Discussions

I was wondering for those of you who opted to put ports in, how long after treatment should you keep it in?  I asked my oncologist at my three month and he said that they like to leave it in for awhile.  Whatever that means.  Since it has to be flushed every six or so weeks I have to go in to the office inbetween appts. to have that done.  Not that i really mind, my veins don't like to cooperate and the port is easier.  It is just a visual reminder always and i am trying to live without the idea of cancer daily.  I am thinking that a year after chemo is probably the norm?

 Some Docs like to leave the port in for a year. I said patuie! I had mine removed 2 months after treaments (chemo & rads.) were done. I I had enough of my grandprince laying his head on it and making it hurt. Personal perference.

Good luck. I was very pleased w/ my 2 ports. IF and a BIG if I had to do it again I would put a port in.

cindie...4 yr survivor

 I had my port removed four months after I finished my Chemo. I was tired of it and  I did not want to have to travel 35 miles to have it flushed, Plus I was going to have my radiation.

 The port was a GodSend during Chemo, but I had mine removed when I had my mastecomy, which was about a month after my last Chemo.  I was orginally told I could keep it in for the rest of my life, but just did not want the reminder, I have engough already, :-)!

I say, have taken it out Now!

I had a mastectomy, chemo and then radiation.  I had my port removed about 5 weeks after radiation ended.  I was glad to get rid of this last reminder of all that I had gone through.

I personally did not have a port BUT several close friends of mine have had a port and it was  between 4 to 5 weeks after radiation for them.  Best to you.

 So strange how doctors do it all different.  I had my port removed on the last chemo session.  It was funny because I was almost happier to have the port removed than to have my last chemo treatment. So I say give it the ole heave ho   bj olay

Just had my three month check up again, one year since I started chemo and they still want three month check ups and think the port should remain in.  i guess by now I should be use to looking at it and be grateful that i don't have to go through  all the normal problems that I have with blood draws and needles in veins that won't cooperate.

 I also had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation. I waited about 5 months and then had my port removed. One dr. told me to wait at least a year, but my main dr. said it was up to me. I just wanted it out!!

Hi Ruthie,

It was a year for me in July! They let me go 4 months this time, before my next check-up. I go the end of this month. I'de leave the port in too, if you have bad veins. Don't know when I'll get to go 6 months!!

Doris 

 I was told that They like to keep Them in for at least 3 months or so, in case of complications...I had Mine removed because it ached if I didn't have it flushed...I live in the FL Keys & went up to Tampa for Treatments...too far!!!

ALSO, has anyone ever seen a Port put in the arm where your big muscle is??? My Friend has Hers there..it has to be flushed more & Her Chemo is way different...

Thanks for the post.  I have been done with chemo since March of 07, but they still want to keep the port in.  It is really up to me, but I have terrible veins so the port is a help.  The Dr. has suggested that when I get to 6 month check ups it may be time.

I know that the port can be put in other places, my regular MD said that, not sure what determines why or where.  Sorry

Post the question on it own and see what is said.

Ruthie