Need my sister's, feeling wierd about this!!!!

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faithfulheart
faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi my dear sister's,

So I am scheduled to get my port out today, at 2:30.  I had to ask my onc. He did not offer this up to me , as he is not the,  ok your all done now kind of doc.do we know any of those? lol.  As a matter of fact, he would prefer

a 2 year minimum. He say's it's like an air bag,  you will probebly never use it!!  It's there just in case. Well, I want to take the I will never use it again road!!!  I have mixed emotions though. It's very ovbvious on me,  it's located in a spot where I can't were anything strapless, or tank tops that are strappy. It just pops out at you!!!  I had a so called friend say, in front of a group of people at school the other day at pick up. What the hell is that thing?!!!!  It was so hurtful, as if she is that stupid to not think it could possibly be related to my bc. I just smiled and said, Oh thats just where they pumped the toxic chemo into my body for six months!! that saved my life! by the way! Here's my deal, I have such mixed emotions, on one hand I am so happy to say goodbye to this constent reminder of bc. I know we have discussed this before,  about feeling like we are waiting around for it to come back. I feel that way. However, at the same time those negative thoughts slide in saying, take this out and as soon as you due , your gonna need it!  How stupid huh?

Anyway, I have made the decsion to go for it! Could you gal's that have done it tell me, doe's it hurt, should I take some pain meds before I go. they are not going to sedate me, it's a in office procedure. Can I go back to work tommorow?  Or will it be sore, any advice I would love!

I'm so blessed to have all of you to bounce this crazy stuff off of and know you get it! You just get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luv and blessings to all my sister's

steph  

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  • Annie62
    Annie62 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited June 2011

    1. Your 'friend' is an idiot! Why do people think it is ok to comment on other people's appearance. Even if it wasn't cancer and maybe something else, does she think you want to be commented on that way.

     2. I say take it out. I got mine out and yes, I did have  a recurrence 6 yrs later. So I got a new one put in. I'm very happy I got to live w/o that port for 6 years. The darn thing hurts when it get bumped and bra straps drive me crazy. It hits right there. I finished 2nd treatment a couple of months ago and DH encouraged me to remove it right away. He knows I'm happier w/o it. I'm holding on til next month after my scans.

    3. I was awake but they numbed the area and it didn't hurt.

     Good luck Steph!

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited June 2011

    hey steph,

    first: the so called friend is an idiot. rude. she's off to the bonfire! lol

    secondly, i had my port out as soon as i could - my onc was supportive of it. my surgeon was a bit hesitant, but he is more blunt. anyway, i am so happy i did. if the beast returns --God forbid-- then i'll deal with that, but for now, cancer free life means no port!

    i had it removed when i had the left side preventive MX, so i'm not sure about the removal. maybe call the doc's office and ask if you can take pain meds before? if it's an office procedure, likely you can go to work tomorrow (but let's face it, a day of shopping/spa/cocktails is what you truly deserve!)

    you can do this - one more step! we're behind you.

    xo

    janyce

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2011

    I will be getting my port out the second I am finished with Herceptin.  I don't care if the cancer comes back the next day, I want this thing out.  It doesn't bother me physically and can't really be seen unless I stretch.  But I think its gross and it grosses me out.  Good for you!  People constantly asked me whats wrong with my arm when they see my compression garment.  I tell them I injured it in a fight with a wild bear off the coast of Antarctica....and that I'm lucky to still be alive...I don't tell them the wild bear was cancer...suppose I should say Allegheny Forest this may be more believable...

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  • starbeauty
    starbeauty Member Posts: 327
    edited June 2011

    Faithful,

     I echo the sentiments concerning your "friend".  Yikes!!

     Re. the port removal... had it out in my MD office with nothing but a little numbing agent... piece of cake... talked the entire time... let her know if I felt anything and she shot me with a little more lidocaine.  Took about 10-15 minutes total time.  Take some Advil if you want... helps with the muscle tension... no asprin... don't want it to bleed.

     Worried about taking it out too, but mine was in the way and a constant aggravating feeling too... so out it came... I figure if I need it back in - I will just have it put back in... I needed to have it gone - it was a reminder of everything I went through and I just want to move beyond all that.

     It has been gone 1 year now... glad it is gone!!!

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited June 2011

    This is not one of those times you should bother yourself with the "what if" scenario.  Like Annie62 mentioned, if you ever need another port you can have another placed, and here's hoping that day never comes!   My mom had her port taken out in a same-day surgery, and had only a little soreness (Tylenol level.)  The healing did not take that long, so you will be back in tank tops for the hot part of the summer.  Say goodbye to the lumpy old port and enjoy!!!

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited June 2011

    1-Your friend is an ass... lol sorry but had to say it...

    2-Me and you have the same stats and to docs those stats aren't great...But me and you both no plenty of people with worse stats living years and years without a reoccurence.

    3- This is your body and your choice. I had chemo while pregnant. I refused the port. When my husband had cancer 12 year ago they didn't even have ports. They make life eiser for the nurses but there augly and they can cause infections...

    Do what your comfortable. live like your stage 0 b-c the truth is your are until a test tells you otherwise!

