Port.... How is it determined WHEN it is to be removed???

He Jennie
I think the people who get their ports out right after chemo are Stage II and III. Stage IV keeps it longer. A neighbor up in mid-Michigan has had hers in several years (endometrial cancer). She just gets it flushed every 6 - 8 weeks, she is elderly so taking it out might do more harm than good with anesthesia. Take care, good to see you posting. I thought maybe you had abandoned us like some others but more than likely you are still celebrating NED. Tina

next month
My colon doc and I will make a decision next month if it comes out.

My primary country doc said “hell, we can always put one back in if you need it.” He also said the norm is 18 months from clear scans. They are not a problem to keep. It is just every time it's "flush me baby time" it mentally takes me back to the start of this crap. I just want it out.

mine...
I had mine out immediately after chemo was done (within three weeks). No pump, no port, now if I can just get my blood numbers good enough for a CT scan I will be a happy pup. Then schedule my take-down.

Because it is a procedure and they always have risks, if you MIGHT need it, it is a good idea to keep it in. My diagnosis was stage three and other than the whole cancer thing in pretty good health. Psychologically it felt good to have it gone, like that last day I had the pump disconnected. Since there was/is a low probability I will need it any time soon, it was worth it for me to have it removed.

It sounds like for you it might make life easier to leave it in. Much better than getting the constant needle sticks causing your veins to retreat farther and farther into your body and making treatment just that much more non-enjoyable. As long as the port itself is not causing issues...

Had 2 of 'Em...
The call for removal comes from your oncologist - you can't just call up a surgeon and tell 'em to pull it out. Surgeon's office needs a referral or authorization from your oncologist before a surgery can be scheduled.

When I had my first port, the nurse told me 4-years after treatment stopped was the normal protocol. I had trouble with my first one, don't think it was installed correctly. I flushed it regularly. I discovered during my LAR that we could not get a blood draw from the port, so it had begun to clot. I was tender in that area and began to worry about a stroke. We had it removed several months after chemo stopped.

The 2nd one was put in well. I had no problems with it, flushed it every 30-days. This past year after the DaVinci robot surgery on my lung, my out of pocket deductibles were paid, so in essence, I could get a port removal surgery free. I only had 4-6 weeks left in the year after the mid-October surgery, so I asked my current onc if since I was currently NED, could he authorize the removal - and he said yes. I took a chance here but by waiting, I would run up a $6000 bill where I otherwise was getting it paid for since I met all of my criteria for my insurance...I took the gamble. Let's hope it pays off - if not, I'll get the same surgeon to put me another back in when and if it's needed.

And like most people, I was glad to have it removed. It's a constant reminder of what you have gone through - there's nothing like rubbing your hand over that area and not feeling that KNOT anymore. Makes you feel a little more human when you can get it out of you. But, it is a blessing when getting treatment and much easier to deal with than going through the veins...I did one round of Oxy in my hand before Port #2 was installed and my arm went limp from my hand clean up to my elbow along with a host of other issues - I had only been on 5fu pump 24/7 the first time, so I had no idea what Oxy would do and of course my Onc at that time, did not clue me in...we had a long talk after that, LOL

After the 2nd port removal, there was alot of swelling and tenderness and honestly it felt like the port was still in me, the lump was so big. After a couple of months now, it has subsided and the swelling went down...still some scar tissue in there at the site. Both ports went on the same side of my chest.

Like everything with Cancer, there is no Right or Wrong answer here - just what you and your doctors decide is the best approach for each individual case.

Oh...and I am/was/always will be....Stage IV.

See ya' Jennie

-Tex

First onc
My first onc told me they last around 5 years, or in my case forever. What a jerk. I'm glad I kicked him to the curb.

CANCER BLOWS !!!

John

JR said:

First onc
My first onc told me they last around 5 years, or in my case forever. What a jerk. I'm glad I kicked him to the curb.

CANCER BLOWS !!!

John

GASP!
And he's still in practice? Did he think he was being funny?!!!
mary

port
I had mine taken out as soon as I could. It came out 3 months after my last chemo treatment and it was removed the day my surgeon checked my sutures from my ileostomy reversal. It was done with a local in his office. I wish now that I had taken a picture of my port.

It depends

Just my two cents but you just need to consider a few things:

1.  How likely does your oncologist think that you will have a re-occurance?

2.  Does the port function well?

3.  Is the port comfortable, or does it slightly hurt when you exercise or move?

4.  Is the port unsightly, or can you barely see it?

Personally, I think if your oncologist thinks you won't have a re-occurance, and the port works well, and is not confortable or unsightly-- I would still leave it in for 3 years after your last treatment before getting it out.  It would be a hassle to have to have one re-inserted, and may not work as well, or feel, or look as good at the first one. 

unicornio said:

Everything ok with such prompt removal?

I am still evaluating wether to remove port or not... I was a stage 2 and my oncologyst here says they always remove it after a year! I feel it is too long and as you mentioned, psychologically is keeping the fear of recurrence.

thank you

 

Port

I had mine out 2 weeks ago , if you dont get it removed i was told you must get it flushed monthly, or a max of 6 weeks. 

I had 6 months of Folfox 5 eg. 12 cycles. Now cea reading of 1.8. I hope to have my Ostomy bag off within 6 weeks. 

Hope all goes well for you. Cancer sucks alright. Terry South of Auckland NZ