Complications from mediport

Options
Amma1
Amma1 Member Posts: 2
edited August 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi everybody,

I am new to this group, though I do come here to read different issues and help get support.  I was diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma in 2012, had a total mastectomy, path showed triple positive cancer, scans showed it had spread, liver, bones.  Was on different chemo meds followed by radiation.  Was told that I'd have to be on Herceptin, indefinitely. 

The trouble was, the mediport.  Even midway through my chemo, it'd hurt terribly at the port site, all the time, Emla, tons of it didn't help when the port was used for chemo.  I started having low grade fevers, had all kinds to workup for infection, which was all negative.  The port was placed by interventional radiology, so couldn't really follow with them, went to see my surgeon who was very upset to see it and took it out the same day.  Fevers disappeared.  My only remaining arm was used for Herceptin and to draw labs every three weeks.  Now the peripheral vessels are all scarred, so they placed another port.  Now come the fun part, I started having low grade fevers and pain in my neck, a dull pain that goes from the base of my neck up to my ear.  Called and spoke with the surgeon, who says I shouldn't have these symptoms.  Has anybody else experienced similar symptoms?  Am I allergic to the material of the port and my body is rejecting the foreign object?  I did look at the previous thread on port related complications, and most people seemed to have recovered from any initial discomfort or pain and went on to use the port as intended.  Any input is greatly appreciated!

Best wishes,

Amma1.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2014

    Your port problem may be an allergy, as the body can react to anything it recognises as foreign and some are very sensitive, possibly a different brand may be better.

    I hope somone on here can give you some of their experiences to help.

    We wish you all the best.

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Athena2047
    Athena2047 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2014

    Hi Amma,

    I am currently on my 4th out of 6 rounds of chemo with later Herceptin treatments to continue for a little over half a year longer.  I also am having rejection like symptoms with my port.  My neck feels like someone is slowly choking me and around the port site I am very sensitive to touch.  The pain/discomfort seems to be getting worse with every round of chemo and no pain meds have been able to touch it.  At this point I can not offer you much hope, but I want you to know that you are not the only one experiencing such symptoms.  I sure felt like I was the only one, until I read your post.  I have recently had a bunch of tests to explain my symptoms, but everyone is puzzled.  My oncologist acts like she has never heard of this.  

    If I figure anything out, or if things get better (or worse), I will keep you posted.  At this point, I am considering having this port removed after the chemo is done and continuing the Herceptin through my veins.  Not sure if they will let me, but this sure is agony.

    Hang in there, I sure hope things get better for you.  Love and hugs... Athena

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amma1
    Amma1 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2014


    Thank you,  Moderators and Athena2047.  I do apologize for the delay in the reply. The updates, I had the port removed yesterday.  The pain at the base of my neck is much better, and I am able to cough without the excruciating pain from the inside of my neck.  I still have fevers which are low grade.  And the neck pain radiates to the angle of my jaw bone, now I am worried if I have a blood clot in my IJ, oh well!! I guess, there is always something!

    Athena2047, I had my first port in till I was able to finish my real chemo drugs, Herceptin itself is a monoclonal antibody and can be infused through the peripheral veins.  I was always, what they call 'a difficult stick' and just getting access through a couple of veins, for everything, you know, blood work, scans and treatments every few weeks and months has scarred them, so I had to get a port placed the second time around, and that has been removed too.  I guess, we shall wait for a few weeks before we try another port.  I do thank you for the encouragement and support you are giving me.  Good luck to you too!  Hope things get better.

    Best wishes,

    Amma1.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories