I've been DEPORTED :)

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lilpep1972
lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hello all... 

this morning I did it... I'm 4 weeks post chemo and against some others thoughts that said I should leave it in I decided to go ahead an remove my port.. has anyone removed theirs as early as I did? Feels wonderful not to have to look/feel my lil buddy everyday. I just wanted to start a new chapter, a clean slate... 

 

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  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    #2
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    De-ported - I like that. HA!

    I had mine removed after my first clear scan, on my Oncologist's instruction.  I think it was three months from treatment. 

    Just wait until you heal. It is wonderful. 

    Funny thing though, whenever I talk about my chemo, I subconsciously bring my hand up to my port. I don't think that will ever go away. 

    Anyway, wear your scar with pride. Its a war wound, for sure. 

    And don't be worrying what others say. Its all a matter of personal choice. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • Cazz
    Cazz Member Posts: 106
    #3
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    Trubrit said:

    De-ported - I like that. HA!

    I had mine removed after my first clear scan, on my Oncologist's instruction.  I think it was three months from treatment. 

    Just wait until you heal. It is wonderful. 

    Funny thing though, whenever I talk about my chemo, I subconsciously bring my hand up to my port. I don't think that will ever go away. 

    Anyway, wear your scar with pride. Its a war wound, for sure. 

    And don't be worrying what others say. Its all a matter of personal choice. 

    Sue - Trubrit

    Congratulations!

    I would love to be in a position to be de-ported, but I have never had a clean scan so there's no question of it.  After having it for over a year now, I have to say I have got quite used to it and find that it doesn't show under most of my clothes - not even my swimsuit, which has nice, wide straps - the only time it bothers me is driving because the shoulder strap rests on it and I have to put a folded-up towel there to spread the load.  I think I might actually miss it when I can finally have it taken out, yeah, right!

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    #4
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    Congrats!

    i think it's a great idea and I'm going to use you as inspiration if I get a clear scan.  Thanks for sharing your decision and good news.  How wonderful not to look at that thing everyday!

    Best,

    Andrea

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #5
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    sflgirl said:

    Congrats!

    i think it's a great idea and I'm going to use you as inspiration if I get a clear scan.  Thanks for sharing your decision and good news.  How wonderful not to look at that thing everyday!

    Best,

    Andrea

    Good for you!! I love having

    Good for you!! I love having mine out so I don't flinch every time someone wants to hug me. I had mine for over a year but had to get it out because it started coming through the skin. I have a really ugly purple area where it was as well as a visible dent. I'm not sure why the skin is so discoloured.

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #6
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    JanJan63 said:

    Good for you!! I love having

    Good for you!! I love having mine out so I don't flinch every time someone wants to hug me. I had mine for over a year but had to get it out because it started coming through the skin. I have a really ugly purple area where it was as well as a visible dent. I'm not sure why the skin is so discoloured.

    And not to hijack the thread

    And not to hijack the thread or anything but Andrea, I love your dogs in your avatar and is that a staffie in the middle? We have a pittie and two pittie crosses, all rescues and they're the best dogs!

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,427 Member
    #7
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    Appeal To I.C.E.

    Wait you mean deported,not deported Tongue Out

    Congrats man.

     

    How was the steak night out?

  • lilpep1972
    lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
    #8
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    JanJan63 said:

    And not to hijack the thread

    And not to hijack the thread or anything but Andrea, I love your dogs in your avatar and is that a staffie in the middle? We have a pittie and two pittie crosses, all rescues and they're the best dogs!

    Hijack away

    I absolutely love animals had my pitmix for almost 13 yrs. He was very sick when I was DX'd but he hung in ther til after my surgery an waited til I got home an on my feet until he passed.. They are one of the most amazing creatures God has given us.. his name was Braciole an yes he was(well i am so he was) Italian hahahahah A rescue as well... Best buddy EVER.. wish I had a farm I would take 50 of em.... was waiting for chemo to be over to get a new lil guy.. Although I'm goin BIGGER this time and goin to get a Great Dane!!

    i will post sum pics when he comes.. Time is just about there.. Goin to Mexico in a few weeks to propose to my girlfriend and when we get back I think it will be PUPPY TIME :) 

    thank you All for your posts this board is a AMAZING PLACE. tobe... 

    Lilpep :) hope everyone smiles an laughs a lil bit today..  Being alive will NEVER BE takin for granted AGAIN.... IT took 42yrs an stage III CRC but now I see the world thru a differnt lense :):) 

  • lilpep1972
    lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
    #9
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    NewHere said:

    Appeal To I.C.E.

    Wait you mean deported,not deported Tongue Out

    Congrats man.