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  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited June 2011

    My stats are the absolute worst and my oncologist was.....get it out!!!

    It was only my surgeon who gave me absolutely no hope in this journey....who said...."are you sure you want to take it out?".......

    I personally don't want any reminders of cancer....I want it sooooo in my past.....

    Now seven years out.....slowly getting that way.

    Go for it!  Believe you will never ever need it!

    Jacqueline

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  • SunnyCoconut
    SunnyCoconut Member Posts: 350
    edited June 2011

    Hi Steph - My Onc said it was completely up to me and that if I ever needed another, they will just put it in.  No big deal.  My surgeon said get rid of it!!.  I loved my port for the purpose it served but I hated it the rest of the time.  My PS removed it while he did the implant exchange, so I was asleep.  I was so relieved when I woke up without that thing! 

    I work with someone who still has his port, (pancreatic cancer)  He calls it his security blanket. 

    Everyone's different.

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited June 2011

    Good luck, I hope everything goes great.

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited June 2011

    say bye bye to the port and don't look back.  i hated my port and got it out as soon as possible ..it was MY choice and i have found i can trust myself.  there is always another solution down the road if things change.  never second guess....ports remind me of cancer...and i finsihed with treatment and NED. 

    your friend is stupid; there are just stupid people around every corner.  Cool

    take an advil. tell your surgeon to numb you up.  it will heal.  just like you are in the process of doing steph** you are doing great* even with the anxiety...it is ok.

    diana

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited June 2011

    Whoa, don't take an Advil...no Ibuprofin or Aspirin for a up to a week before surgery!  You should check with your surgeon but I believe you can take Tylenol (acetominophen).

    I haven't had my port out (well, my first but only through regular surgery because of a systemic staph infection but not my second and that's going to be permanent Wink) but I did have it "revised" (had a wandering stitch poking me) and that was done in the surgeons office and I drove myself to work afterward.  I think the procedure is pretty much the same as that was.

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  • KiwiMum
    KiwiMum Member Posts: 704
    edited June 2011

    I've not finished chemo yet but I'm with most people. I hate my port and can't wait to get it out. I intend to get it out as fast as possible.



    I don't believe there is any point in keeping it in because of "what if's". I chose to move on with my life, not dwell on BC and the negative fear those thoughts can generate.



    Jacquline is 7 years out and great. We will be too.

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  • KiwiMum
    KiwiMum Member Posts: 704
    edited June 2011

    I've not finished chemo yet but I'm with most people. I hate my port and can't wait to get it out. I intend to get it out as fast as possible.



    I don't believe there is any point in keeping it in because of "what if's". I chose to move on with my life, not dwell on BC and the negative fear those thoughts can generate.



    Jacquline is 7 years out and great. We will be too.

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  • LittleFlower
    LittleFlower Member Posts: 405
    edited June 2011

    faithfulheart,

    Firstly, i haven't read all the other replies so i apologize if there is any redundancy. 

    You sound just like me.  I had my port removed about 2 months after my last herceptin treatment.  I felt like i was tempting fate, like somehow taking out my port would be like asking for cancer again.  Stupid thoughts, they just drag us down.  Having said that, I had that port removed with mixed emotions almost 4 years ago.  I HAVE NEVER MISSED IT!  It had taken me so long to get used to the blasted thing, and when it was gone i was so much more comfortable!  The emotional scares and scars of cancer will be there with or without a port... the cancer itself is gone.  Get rid of that port!  You'll get a good local anaesthetic, and in about 10 minutes it's over... not bad. 

    Congratulations on the completion of your treatment sister, here's to MANY MANY MANY healthy years (x100) ahead of you.

    LittleFlower

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  • sugarplum
    sugarplum Member Posts: 318
    edited June 2011

    Mine also - GONE - had it taken out when they did my oophorectomy/implant exchange, right after chemo in 2006. Have never regretted it!

    Julie 

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  • littletower
    littletower Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2011

    Another chiming in, also crappy stats and had mine out asap. In some ways I regret it because now I'm in the vaccine trial at Hopkons but I just muddle through with bad veins. I hated my port and couldn't wait to get it out!

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited June 2011

    I had mine out at the time of my recon and never regretted it. ( Mine stuck out and was really noticebale and annoying, but I loved it while going thru tx) It's actually easier to have removed then have it implanted,

    If it makes you feel better . Do it!

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  • 116
    116 Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2012

    I asked for mine to be taken out right after I finished chemo. My surgeon asked me why I was taking it out with a negative tone, I told him straight out because I was never going to need it again! I could not wait to get it out it was so annoying. Having it taken out was a piece of cake, Drove myself there and back, no pain meds, went back to work when I was done, talked clear through the whole thing. Just felt a little pulling and tugging and of course the first little sting of the Novocain. My feeling was that if I ever needed one again, they could just get busy and give me another one. I was surprised when I saw it after they took it out, it looked like a shiny purple heart. I kept it as a souvenir :)

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited June 2011

    I will raise my glass tonight to celebrate the removal of your port.

    For me, a major non-event.

