Port removal questions

Sundanceh said:

Leslie
I've heard it can be
Leslie

I've heard it can be done in the doctor's office - but my initial port install and deinstall and my 2nd port install were all done in a Day Surgery facility or a hospital.

I was under anesthesia when they did all of these procedures.

It will be a little sore of course...I'll be interested to know how yours turns out going this route.

-Craig

I've heard that too Craig
about having the deinstallment as outpatient surgery.

Both my surgeon, who installed the port and did a good job, and my medical oncologist both say the office visit route is fine. My medical oncologist recommended an IPod in order to not hear what's going on. But any medical procedure spooks me and always has which is funny to say as a cancer patient what with all the medical procedures I've had. One procedure that seems pretty routine to me now is drawing blood from the crook of my elbow. :-)

I'll let you know how it goes.

Leslie

dmdwins said:

Port removal
Hi Leslie

Great news that your port can be removed!!!
Mine was done in the O.R (for infection precautions) but I opted for just local. Never like going under if I don't have to. I didn't feel anything. Was just a little sore the next day. Same precautions for me as when it was put in- No swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks, no shower for 48 hours,dressing could be removed after a week and just let the steri-strips fall off on their own. I had no problems at all. I'm sure it will be the same for you. Hope this helps.

Dawn

Thanks Dawn for the info
Yep, it's a thrill to be able to have it removed. My medical oncologist said that if this last scan was clear I could go ahead and have it removed if I wanted. Plus less worry for blood clots at the site. Since it's been put in I've had a love/hate relationship with it, though I do notice I get less sore at the site since I've stopped chemo.

Leslie

PamPam2 said:

port removal
Hi Leslie
I don't know how long you have had your port. Mine had been in over 4 years and I guess it is tougher the longer they have been in. I found the shots for the local quite painful and the whole experience unpleasant, I would want to be better sedated if I had it to do over again. This may not be the same for you, but want to be honest with you. I hope it goes good for you.
Pam

Thanks Pam
My port was put in last December. I will be sure to ask about sedation etc efore the procedure. Thanks for the heads-up.

Leslie

dianetavegia said:

Got a call about mine just a few hours ago
The nurse called with an appointment time and explained the procedure to me.

She said they'll deaden the area and then open the same area as before. We'll feel some pressure but no pain or discomfort and most people are fine to drive themselves home. My surgeon used a glue to close up my spot originally and I hope he does again. No scarring!

My appointment is Sept. 2nd at 8:30. )

Thanks Diane!
When the appt was made I asked for the kind of info that you just gave me. Thanks so much! Sometimes it's so frustrating to not get the info you request from doctor's offices. I'll think of you next Wed Sept 2 :-)

Leslie

bigCrandy said:

port removal
Hey Leslie, congrats on your port removal. I had my first mediport removed after 9 months NED. The port was plugged up so onc said it was ok to take it out. The cancer came back in my lymph nodes so I had another one put in on the opposite side. Anyway, my surgeon took it out in his office under local, novacain. It was a breeze, no problem, no pain, piece of cake. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Good Luck and God Bless. Randy

Thanks Randy
So nice to hear the port removal went well for you; here's wishing the same for me. I'm also 9 months out NED after liver resection. Recurrence is always a worry. I hope that you are doing well now.

Leslie