port removal

Port removal
Hi, i'm just new to this site; so please bear with me.

On February 2007 I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. I don't have to tell you how devastating it was for me to hear that at the time.

Nevertheless; I am here, asymptomatic at the time and using everyday to become as knowledgeable and aware and at the same time to live each day in joy.

This is only my opinion, yet i'm a little concerned about the removal and here's my reason...

After one year of remission, i was very anxious to have my port removed. (I think in my mind the removal of my port meant the end of my cancer worries). My doctor was insistent not to do so. She stated " those cancers are pretty sneaky and might try to come back." First I was livid with her an thought, "this port is in my body not hers!!!" But guess what? Right after that first year, my CA-125 was tripling quickly. Upon a cat-scan, my lymph nodes in the abdomen region (only 2) were pretty enlarged and right after the holidays of 2008, I began a second round of chemo, six cycles this time. Eight the previous time. It was a blow, but you know what? Because of her foresight i'm still and approaching the 3yr mark in February 2010 with stage IV ovarian cancer! She was right! June 2 2009 was my last chemo date, and i have been doing great so far.

Now? I can't imagine life without it. Actually, i'm glad it's there because it will be my lifeline (god forbid) in the event i need it again. LOL. from time to time i feel for it to make sure it's still there because i've become that use to it. :-).

I just go in about once every month and a half, to have it flushed. I guess now knowing what it takes to prepare and go through chemo, i could'nt imagine having to go the process of reimplanting another port.

So don't rush anything and you'll be fine.

msfanciful said:

Port removal
Hi, i'm just new to this site; so please bear with me.

On February 2007 I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. I don't have to tell you how devastating it was for me to hear that at the time.

Nevertheless; I am here, asymptomatic at the time and using everyday to become as knowledgeable and aware and at the same time to live each day in joy.

This is only my opinion, yet i'm a little concerned about the removal and here's my reason...

After one year of remission, i was very anxious to have my port removed. (I think in my mind the removal of my port meant the end of my cancer worries). My doctor was insistent not to do so. She stated " those cancers are pretty sneaky and might try to come back." First I was livid with her an thought, "this port is in my body not hers!!!" But guess what? Right after that first year, my CA-125 was tripling quickly. Upon a cat-scan, my lymph nodes in the abdomen region (only 2) were pretty enlarged and right after the holidays of 2008, I began a second round of chemo, six cycles this time. Eight the previous time. It was a blow, but you know what? Because of her foresight i'm still and approaching the 3yr mark in February 2010 with stage IV ovarian cancer! She was right! June 2 2009 was my last chemo date, and i have been doing great so far.

Now? I can't imagine life without it. Actually, i'm glad it's there because it will be my lifeline (god forbid) in the event i need it again. LOL. from time to time i feel for it to make sure it's still there because i've become that use to it. :-).

I just go in about once every month and a half, to have it flushed. I guess now knowing what it takes to prepare and go through chemo, i could'nt imagine having to go the process of reimplanting another port.

So don't rush anything and you'll be fine.

Stage IV
I'll keep mine too. My oncologist says it won't wear out. Glad to have it. Saundra

beckyracn said:

It's over with...my port is
It's over with...my port is out...YES! For some reason I was really freaked out about having it done. Not sure if was the thought of possibly having one placed again in the future or maybe not being "ready, set, go" in the event of a recurrance. Just glad I took the time to give myself a really nice gift for Xmas & B-day
Thanks for all the input ladies!

Port removal.
I had my port removed several months after my last chemo treatment. The port was attached to my ribs... is that the one you have? If so, like someone else said.... they usually don't put that type of port back in - so there is no reason to keep it in! I wish you well..... and of course... good health
Tricia

unknown said:

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

IP port removal
Hi. I had an IP port also and when done with my cycles of chemo, it came out. Way I understood from my oncologist is they can only use it once, it had to come out and then can't go in again. Where as the IP port, can stay in and use for longer. Not quite sure the reasonings on the difference, other than they said the abdominal treatments were strong/hard ones. All I know is this IP one sure saves my veins as before didn't have it and veins started to give troubles, now it's a quicker easier treatement. WAnda

msfanciful said:

Port removal
Hi, i'm just new to this site; so please bear with me.

On February 2007 I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. I don't have to tell you how devastating it was for me to hear that at the time.

Nevertheless; I am here, asymptomatic at the time and using everyday to become as knowledgeable and aware and at the same time to live each day in joy.

This is only my opinion, yet i'm a little concerned about the removal and here's my reason...

After one year of remission, i was very anxious to have my port removed. (I think in my mind the removal of my port meant the end of my cancer worries). My doctor was insistent not to do so. She stated " those cancers are pretty sneaky and might try to come back." First I was livid with her an thought, "this port is in my body not hers!!!" But guess what? Right after that first year, my CA-125 was tripling quickly. Upon a cat-scan, my lymph nodes in the abdomen region (only 2) were pretty enlarged and right after the holidays of 2008, I began a second round of chemo, six cycles this time. Eight the previous time. It was a blow, but you know what? Because of her foresight i'm still and approaching the 3yr mark in February 2010 with stage IV ovarian cancer! She was right! June 2 2009 was my last chemo date, and i have been doing great so far.

Now? I can't imagine life without it. Actually, i'm glad it's there because it will be my lifeline (god forbid) in the event i need it again. LOL. from time to time i feel for it to make sure it's still there because i've become that use to it. :-).

I just go in about once every month and a half, to have it flushed. I guess now knowing what it takes to prepare and go through chemo, i could'nt imagine having to go the process of reimplanting another port.

So don't rush anything and you'll be fine.

About port
My port was removed a year after last chimo. 1 year and 2 month after that ovarian cancer come back.01-12-10 another port installed, and it is again in my right side. Because a had breast cancer an left side. It is first 3 years big risk for cancer to come back. It is not easy to remove it and then installed it again. Everyone make there own decission.Think about, don't rush, with best wishes, Zina.