port coming out already??

juliababy

Hey guys, I'm just wondering something. I just got done talking with my dad's oncologist and he told me to call the surgeon to make an appointment to have my dad's port taken out. Originally he told me we should wait a year but now he thinks it's ok for it to come out now. The surgeon also agrees it should come out now. My dad just finished 6 months of chemo for stage 3 colon ca. Any thoughts on this guys???

SUsana

micheleamw

Hi SUsana~

I haven't posted in a while, but I read this board nearly every day just the same. My Dad (60) was diagnosed with Colon CA Stage III in January of 2004. He finished his chemo in July of 2004. He had a CEA test three months once completing chemo, and a CEA test and CAT scan three months after that. Thank the Good Lord above, they took his port in February since all looked great. He'll be followed every three months. Best of luck to you and your Dad.

Hugs and Prayers for Everyone~
Michele

bcmeaks

Hi Julia -- I had my port taken out 2 weeks after my chemo was completed. Good riddance I said to myself. It was a turning point for me -- my doctor said it was okay of course. If, God forbid, more chemo is needed at a later date, you can address the options at that time.

kerry

I have had 2 ports. The first one came out 3 months after finishing my 6 months of chemo for stage 3 colon cancer. I had a recurrance a year later and had another port put in. My doctor insisted that it be taken out 1 month after I finished my second round of chemo. I think the docs worry about infection and blod clots with the port.

I'm glad its out, but it was an uneasy decision since I have had a recurrence.

Kerry

nanuk

mine has been in for a year now (no chemo since May
2004) and the doc isn't concerned. We use it for monthly blood draws, and flush it monthly. He says leave it there unless complications.

madu

I had mine taken out about 7 months after treatment. I kept it for a certain time (kind of as a crutch) and then it was a pain to get it flushed. After my next "clear" on CT scans I got the sucker yanked. For me it was psychological. HAH! I said to cancer - so what if statistics say my average survival time is 18 months - I'm getting this port out at 16 months - nah nah na boo boo - you can't have me! I had my surgeon save it for me and I've always threatened to put it on my Christmas tree (had it taken our right before) but I never did. Think it's personal preference.

Heidi

StacyGleaso

I still have my port...I finished with chemo in July 2002. I was stage 4, and for that reason, I feel better knowing it's there in the event I'll need to tap into it again. It doesn't bother me, and I get it flushed every 4 months, no big deal. When it's flushed, that is when I get my blood drawn as well, so one stop shopping per se!

Best of luck,
Stacy

CAMaura

Hi Susana,
I'm int he middle of my 6-month regimen, but my surgeon has already spoken to me about taking it out directly after chemo....maybe post CT scan? I can't wait - eventhough it has made chemo so much easier. Mentally, I know that I will feel more well and finished with the regimen - but this is a personal reflection; people have different views. Actually, I'll feel better physically too. I am somewhat fearful of super-heavy exercise on my recovery days....but this could be a bit of neurotic thinking :-).....it is supposedly not a problem.

So, bottom-line, I would think about it coming out as a positive measure,.....The doc feels very confident!

Best wishes - and have a great Easter!

Cheers,
Maura

slammer

HI I can not relate to a port, but I have a PICC line which is inserted and have with me for the whole duration, and I will request that this thing be removed asap when we are done with chemo. It is not that annoying, just have to cover daily to shower etc, and I know mine has actually snuck up into my arm (even though one nurse said that it couldn't, it has!) so be it. I am having it gone when May rolls around & I am thru (again) with chemo. Just my thoughts, I feel to good to have a reminder of the tratments.......
No worries & better Days
Love Amy

GrandmaP

I think it is a good idea to have the port removed.