another question :-)

jeancmici · December 2003

Thanks for the reassuring responses about Herceptin - one down and it went all right - fingers still crossed!

Found out where I go, a radiologist does the port installation. I was expecting a surgeon.

Who did your port - breast surgeon, vascular surgeon, general surgeon or RADIOLOGIST???

Thanks!
Jean

rizzo15 · December 2003

jeancmici. My port installation as done by a thorasic surgeon. However, I know they also had an assistant surgeon there, in case there were any unexpected things that needed to be done. (I understand that sometimes they can't place the port where the originally intended, in very rare cases, but they know very early on whether the assistant surgeon is needed once they start.) The anesthesiologist there too, whom I met only very briefly when they put the IV in. Also I know there was a radiologist present to verify the exact placement and be witness to insertion of the port. I only know that because as I was laying there, the surgeon kept saying, "You know, if the radiologist would hurry and get here, we could start." I've heard that other people just have the port installation done in a doctor's office, but I went to a out-patient surgery center. From the time I walked in to the time I walked out, it was probably only 2.5 hours. Most of that time was me in recovery, having a conversation with my husband that I have no memory of.

badger · December 2003

Jean - my breast doctor installed my part (August 2002) I've had trouble with it in that it is hard, if not impossible, to get blood out of it - I've had it fixed twice (a flap grows over the top of the port and has to be dissolved) - but the chemo goes in. Slowly, but it goes in. I use the numbing cream Emla before getting treatment - it really works. Good luck ---Badger

terryI · December 2003

I had my port put in by my surgeon. I did not want to trust anyone else to do this for me. I had it done in the hospital as an outpatient. It was done in the operating room and I was out for a short period and then taken to recovery. I also had radio there to make sure it was placed correctly. So far it is working well and I really love it when it is time for the chemo. It does bother me after being used for the treatment but would still have it done again. I know you will love it once you starting using it. Well I wish you luck and will say a prayer for you. terryi

hummingbyrd · December 2003

My port was put in place by my General Surgeon 8/2001, but must admit I have an exceptionally good surgeon! Thank God the thing still works just fine, and while you can do blood draws through it, my understanding is it is not recommended.
God bless and guide you Jean. +------ hummer

TylersMom1 · December 2003

Hi Jean,

I had my port put in by my surgeon. When my sentinal node came back positive, they knew I was going to need more surgery and then chemo so I had it done during the second surgery. God bless...Cheryl

banker · December 2003

Hi Jean, had both my ports put in by my surgeon as outpatient in the hospital and an xray done immidiatly after with a radiologist present, while still on the table to make sure it was in the right position. Would do it again, had no problems. Best wishes,
Emmi

Snookums · December 2003

banker said:
Hi Jean, had both my ports put in by my surgeon as outpatient in the hospital and an xray done immidiatly after with a radiologist present, while still on the table to make sure it was in the right position. Would do it again, had no problems. Best wishes,
Emmi

Banker and I are just the same, I had a great general surgeon who had me in a light sleepy time state to do the surgery. He did the x-ray and no problems. How many ports has the radiologist put in? Ask if you may talk to any of his patients- I honestly never thought of anyone doing it but my surgeon. Good Luck. C

another question :-)

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