Port removal

bangle
bangle Member Posts: 21 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

the doctor surprised me at my last visit. In April of last year I had a tumor removed from my colon and a met just on the outside of the same area. 12 treatments later including 5fu pump Two positive lymph nodes after surgery of removing both I have not had a positive test. Two CT scans and tumor markers have all been negative. Doc told me I could have port removed if I wanted. It’s been 6 months since my last treatment. Not sure what to do??

Comments

  • Baygirl17
    Baygirl17 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #2

    I am interested in what you decided to do regarding port removal and what is normal course of action? Do we just leave port in permanently or remove it after a specific length of time cancer-free?

  • bangle
    bangle Member Posts: 21 Member
    #3

    I went with the doctor recommendation. I had it removed. It was better that way than going in and having flushed all the time. Just had a CT come back negative almost two years from surgery and over a year since last treatment. If something comes up I can have another put in place. I’m very hopeful though.

  • spikecjc
    spikecjc Member Posts: 5 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328340/port-removal

    I had mine in for a year (just in case it was needed). Didn't really bother me and it was a unique conversation piece…

  • bangle
    bangle Member Posts: 21 Member
    #5

    It was indeed a conversation piece.

  • PTiger
    PTiger Member Posts: 7 Member
    edited February 6 #6

    I had my port removed about 2 months after completing chemo. As another person mentioned here, there is maintenance involved if you keep it. I believe I was told that it would need to be flushed every 6 weeks. Also, I don't see any situation in which I would undergo chemo again due to quality of life issues (a personal decision).

    One thing I'd like to pass along that I wish someone had told ME: Apparently after the port is out and the incision has healed, it's a good idea to massage the area frequently to minimize the formation of scar tissue. I didn't know this and have a knot of scar tissue that feels nearly as big as the damn port was!! I'm working at it now, not sure if it's helping, but can't hurt, I guess.

  • bangle
    bangle Member Posts: 21 Member
    #7

    I’m glad you mentioned that! I almost thought they had left some in there. Much better now just a small lump. It’s been more than six months. Hope all goes well for you.

  • PTiger
    PTiger Member Posts: 7 Member
    #8
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720803#Comment_1720803

    I'm glad YOU mentioned that yours is smaller after 6 months. Maybe it's just going to be a matter of time. It's not a real problem, not tender or anything, just annoying when wearing a seat belt in a car (I am a lab courier and drive 8 hours a day, 5 days a week).

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