BMX, when to remove port

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justriden
justriden Member Posts: 11
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

I've had a bilateral Mx with lymph removal Jan 27th, 09.  Just completed my last Herceptin July 12th and now my onc and BS both say it's time to remove port.  What about blood draws and such.  I do have mild lymphedema (mainly in the truck area and under arms) which I have under control for now with MLD daily. My onc says with proper sterile technique, blood draw from arms is not an issue.  Port was put in March of 09 for chemo and herceptin. I'm confussed with this as everything I read says "no blood draws or BP's".  Can any one help with their own advice or knowledge? This is my 1st post even though I've been reading for awhile. Am I in the right place?

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  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2010

    Hi, justriden ~
    You might want to post your question in the forum named "Lymphedema After Surgery".  You'll find lots of helpful and knowledgeable women there. Smile

    Hugs to you,
    Artemis 

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  • justriden
    justriden Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2010

    Thanks Artemis, have just added to Lymphedema after surg forum.  Appreciate the guidence

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited August 2010

    Did you have lymph nodes removed from both arms?

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  • justriden
    justriden Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2010

    Yes, had 12 removed on left and 20 on right. All were neg.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited August 2010

    OK, then you do need the LE people to give you advice (mention that you've had nodes removed from both arms). Probably you will want blood pressure monitoring, blood draws etc. from a leg. ??? Best of Luck! Ruth

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  • ktn
    ktn Member Posts: 181
    edited August 2010

    I had nodes removed from both sides too. I had my port removed along with my last reconstruction surgery. My oncologist recommended it. I have blood draws on my left arm because it is not my dominant one. I have BP's there too. I don't have LE. I have labs every 3 months and that is about to change to 4-6 months. They tried BP's on my leg but had issues with that. Good luck!

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  • justriden
    justriden Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2010

    Thanks, that info makes me feel better about the removal. The LE is not in my arms, seems to be around the trunk area and in arm pits. I do have my BP done on the legs.  It will read a little higher than if taken on the arm, but my onc is OK with the reading.

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