Port troubles

Well, I am currently on my seventh day in the hospital. My port became infected and caused a blood clot in my neck. The infection also went to my blood.

I am hoping to go home today after heparin and antibiotics. I also had the port removed. Now I will be on fragmin shots, which I give myself. I also have to get a pick line and administer myself antibiotics at home. All of this doesn't even include the chemo.

I am trying so hard to stay positive, but nothing has worked out for me. I also had a reaction to taxol and I am just hoping this all works out. Right now I am feeling sorry for myself, but I look at my boys and know I have to keep going.

Keep a close eye on those ports, mine was a disaster from go!

Comments

  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    Shell Bug
    Oh, I'm so sorry!!! What a horrible experience.

    I think you are right to keep staying motivated for your children and you will get through all this eventually - somehow.

    I worry sometimes when getting my port accessed or flushed if it is disinfected enough. One nurse told me that there is a specific protocol about how long to swab and how to do it. This scenario is worse case!!

    I hope that the antibiotics are effective quickly and you get back to health again soon.

    Keeping you in prayers, Mary Ann
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    So sorry....
    I'm so sorry to hear this but thankfully you are home now.

    Do they know why you got an infection?

    I've found that depending on what nurse I have, she may or may not use the protocol for accessing my port which includes masks and gloves. This really annoys me.

    I too had port issues which I have since gotten resolved but nothing like what you experienced.

    I also had a reaction to taxol (many of us do), but now I can handle it as long as they give me benedryl right before they start the infusion.

    I pray you are on the road to recovery and that going forward your treatments are incident free.

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    Shell bug sorry for your troubles
    I too hope the antibiotics are working for you. Glad your have the motivation of your children to keep you going.

    I too had a reaction to Taxol with my first infusion, but when they slowed the rate, I never had another reaction. Makes for a long day, but better than having a reaction.

    Hope things go more smoothly for you from now on. In peace and caring
  • JoAnnDK
    JoAnnDK Member Posts: 275
    Ro10 said:

    Shell bug sorry for your troubles
    I too hope the antibiotics are working for you. Glad your have the motivation of your children to keep you going.

    I too had a reaction to Taxol with my first infusion, but when they slowed the rate, I never had another reaction. Makes for a long day, but better than having a reaction.

    Hope things go more smoothly for you from now on. In peace and caring

    sterile field
    All the nurses who have ever accessed my port first create a sterile area and then lay out all the pieces of the "kit" which comes in a sealed package, including the latex gloves. I have always been very impressed.

    JOANN
  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    Shell bug, Sorry to hear of
    Shell bug, Sorry to hear of your troubles and hope you get well enough to leave the hospital. I will keep you in my prayers. trish