    Got it done on the first day possible after chemo.  They did one final blood draw, then I went downstairs and had the thing removed.  It was wonderful to have it gonzo!!!!!!

    No one mentioned the part of a port needing a monthly flushing with Heparin.  Who needs that???? Really.

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  • tlundy
    tlundy Member Posts: 142
    edited June 2011

    Steph - Congrats on getting "deported!" Someone used this term when I posted a question about port removal opinions - love it!  I hope everything went well and you are not in any pain.  Let us know how you're doing.  Hugs to you! 

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited June 2011

    I just love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yes the friend has been kicked to the curb!!   Pure, she is an { ass} lol !!

    So I was deported today,  tlundy thats Awesome!!  You all really have made me feel like I absolutly made the right decsion. Like everyone has said , I went in,  they numbed me, a little pulling, no pain,

    FREEDOM!!!!!!  Thats how I feel right now,  I feel free!!!!  I have let go of a disturbing security blanket,

    I, we are all not going to need the darn thing again, that is my prayer, You are all right,  if we do we put it back in, no big deal!!  Thank you so much as always for being there for me.

    What an awesome support system, Jacqueline you rock!!!!!!!!!!!!! all my sister's ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

    Thank you ,

    I am going to sleep good tonight, I feel like I took one more step forward!!

    Luv to you allllllllllllllllllllllll

    Steph

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited June 2011

    Congrats, so glad everything went well and you have no regrets...I'm next!

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited June 2011

    I wanted mine out as soon as I finished my chemo, but my onc wanted it left in and wouldn't give my surgeon the OK to remove it. I suppose I could have gone to another surgeon, but waiting a year was the road of least resistence. My only issue with having it remain in me was having to take time off from work to go every six weeks to have it flushed.

    After it was removed, I was surpised to see the scar that remained was larger. The one that was there after the initial insertion was minimal...very thin and almost disappeared in the 18 months it was there. But I guess because the first scar was there, the second cut was rougher and I have a wider, more visible scar now.

    But, I think that getting it out is one of the most important steps we can take in the road back to normalcy. Now you're on your way!

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  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited June 2011

    I have a question.  My onc says they won't freeze me they're going to give me anaesthesia - just a light one (whatever that means) - I don't like the thought of that - it was put in with a local but in the U.S. and I am now in Canada and she said "here we use anaesthesia" whatever - anyone else?

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited June 2011

    Ugh, sometimes "friends" say the dumbest things.  I just hope she had "forgotten" about your BC for a minute.  DUH!!!

    I for one did not look back saying goodbye to my port and my onc never encouraged me to keep it for that matter.  When I was close to done with chemo I just asked her off hand one day, when will I get my port out?  She said as soon as your last tx is done just make an appt to get it out!  HURRAY!!! It was outpatient under twilight (Sandy, that's probably what you'll be getting), didn't feel a thing.  And yes you should be able to go back to work the next day. It's all good.

    Let us know how it goes!
    Sharon

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited June 2011

    Hey guys,

    I can't explain it, I woke up this morning a bit sore. I took a half of pain pill, feel better. I feel

    like a new person, I am not trying to be dramatic, you girls already know that comes naturally to me!!!  Somethings different!!!!  Jenny, your next, it's a psycological freedom, Yeah!!!!!!

    I feel more impowered and in control, you know I really did not think it would have this kind of impact on me, but I'm so glad it did!!!  I just had a local, no twilight, It was uncomfortable, I think I would have prefered the twilight, but it's very doable without it too. Thanks again you amazing

    super wemon, I'm  so glad we all have each other, Cyber sister's foever!!  so would that be instead of  BFF it would be,  CSF lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Lots of Hugs and always in my on going talks with the big man upstair's, I pray for all of you every day!

    I believe in the power of prayer !!!!! Here we are to prove it!!

    Steph

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited June 2011

    congratulations steph! awesome. so happy for you.

    yes, being "deported" out of cancerland rocks.

    prayer works in so many ways..and we are here to prove it.

    hope you celebrate, my friend.

    xo

    j

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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited June 2011

    My onc wanted me to leave mine in for a couple years, too, but I hated it and got it out a few months ago.  I love having it gone and I really loved not having to get it flushed at my last check up!  So glad you are feeling so great now!

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited June 2011

    Congrats on getting your port out!!!

    I needed mine for so many blood draws it was just easier to leave it in, so I still have it.  It doesn't bother me & I have had no problems with it. I will probably feel like I'm loosing an old friend when I get mine out.  

    Congrats again!!! NJ 

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  • alexanjb
    alexanjb Member Posts: 304
    edited June 2011

    Congrats on being de-Ported.  When I asked my onc when mine could be removed he said we will get it scheduled for you.  I think it is a wonderful device and I am very glad I did not have to be poked everytime but when tx was over I wanted it out.  This was in November and the nurse asked if I wanted to keep it.  First I said, uh no...then I decided I wanted to show my adult kids what it looked like.  Well, it ended up on my Christmas tree!  And it is packed away with the Xmas ornaments.  It is my purple heart.  That is what is looks like.

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