     

    How was the steak night out?

    Highly recommend STK

    Watt up brutha..  Hope your hangin in ther.. I knw your pretty close to the end as well.. 1 or 2 more, right?? O man what a feelin it is ,   It really does put life in a differnt bowl..  If I remember your frm NJ right?? So definitely if you have the means do a STK trip for ya chemo party..what a great steak an awsum atmosphere.. We went to the rooftop location in the Meatpaking dist downtown... 

    OMG the food is amazing.. Best of luck brutha... Your right ther!! 

    lilpep

    ps- maybe we meet up one night an celebrate with a cocktail ... I'm in S.I.  So don't think we very far frm each other. 

  • lilpep1972
    lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
    #10
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    sflgirl said:

    Congrats!

    i think it's a great idea and I'm going to use you as inspiration if I get a clear scan.  Thanks for sharing your decision and good news.  How wonderful not to look at that thing everyday!

    Best,

    Andrea

    Love your tribe

    Hahahahah... Just wanna hug everyone of those cuties in your avatar... :) 

    thank you for your kind words.. And you WILL get a clear scan very soon.. You are in my thoughts an prayers :) 

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #11
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    You did the right thing. I

    You did the right thing. I always insisted on my port being removed once I was NED.

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,427 Member
    #12
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    lilpep1972 said:

    Highly recommend STK

    Watt up brutha..  Hope your hangin in ther.. I knw your pretty close to the end as well.. 1 or 2 more, right?? O man what a feelin it is ,   It really does put life in a differnt bowl..  If I remember your frm NJ right?? So definitely if you have the means do a STK trip for ya chemo party..what a great steak an awsum atmosphere.. We went to the rooftop location in the Meatpaking dist downtown... 

    OMG the food is amazing.. Best of luck brutha... Your right ther!! 

    lilpep

    ps- maybe we meet up one night an celebrate with a cocktail ... I'm in S.I.  So don't think we very far frm each other. 

    New Yawker :)

    Close to NJ border, but NY ;)  Moved out of the city and do miss.  Thankfully I get my city fix by going to Memorial Sloane Laughing

    STK sounds great man.  Maybe get a hotel and stay overnight, my wife and I love the city.  Got some hotel points and things, plus do not plan to have any more chemo, so this will be the last time to plan parties for this.   

    I can (off rush hour) make it to midtown on West Side Highway in about 30 minutes and if I am willing to get to Yankee Stadium a bit earlier to beat the rush, around 1/2 there or so.  Of course 1/2 trips can turn into 1-1/2 with bad timing.  Always up for a beer or cocktail, or maybe just go for a steak (again for you :).  They pulled the Ox from my mix this week, so going to see how it feels.  They said I should feel less tired.  But now I have the hiccups.  Had it twice before, once for a full day.  Another Ox thing.

     

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,427 Member
    #13
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    janderson1964 said:

    You did the right thing. I

    You did the right thing. I always insisted on my port being removed once I was NED.

    Quick Question

    A bit OT but ... can the port be placed back in the same spot when removed?  Someone mentioned that they need to put it elsewhere and I have not looked into much.  If they are able to put it back in the same spot, I may get it out earlier.  Sort of works where it is for me and if (fingers crossed not needed) if needs to go back in....

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    #14
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    JanJan63 said:

    And not to hijack the thread

    And not to hijack the thread or anything but Andrea, I love your dogs in your avatar and is that a staffie in the middle? We have a pittie and two pittie crosses, all rescues and they're the best dogs!

    My middle dog

    our newest addition, all Pitt.  95 Lbs and thinks he's lap dog.  Rescued him about 2 months ago, love him to death and a great add to the mix :)). 

  • lilpep1972
    lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
    #15
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    NewHere said:

    New Yawker :)

    Close to NJ border, but NY ;)  Moved out of the city and do miss.  Thankfully I get my city fix by going to Memorial Sloane Laughing

    STK sounds great man.  Maybe get a hotel and stay overnight, my wife and I love the city.  Got some hotel points and things, plus do not plan to have any more chemo, so this will be the last time to plan parties for this.   

    I can (off rush hour) make it to midtown on West Side Highway in about 30 minutes and if I am willing to get to Yankee Stadium a bit earlier to beat the rush, around 1/2 there or so.  Of course 1/2 trips can turn into 1-1/2 with bad timing.  Always up for a beer or cocktail, or maybe just go for a steak (again for you :).  They pulled the Ox from my mix this week, so going to see how it feels.  They said I should feel less tired.  But now I have the hiccups.  Had it twice before, once for a full day.  Another Ox thing.

