As Stage 111 is it too soon to remove port?

Options
2»

Comments

  • ktn
    ktn Member Posts: 181
    edited March 2010

    I had posted a thread like this last year when I couldn't make up my mind and had lots of helpful answers too! I had my port removed by my PS when I had the silicone exchange to my expanders. I don't regret it at all! I got tired of going to the office to get it flushed and it bothered me that it stuck out. My onc mentioned that it could cause an infection at some point and I could have it out. I sure don't miss it!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2010

    Echosalvage: Did you ever ask your doctor why he had told you 2 different opinions about removing your port?  I passed my cancerversary this month too and am going to schedule my port removal.  My onc said twice I can remove it anytime I want.  I am very thin through the collarbone area and the port makes my skin look bluish and sticks up some, although most tank tops or swimsuits cover it just fine.  I guess if I ever need it again, it's not a big deal to have one put back in.  You do what you feel comfortable doing -- it's your bod no one else's :)

    Shelly

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 116
    116 Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2012

    The day I finished chemo/raidation I booked the appointment to have my port taken out. My breast surgeon who removed it said to me, "Why???? are you having the port removed?" I said "Because I do not need it anymore" and he just looked away...... I think to leave it in with the idea that I might have a reoccurance just did not sit well with me, I know for others it is a comfort, but for me it left my thoughts hanging. I could not wait until I got it out! I think it signified more to me having the port removed than finishing chemo or radiation. I was nice to put an end to breast cancer treatments!.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited March 2010

    With just 1 more week of chemo to go I asked the onc about removing the port.  His initial response was "let's leave it in for 3 to 6 months".  I just looked at him and then he quickly revised it and said go ahead and have it taken out -- you're not going to have a re-occurence during that time.  I absolutely concurred and said that if there is some reason I will need to have infusions in the future then I'll get another.  I'm hoping my BS can take it out with my double mast next month.  If not, I'll be making an appointment with surgeon who put it in and getting it out ASAP.  Loved it while going through chemo but after that done I just don't need it around.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • echosalvaje
    echosalvaje Member Posts: 191
    edited March 2010

    OK...I'M OFFICIALLY DE-PORTED!!! I have to admit that I was skeptical of having something removed fully awake that was installed fully put-under in a surgical procedure. But, it's out and I am glad to have one more thing checked off the list under the topic of cancer.

    Anacortes, I assume your BS will be able to pop yours out during the mast surgery, but of course, everyone's different. This next few weeks prior to your surgery may I suggest doing lots of arm and chest stretching. One that I found very helpful was to roll a thick blanket, lay it on the floor and lie on it the length of you spine and raise your arms up resting on the floor (sort of like angel wings in the snow). This is very relaxing and opens your chest area. If you lay like that for about 10 minutes every day it helps stretch the chest wall and axilla.  Then a couple of weeks post op that muscle memory will help to regain your range of motion as you begin to use your arms again. Little by little you will be able to do that stretch when you're laying around recovering. Good luck to you. Mary

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories