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marycurbelo1204
marycurbelo1204 Member Posts: 73
in Breast Cancer #1

How long after chemo is the port removedf??  I forgot to ask the oncologist.  I do have it flushed every 6 weeeks. But everytime I have it done, I forget to ask.

 

Mary, Orlando FL.

 

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  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #2
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    port removal

    I think it's pretty individualized. My onc wanted me to keep mine at least 6 months. A friend of mine had hers removed about 3 weeks after chemo, before she started radiation, it was really bothering her.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #3
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    Puffin2014 said:

    port removal

    I think it's pretty individualized. My onc wanted me to keep mine at least 6 months. A friend of mine had hers removed about 3 weeks after chemo, before she started radiation, it was really bothering her.

    Puffin .. You are correct, depending on

    individual - as well as their doctor ..  Mine 9 weeks after my herception therapy completed.  

    I had many issues with my port -- so happy to have it removed.

     

    Vicki Sam

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #4
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    No set time

    There is no set time frame for removal - we are each unique.  My port has been in since Aug 2009 and it will remain in place just in case it should be needed at some time in the future.  It's a lot easier to have it flushed every 4 weeks than it would be to have another one put in if needed.  I visualize it as my little soldier standing guard to keep any 'Monster' away but is ready for battle if one does raise its ugly head.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #5
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    Mine was removed six months

    Mine was removed six months after.  It could have been done sooner, but I had had some spots show up on CT scans and the DRs wanted to be sure another problem was not brewing.  The first follow-up showed no growth.  The onc wanted one more good sign.  So, three months later I had another scan.  No spots!  So, I could get my port out.

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #6
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    Port

    Believe it or not I had mine in for over six years before it was removed.    Although I have endometrial cancer they kept holding it off then my doc retired etc etc  and yes I had it flushed monthly for all those years 

    Ask at your next appointment when you can have it removed.

    Kathy

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #7
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    Port Removal

    I had my port removed about 3 months after I completed my chemo. It didn't hurt or bother me physically, but it disturbed me mentally to feel it. I also could not be bothered to go to the oncologist every 6 weeks just to have it flushed when I had no other reason to go to her office that frequently. The oncologist had no issue with me having it removed so I made an appointment with the general surgeon who originally put it in. I went to his office and was given a local anesthetic and he pulled it out. There was a tugging sensation but it didn't hurt in the least. I drove myself there and back. Even stopped for ice cream on the way home. 

    IRENE

  • Lilly9
    Lilly9 Member Posts: 155
    #8
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    jessiesmom1 said:

    Port Removal

    I had my port removed about 3 months after I completed my chemo. It didn't hurt or bother me physically, but it disturbed me mentally to feel it. I also could not be bothered to go to the oncologist every 6 weeks just to have it flushed when I had no other reason to go to her office that frequently. The oncologist had no issue with me having it removed so I made an appointment with the general surgeon who originally put it in. I went to his office and was given a local anesthetic and he pulled it out. There was a tugging sensation but it didn't hurt in the least. I drove myself there and back. Even stopped for ice cream on the way home. 

    IRENE

    Had mine removed just a few

    Had mine removed just a few weeks after my bilateral mastectomy.   My Plastic Surgeon removed it.   My Oncologist & Plastic Surgeon both agreed that they wanted it out to lessen the chance of any type of infection.   I had mine removed at the hospital - out patient

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #9
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    Lilly9 said:

    Had mine removed just a few

    Had mine removed just a few weeks after my bilateral mastectomy.   My Plastic Surgeon removed it.   My Oncologist & Plastic Surgeon both agreed that they wanted it out to lessen the chance of any type of infection.   I had mine removed at the hospital - out patient

    Mental Block

    I have a Mental Block about the exact number of YEARS that I had my port...........but I know it was about 8 years after end of treatment (chemo/radiation)  I'm Triple Negative IDC Stage 3A and my Onc kept thinking it was coming back...but so far it hasn't shown up.......Thank God.    I finally requested it to be removed and he finally agreed...with the words: "Well we can always find another spot for a port if it is ever needed again"........    so as others here have said....it is an Individual thing.   Good Luck with what you and your doctor decide on it.    Thoughts and Prayers too....

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