Port removal

duckyann

mp327 said:

Hi Ann!
That's very sweet of you to say. No, I've never considered writing a book about anal cancer, but I have considered writing a book about my life someday. Most of what I know about this cancer and how to deal with it I learned from other survivors, so it's impossible for me to take any credit.

I do think that many people who are newly diagnosed with anal cancer are woefully uninformed about the treatment and how to deal with side effects. I know that's how I felt--I really wasn't prepared for the magnitude of all the issues I dealt with during that time. Sadly, at the time of my treatment, I was not a part of any support website such as this one, so I went it alone for the most part. The doctors and nurses, as helpful as they try to be, do not have the knowledge that someone who's actually been through this has. That's why this support group is so very valuable to so many. I think most would agree, radiation is the "evil twin," if you will. I had no idea I would get so burned.

But the good news is, I am thriving at the 3-year post-treatment mark and it sounds like you are doing well too! There are many success stories. It's just hard to believe that when one is in the middle of this brutal treatment.

Ann
I did not get my port out until 25 months post treatment. My doctors rule of thumb is 2 years post treatment which was fine with me but every doctor is different. Unfortunately since it was in that long it was harder to get out because of all the scar tissue around it. I had this done on July 7th. It did heal pretty fast but it still itches occasionally.

mxperry220

AZANNIE said:

Port removal
For those of you who have had your port removed...did it take place in doctor's office or as outpatient? I'm sure it's probably easier to take out than it was to put in. Just hope skin hasn't adhered to it... Will know next month if and when mine comes out...

Operating Room
Mine was taken out under anesthesia in the operating room in the hospital the same as when they put it in.

AZANNIE

mp327 said:

Hi Ann!
That's very sweet of you to say. No, I've never considered writing a book about anal cancer, but I have considered writing a book about my life someday. Most of what I know about this cancer and how to deal with it I learned from other survivors, so it's impossible for me to take any credit.

I do think that many people who are newly diagnosed with anal cancer are woefully uninformed about the treatment and how to deal with side effects. I know that's how I felt--I really wasn't prepared for the magnitude of all the issues I dealt with during that time. Sadly, at the time of my treatment, I was not a part of any support website such as this one, so I went it alone for the most part. The doctors and nurses, as helpful as they try to be, do not have the knowledge that someone who's actually been through this has. That's why this support group is so very valuable to so many. I think most would agree, radiation is the "evil twin," if you will. I had no idea I would get so burned.

But the good news is, I am thriving at the 3-year post-treatment mark and it sounds like you are doing well too! There are many success stories. It's just hard to believe that when one is in the middle of this brutal treatment.

mp327
You're right about the treatment being so brutal. I didn't know I would get so burned either. When I first started radiation I asked the nurse when I would turn red and she said I wouldn't. What a joke! Guess I should have asked when I would turn dark purple, blister, etc. About two weeks into treatment I started itching and mentioned it to the nurse. Her reply that that side effect was too early in treatment... I know the chemo intensified the radiation side effects. The rad onc did tell me it would get worse, but he didn't bother about checking down yonder to see what was happening (I saw him once a week and he listened to my heart and lungs - wrong end) until the rad tech called his attention to it because she thought I probably needed a break. He checked, but no break...ended up in the hospital a few days later for almost a week. I think some of the doctors and nurses were shocked at what they saw. I now know why burn victims are placed in a drug induced coma... When I returned to rad onc in Sept. for follow up that's when he looked at my rear end...should have told him hands off...oh well...despite it all I made it like we all did!
Maybe one of these days there will be a less brutal treatment. Maybe some kind of super duper cream that can be applied to the skin to block radiation, but still get to the cancer and maybe some kind of temporary stent in vaginal and anal area to prevent shrinkage???