     

    UGGG the hiccups

    Omg I had them so bad every time I got hooked up they would start.. And they would not stop all day.. Then your stomach starts to turn and you feel nauseous etc etc... You knw the rest... my doc had givin me a pill for the hiccups just a muscle relaxer and it worked wonders for me.. Sorry forgot the name but ask I'm sure thy know... Did you start getting the neurothopy yet?? I have it really bad in feet an fingers.. Bottom of feet an toes totally numb, my heels feel like I step on a 10inch nail with every step and my first 3 fingers are numb an tingley all day :(  hoping it goes away cuz it's soooooo F#**%#kin ANNOYING...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!

  • lilpep1972
    lilpep1972 Member Posts: 80
    #16
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    NewHere said:

    Quick Question

    A bit OT but ... can the port be placed back in the same spot when removed?  Someone mentioned that they need to put it elsewhere and I have not looked into much.  If they are able to put it back in the same spot, I may get it out earlier.  Sort of works where it is for me and if (fingers crossed not needed) if needs to go back in....

    Yes it can

    I asked that question bcuz someone told me you cannot get put back in same side once removed.. Nurse in operating room at MSK told me absolutely no prob as long as veins are good.. Good luck with your last few sessions.. Kick it's as seabass !! Lol

    best of luck..

    maybe we hook up with the wives one day for some dinner an cocktails... A celebration of LIFE  !!  :):)

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,427 Member
    #17
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    lilpep1972 said:

    UGGG the hiccups

    Omg I had them so bad every time I got hooked up they would start.. And they would not stop all day.. Then your stomach starts to turn and you feel nauseous etc etc... You knw the rest... my doc had givin me a pill for the hiccups just a muscle relaxer and it worked wonders for me.. Sorry forgot the name but ask I'm sure thy know... Did you start getting the neurothopy yet?? I have it really bad in feet an fingers.. Bottom of feet an toes totally numb, my heels feel like I step on a 10inch nail with every step and my first 3 fingers are numb an tingley all day :(  hoping it goes away cuz it's soooooo F#**%#kin ANNOYING...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!

    I have been real Random

    I have gotten a ton of the things that could have happened, but it rotates.  Hiccups only happened now for the third  time (2 long bouts of a day, one for about a couple of hours).  Last night it was rough and woke up from them at about 3:30 but are gone now.  Neuropathy and cold sensitivity started the second session (first with Oxi) in my left foot and got the insoles, so knocked it out.  The next 6 sessiions or so, burning hands when touching cold things which extended in length after disconnect and cold things was like eating glass.  Then cold sesitivity to touch dropped and cold drinks became more like slushy with no pain.  The neuropathy in hands started up about 2 sessions ago and increased.  Was real intermittent, this time almost the enitre time,   Left hand, with thumb, pointer and middle, so had the Ox pulled.  He said it can still build up more over the next month or so, but hopefully will abate then. (I am at MSK also).  

    As I joke, chemo is fun, sort of like a grab bag of suprises of what I am going to get from week to week. :) Even the tired varied.  The first time it hit I was out about 36-40 hours out of 48.  Then it seemed to be a 2 hour nap now and then kept me going for 6 hours or so with no issue.  

    Hope your issues start resolving quickly, chemo done, port out so that is the next up for you man.  Fingers crossed (right hand more than left right now ;)) for you.

  • zx10guy
    zx10guy Member Posts: 273 Member
    #18
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    I had mine removed somewhere

    I had mine removed somewhere between 2 to 3 weeks after my last chemo treatment.  I asked my onocologist when I could have this blasted port out.  To my surprise, he said he wanted me to wait 2 weeks after my last session to prevent any complications from chemo affecting how I healed.  So I got went and got it scheduled with my CRC surgeon.  He asked me to double check with my oncologist as he said it's a bit unusual to have it out so early.  I called and got the verificaiton again from my oncologist.  This was all done without having a follow up CT scan post surgery done.  I guess my oncologist felt comfortable with my situation as I've had 2 clear scans since the end of treatment.

    With regards to the fear of having a recurrence necessitating the need for the port again, I always went with this philosophy.  If I needed to have a port placed back in, I have bigger issues than to worry about any complications with reinstalling a port.

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,427 Member
    #19
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    lilpep1972 said:

    Yes it can

    I asked that question bcuz someone told me you cannot get put back in same side once removed.. Nurse in operating room at MSK told me absolutely no prob as long as veins are good.. Good luck with your last few sessions.. Kick it's as seabass !! Lol

    best of luck..

    maybe we hook up with the wives one day for some dinner an cocktails... A celebration of LIFE  !!  :):)

    Sounds Like A Plan

    :)

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