had port in 2 years,on coumadin and never flushed.will be removing in a week,all tests are clear.concerned about removel being done at a university hospital as i lost my health insurance.
2006-07-29 15:54:45 · 4 answers · asked by gypsy5 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I was diagnosed with stage IIIA Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early 2004. I underwent six cycles of ABVD (chemo) and two additional cycles of ABV. (Those last two were without the Bleomycin, which had harsh side effects and has given me some difficulties.) I did have a mediport put in for the chemo. After all that, I underwent 40 cycle’s of radiation therapy, which was not as bad as the chemo.
(This is the short version of the whole treatment experience.)
It’s been over one year since my last treatment and I’m doing well. I do get easily fatigued and a little short of breath now, (Bleomycin) but I’m doing good for 41 years young. I had a lot of family support and I tried to keep a positive attitude the entire time.
During my chemo treatments, my port was accessed twice a month for treatments. I had to keep mine in for about nine more months after that, until my cancer was fully in remission. (Just in case I would have needed more treatments or what ever.) During those months, I was supposed to get it flushed at least once a month, but I didn't always do it. I also was on coumadin the entire time. It seemed that if I went a little to long between flushings, the port was a little harder to access but it always worked out. Removal was a very simple process, and a little emotional for me. It kind of gave me some closure to a difficult time, and also meant I was ready to move on with the rest of my life.
I hope I’ve answered your question. I don’t mind sharing my experience. Also check the Lance Armstrong Foundation website for more information and some excellent video Survivor Stories.
2006-07-30 14:36:23 · answer #1 · answered by al 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a subcutaneous port during my treatment for stage three Hodgkins Disease. I loved it compared to the groshong I'd had prior to that as it was totally under my skin and we didn't have to flush it at home at all. (Maybe they did that prior to my chemotherapy treatments at the doctor's office, but I did not personally ever flush the port--I had it in for approximately nine months.) The groshong by the way became infected shortly after it was put in and had to be removed. It was very uncomfortable, high maintenance, and I would not recommend a groshong to anyone based on my experience.
The port was removed immediately after I'd finished my chemotherapy treatment. It was done on an outpatient basis, and it was very painful having it removed--not trying to scare you here, but that was my experience and I'm just being truthful with you.
I would definitely talk to your doctor about pain control for this procedure and demand some type of anesthetic--local or whatever--before I would EVER allow any doctor to remove one of those from my body! Hope this helps. Good luck and God Bless!
2006-08-01 13:53:52 · answer #2 · answered by matilda g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TO be honest, Bard Ports can sit there minding their own business for a very long time and never cause a problem.. It is a rarity to have on sit for 2 years without a flush, but then they must be removing it for some reason. Why are you even bothering to have it removed? In all of my years of cancer nursing, they get infected 1st then get removed. We dont usually take out the ports just for the heck of it.
2006-07-29 23:02:04 · answer #3 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm
I had a port-a-cath in..not sure what is your's is, sorry :(
But I had mine in, I honestly don't rmemeber how many times it was flushed.
I know i went to my dr and he numbed me up and took it out in his office. I was there little over and hr.
Our insurance did pay for it. Well 80% of it.
Good luck to you:)
2006-07-31 12:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by riverstarr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