Port Problems

Hello Ladies,
My mom has not been getting any blood back from her port for the last 3 weeks. Today they gave her some Cath Activase to try and clear the port but it did not work. Have any of you had this problem, should they continue to administer the Herceptin? How can we be sure that it is going into the bloodstream to do it's job. I would appreciate some advice on what to do next.

Thanks,
Anne

I have trouble getting blood from my port and the last couple of times they figured out if I raise my hand over my head, the blood will then come out. The onc nurses tried various tricks, leaning me back, turning my head, etc. until they finally figured out that raising my hand works for me. the nurses have also assured me that the medicine is still getting in. They first put in something to clear the line, and if that goes in, then I think they know that they are in. Good luck!
Laurie

Hi, I had this problem too, the medicine could get in but they couldn't pull blood. Sometimes the catheter butts up against the wall of the vein. They might do a test where they run dye through the catheter and watch on an xray. It's very quick and not scary. Wishing the best for your Mum, Hugs.