The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Herceptin and Port

joyyee1
joyyee1 CSN Member Posts: 31
in Breast Cancer #1
I've been having Herceptin treatments for almost 10 months, but my last echo cardiogram showed that my EF (ejection fraction number) had dropped below 50 ... so they have stopped the treatments for a couple of months to allow the number to go back up.
My concern is with my port.... if it isn't accessed for 2 or more months... will it still work when I need it again??

Anyone have experience with this problem???

Thanks for any responses!!
Like Care

Comments

  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower CSN Member Posts: 437
    #2
    Check with your onco, I know
    Check with your onco, I know the port has to be flushed every few weeks.

    Lupe
    Like Care
  • joyyee1
    joyyee1 CSN Member Posts: 31
    #3
    Pinkpower said:

    Check with your onco, I know
    Check with your onco, I know the port has to be flushed every few weeks.

    Lupe

    Herceptin/port

    thanks! I will call my onco tomorrow to ask... I'm surprised the nurse didn't mention that to me!! Oh well, you have to look out for yourself sometimes!!
    Like Care
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower CSN Member Posts: 437
    #4
    joyyee1 said:

    Herceptin/port

    thanks! I will call my onco tomorrow to ask... I'm surprised the nurse didn't mention that to me!! Oh well, you have to look out for yourself sometimes!!

    That is the sad truth. Thank
    That is the sad truth. Thank God for this board, You would be surprised on how much info we help each other with that we did not get from Doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc.

    Lupe
    Like Care
  • CR1954
    CR1954 CSN Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #5
    Yep...
    As long as it's flushed....call your onc.

    I also had Herceptin. Hope things have improved soon for you!

    Hugs,
    CR
    Like Care
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 CSN Member Posts: 915 Member
    #6
    Port flushing
    I got my port removed a couple of months after finishing chemo so flushing wasn't an issue. My husband, however, kept his port in for over 3 YEARS (colon cancer). Our oncologist said if a port isn't being used for treatment then it needs to be flushed every 3 months. I understand that other oncologists want them flushed more frequently.
    Like Care
  • pokrydi
    pokrydi CSN Member Posts: 99
    #7
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Port flushing
    I got my port removed a couple of months after finishing chemo so flushing wasn't an issue. My husband, however, kept his port in for over 3 YEARS (colon cancer). Our oncologist said if a port isn't being used for treatment then it needs to be flushed every 3 months. I understand that other oncologists want them flushed more frequently.

    just got my port put in
    just got my port put in yesterday feels really weird
    Like Care
  • simplygrace
    simplygrace CSN Member Posts: 10
    #8
    pokrydi said:

    just got my port put in
    just got my port put in yesterday feels really weird

    It does feel weird. It took
    It does feel weird. It took me a few weeks to get used to mine. But now I don't even notice it. Good luck with your treatments!

    Amy
    Like Care

Discussion Boards