Port removed - now what?

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VonnieKai
VonnieKai Member Posts: 30
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all
There is no better group to turn to for advice, so here goes:
My husband had his port-a-cath removed today (the doctor did it in his office). He developed an ulcer in the skin over the port and the doctor said the tissue around the port was infected. My husband is still getting Erbitux once a week and this is scheduled for at least the next four weeks. The Erbitux is becoming ineffective as we found that additional lung mets have grown along with a new growth on the liver and one in the pelvis. My husband doesn't want to get a new port installed thinking he can continue to receive his Erbitux through a vein in his arm. I know it's okay to do this for a short time, but what about extended treatment? How long can someone get weekly IVs without a port or some other infusion device? The doctor wants the infection to clear up, so he's not recommending installing a new port for at least two weeks. What are your opinions/experiences? Thanks!

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  • alihamilton
    alihamilton Member Posts: 347 Member
    #2
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    I'm sorry your husband is having a rough time. Mine had daily and then weekly infusions of 5Fu/Leukovorin for a total of eight months given through a vein in his arm. These were often hard to find but the doctor or nurse always managed in the end! Not the best way but it can be done!

    I wish you both well.

    Ali
  • Btrcup
    Btrcup Member Posts: 286
    #3
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    My hubby had an infection in his port right after he finished his treatments. They removed it (back in Oct. 2004). He just recently started chemo again (Erbitux) and his first treatment was IV. Since he has lost so much weight, it is difficult to find his veins. They reinserted his port last week. So far so good. Good luck to you and your husband.

    Linda (Baltimore)

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