Jugular Vein Blood Clot

buzz99
buzz99 Member Posts: 404
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Has anyone had the experience of developing a blood clot in the jugular vein? The Medical Oncologist states that it is associated with the port. The port catheter does not sit in the jugular vein but makes a curve right below it. Buzz subsequently developed an abscess which occurred when he developed an infection in the clot, requiring 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. He is done with the antibiotics but is still on Coumadin for the clot and has been on it for nearly 6 months. He still has the port. Should it be removed? He has another CT of the neck on the 22nd but it is being done without contrast so I am wondering if the clot will show up. I realize that the forum does not provide medical opinions but would like some feedback on similar experiences. Thanks. Karen

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #2
    Hi Karen

    I never had the port put in for my Chemo so I can’t help on this, but I am very interested to know how Buzz is doing after all the antibiotic and treatment. I did Google it but did not get much in way of any answer to your question.

    Wishing you both the best
    Hondo
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #3
    Clots
    My clots were discovered in the legs rather than the jugular,quite substantial in one leg. My understanding is that they are dangerous regardess of where they are becauae of their ability to move quickly and lethally from one place to another.

    The way I got it, these little fellows could break away any time and move through the blood stream to major areas of concern such as the heart or lungs.

    In my case, I took self-injected Lovenox shots for a week followed by six months of orally ingested coumadin (warfarin). Only after this six month regimen was I provided additional ultrasound tests for detection of the clots. Fortunately, they were gone, and much of the credit, in addition to the medication, had to do with getting out and moving. My feeling, from own experience, is that if the clots are detected and treated in time, they can be managed.

    Mine, incidentally,were not detected via scan, but through ultrasounds providedonly after I experienced acute pain in the legs, such that they were surprised in the ER I managed to walk in on my own.

    Best wishes to hub and his family.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #4
    A clot
    within a major vessel will show on CT without contrast. However, how he's doing can be surmised based on symptoms, or lack thereof. An infected clot causes fever.

    It is true that the standard for treating an infected central line is removal. This has been true since central lines first came out. But, there must be reasons why they chose to do this conservative treatment for the problem. And judging from the fact the line is still in, they must see a favorable response.

    Questions to ask the treatment team include how long does anticoaguation need to continue. If the problem is resolved, eventually these drugs aren't needed. If the problem isn't resolved, the line still may need to come out.

    Best regards
  • buzz99
    buzz99 Member Posts: 404
    #5
    Hondo said:

    Hi Karen

    I never had the port put in for my Chemo so I can’t help on this, but I am very interested to know how Buzz is doing after all the antibiotic and treatment. I did Google it but did not get much in way of any answer to your question.

    Wishing you both the best
    Hondo

    Clots and such
    Thanks for your responses. Buzz is doing great, Hondo. He finished the antibiotics and feels good. However, he still has a noticeable lump in his neck. He has a scan on the 22nd and we will discuss the results and possible port removal on the 29th. Very anxious about the scan as the last one detected lots of abnormalities. Regards, Karen

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