Susan Cornett Posted November 29, 2018 Posted November 29, 2018 Quick question for those of you have/had a chemo port. I had a port inserted in the spring of 2017 when I went through my second round of chemo. I get it flushed monthly, and the radiology techs love it when I have a CT or PET because my veins are crummy. However, I'm on the fence about keeping it. It's not a vanity thing - it's just icky (that's a medical term, you know). Anyway, discussed this with Super Doc at this week's visit and he said an argument can be made to keep it, and an argument can be made to remove it. I asked him if a second port could be inserted should I need it later and he said yes. So here's my question: have any of you had your port removed only to have another one inserted at a later date?
Rower Michelle Posted November 29, 2018 Posted November 29, 2018 Hey Susan! When I was initially diagnosed the molecular testing was still being processed so I started on the traditional chemo and the port was installed. I had issues with it from day one. Icky little bugger! When the testing came back ALK + I switched to oral chemo. I had a discussion with the onc that at some point the little bugger may need to return. My cousin has advanced Chrones disease and also has a port. She’s had more admissions from secondary infections. She recommended to me removing the port, one less thing to worry about. So in consultation with the onc we de-ported. I’m really happy with the decision and defer until a future date. Michelle
Tom Galli Posted November 29, 2018 Posted November 29, 2018 Susan, Yes....unfortunately! Neither port removal nor reinstallation is a big deal. It is one of those very rare inconsequential decisions we get to make with lung cancer. So, decide either way and.... Stay the course. Tom
Susan Cornett Posted November 29, 2018 Author Posted November 29, 2018 Yes - something that I can control with lung cancer!
Rower Michelle Posted December 13, 2018 Posted December 13, 2018 Hi Susan- Curious- what did you end up deciding? Hope you’re doing well. Michelle
Susan Cornett Posted December 13, 2018 Author Posted December 13, 2018 Hi Michelle - I've decided to keep it for now. When I can go 6 months between scans, I'll get it removed. But I'm still on the 90 day protocol and finding a vein for CT contrast is no picnic.
Rower Michelle Posted December 13, 2018 Posted December 13, 2018 Hi Susan Thanks for the update. Sounds like a good plan. This will give us a reason to celebrate when your port can come out! Michelle
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