Chemo port not flushed for three years

soonihope

In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage II, treated with a rather large lumpectomy, CMF chemotherapy via a Bard port, and attempted radiation that was not completed since the catheter placement was not good, and it had to be removed. It almost fell out. My veins were extremely bad for several years, so because I needed two or three non-cancer related surgeries following my cancer treatment, we decided I would keep my port. At the time of my cancer diagnosis, I had several illnesses that caused me pain including reflex sympathetic dystrophy and marked arthritis. My conditions worsened significantly over the six months of chemotherapy and by the end of the six months I was in severe pain and had to be treated with pain medication every day on a regular basis. . I did use the port to have one surgery and it went well.

Suddenly one morning I awoke and found I could not walk and had to use a walker. I could not move without this. Up until this point I had frequently used a cane. X-rays confirmed a significant aseptic necrosis of the hip. I had an 7 month old hip x-ray and one doctor I went to said there was no point in doing another since 7 mos. would not show any change. It was quite a shock when I had another x-ray ordered by a different doc and it showed the aseptic necrosis with severe bone on bone arthritis. I was told that because of my many problems I was not a good candidate for surgery.

Up until that time I was FAITHFUL in having my port flushed. However, I could no longer get around myself. Someone had to drive me around. There were problems because of car breakdowns, and I also have two knees that are severely bone on bone and have been that way for about four years.

As a result of this, I have done "a very stupid thing." I had called my oncologist about the port and followup mammogram about a year ago and they said they probably would not flush the port because it was too dangerous at this point, and that I had to come into the office to be checked before getting a mammogram.

I know it looks like I am a total idiot and I have a strong medical background so I should know better, but because of my disabilities and all of the problems getting around, I have let this go too long. I am now very worried about what could happen now. Does anyone have any experience with doing something crazy such as I have done. I have so many problems, and I have been ill so frequently over the last two years with coughs and viruses and such. I am wondering if the port could be responsible. I have been ill recently for about two weeks. My sister and I live toegether and she had a bad cold and cough, but it lasted only about 10 days. I am still having symptoms of shaking, symptoms of a stomach virus and more. Does anyone know what I might expect. Is it very dangerous having the port removed since it has not been flushed for years? If anyone has any similar experience please let me know. Thank you.

SIROD

Call Your Primary or the Hospital
I am sorry that I don't have any experience with keeping in a port-a-cath. I had mine out a month after I finished chemotherapy which was back in 1995. I didn't want to be bother with the flushing and etc.

I would suggest going to your primary doctor right away. I would think it could be harmful to you.

I do understand how hard it is to get around when your disable. I have a lot of disabilities and some are similar to yours. You must make an effort to have someone drive you or call your hospital and ask for help.

Keep us posted. I hope all will be well in the end.

Best,

Doris

soonihope

SIROD said:

Call Your Primary or the Hospital
I am sorry that I don't have any experience with keeping in a port-a-cath. I had mine out a month after I finished chemotherapy which was back in 1995. I didn't want to be bother with the flushing and etc.

I would suggest going to your primary doctor right away. I would think it could be harmful to you.

I do understand how hard it is to get around when your disable. I have a lot of disabilities and some are similar to yours. You must make an effort to have someone drive you or call your hospital and ask for help.

Keep us posted. I hope all will be well in the end.

Best,

Doris

Chemo port
Hello Doris:

Thank you so much for responding.

I am so sorry you are having similar problems. Then you know it is so very tough.

Honestly have come to conclusion that I am very concerned with how I will handle all of the problems involved with the demands involved with having procedures-cannot lie still for more than about 15 min and they only use twilight anesthesia usually. Have a "total" urinary incontinence problem and surgeon who port in wouldn't allow an indwelling catheter for during procedure-she was very unyielding. Know I need "way" more TLC than she provided then-could tough it out then-terrible veins-took more than eight tries to get a regular I started. I guess they are also reasons I have delayed. I know the expression "a coward dies a thousand deaths but a brave man dies but one," or something like that.

How do you cope with your problems when getting treatment?

Do I take it that you are good now regarding the cancer and have had no recurrence, I hope?? Did you take Arimidex or Aromasin or tamoxifen-any side effects like many of us?

Regards,

soonihope

CypressCynthia

It is probably much more
It is probably much more dangerous to not have that port removed. The risks in a long dwelling catheter can be infection, thrombosis (clots), and catheter breakage and migration. I know it must be very hard to get around, but this could be affecting your health. Please get to a doctor asap. And let us know how you do. (((Hugs))) and prayers.

ladyfsgf

fear of flushing after 22 months

It has been about 22 months since last chemo.  Did not know it needed to be flushed.  Have fear of flushing now-what if it pushes something out into my body that can cause issues?  What can happen if it is not flushed or what can happen if it is flushed?

Puffin2014

flushing

I would imagine your port is plugged by now, no you would not want to even try and flush it. It needs to be removed.

peony

Unflushed

I doubt your doctor would have it flushed at this point. You should talk to your medical oncologist asap and have it removed.