    I am 17 months NED. The surgeon said, "Congratulations. You beat the odds." I said, "Not yet I haven't."

    Carlene

    Dear Carlene
    Soon you will
    Dear Carlene

    Soon you will be in the recovery room. Will your husband be carrying your wig for you to pop on as soon as you are conscious? I hope you heal quickly as you sound like a very busy woman.

    thanks for all you do,

    Carolen
  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    #7
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    Hissy_Fitz said:

    The surgeon is willing to
    The surgeon is willing to take my port out while he's in the neighborhood (more or less).
    To answer everyone's questions...
    This is my second port. The first one eroded thru the skin after a year, and this one is almost 11 months in place, so I have a little bit of concern that it could happen again.

    When you fly with a med port, it's best to mention it up-front. If they scan you, it will show up anyway. I just pull the neck of my shirt down a little and announce, "I have a med port implanted in my upper chest.". They say the metal detector does not pick it up, and I never set off any alarms, but I fly a lot and with my old port, I swear I got pulled aside for scanning and pat downs every single time I went thru security.

    I asked a TSA agent at La Guardia not to pat too hard, because my port had been accessed several times over 24 hours and it was a little tender. I think it just made her suspicious and she prodded me all the harder.

    I wish I had a scarf to wear into surgery! It never crossed my mind.

    I am 17 months NED. The surgeon said, "Congratulations. You beat the odds." I said, "Not yet I haven't."

    Carlene

    flying with port
    I have flown quite a bit with my port. I know there are some risks with flying while under treatment but I try to take precautions. I really think it lifted my spirits to be able to travel. My port never set off any alarms and no problems from flying.

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