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Old 04-27-2015, 06:15 PM   #1
leldredge1
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chemo port

I will be receiving my last herceptin infusion in a couple of weeks. I would really like to have my chemo port removed ASAP. When I told another nurse I work with that I'm planning to have it removed he advised me to keep it in for awhile. I know that I could have a recurrence of cancer but is that a good reason to keep the port?
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Laurie in Idaho
IDC, Her2+++, PR- ER- diagnosed Feb 2014 1 month before 53rd bday
2.6 cm mass right breast with lymph node involvement
THP-FEC neoadjuvant chemo regimen

THP (taxotere, Herceptin, perjcta) every 3 weeks for 4 doses started 3/27/14
BRCA negative
bilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection done June 2014 15 lymph nodes removed all negative for cancer, breast tumor gone
FEC (5-FU, epriubicin, Cytoxan) every 3 weeks for 4 doses, Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year, then
radiation for 6 weeks
New Years Eve 2014 completed radiation
September 2015 Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction
March 2016 rib fractures under implant
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Old 04-27-2015, 07:12 PM   #2
Lisalou
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Re: chemo port

I was offered to have the port taken out on the same day as the last infusion, which is this week-Yeah! it can easily be put back in IF that ties would come
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[SIGPIC]Lisa
Routine mammogram 12/20/2013
Call back with repeat films on12/31/2013 Ultrasound with core needle biopsy same day
Dx 1/2/2014 IDC ER/PR+
1/10/14 HER2 +
2/14/14 BRCA results negative
2/17/2014 skin & nipple sparing BMX with reconstruction Tissue expanders placed
IDC Stage 2A left breast. 9mm tumor no other CA 1/4 nodes positive
ER + PR + Her2 +(by FISH)
Right breast no cancer, sclerosing adenosis
3/13/14 Round 1 AC minimal side effects
3/27/14 Round 2 AC
4/10/14 Round 3 a little more nausea
4/24/14 round 4 hurray! Done with phase 1!
5/8/14 THP ( taxol weekly x12, Herceptin & perjeta every 3 weeks x 4)
7/24/14 done with chemo
Continue of Herceptin every 3 wks x 1 yr
5/14 start Tamoxifen x 5 years
8/18/14 removal of TEs silicone implants placed
9/14/14 Cellulitis Right Breast, suspect infected implant. Managed with Oral antibiotics, avoided surgery to remove implant. Whew!
12/17/14 nip & tuck revision of Left breast

We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. The danger lies in refusing to face the fear, not in daring to come to grips with it. We must do that which we think we cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt
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Old 04-28-2015, 05:30 AM   #3
jaykay
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Re: chemo port

I had mine removed about 1 month after my last Herceptin. Saw no reason to keep it. The funny thing is that it failed on my last Herceptin and I had to get infused via my arm.

Janis
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March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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Old 04-28-2015, 07:18 AM   #4
snolan
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Re: chemo port

I had mine removed a few weeks after my last infusion. I had a friend that kept hers in for 6 months after her first PET scan check up. She just wanted to make sure all was good.
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dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41
Double mast w reconstruction
6 TCH w 1yr herceptin
Tamox.
25 radiation tx
Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway.
Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011
Finished chemo 12/2010
Finished Herceptin 8/26/11
Reconstruction 12/21/11
Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12
Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12
Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay!
11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.
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Old 04-28-2015, 08:28 AM   #5
europa
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Re: chemo port

i'm the weirdo that refused to let them take it out. I have had mine for 2 years and a half years after my last infusion. But I have a good reason. I am on two trials that demand a lot of research blood. Sometimes I go in and they take 12-15 tubes of blood. That ain't happening through my arm. So, when I'm done, which I believe is in 2 years, I will be deported.
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DX 10/2011
PET Scan + MRI 10/2011
Lumpectomy 11/11/11
Stage 2B +++ ER+(10%), PR+(5%), HER2+++(1 positive node, 1 micromets to second node)
AC started 12/2011 ended 1/2012
Taxol + Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks ended 4/2012
30 zaps of radiation done 6/2012
Tamoxifen 6/2012
every 3 weeks of Herceptin for another year.
Metformin Trial 8/12
10/12 MRI- CLEAR
01/13 BRAIN MRI- CLEAR!
01/13 Neck MRI- CLEAR!
FINISHED HERCEPTIN 1/9/2013...Woot Woot
Starting Walter Reed Vaccine Trial 2/13
CT Scans + ultrasound of abdomen CLEAR-5/13
02/2015 through 11/2015 emergency D&Cs for Tamoxifen induced uterine polyps which caused uncontrollable hemorrhaging
12/2015 blood clot to left leg caused by Tamoxifen. No longer taking it. On Xarelto, a blood thinner
12/2015 Ablation to prevent hemorrhaging from potential issues with Tamoxifen residue in my system
1/2016 continuing journey without hormonal therapy. Reevaluating the option of a hysterectomy and oopherectomy.
4/1/2018 2mm stroke. Yes, stroke! No cause ever found but they believe it was a migraine that went bonkers and created a tiny clot. No deficits. I was back to normal with 24hrs. Now on baby aspirin for life.
7/27/2018 hysterectomy and oopherectomy
01/07/2019 Mastectomy and expanders put in
3/22/2019 Vtach, almost died. Cause unknown.
7/22/2019 New perky boobs put in
7/21/2020 Off of all drugs but a baby aspirin because of the stroke in 2018.


www.mychemobag.org
www.facebook.com/mychemobag

8 YEARS NED
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Old 04-28-2015, 08:51 AM   #6
bonnie
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Re: chemo port

I had the same experience. The nurse practitioner was shocked when I wanted to take my port out as soon as possible and wanted me to leave it longer just in case. Thankfully my doctor agreed I didn't need it any longer and it was removed a week after treatment. It's been over 10 years now and I have been thankful I had that reminder out, although I do have a scar and that's reminder enough.
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Old 04-28-2015, 04:29 PM   #7
Carol Ann
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Re: chemo port

I had mine removed as soon as I could, I had to wait an extra couple of weeks because I came down with shingles. So much more comfortable, although it didn't bother me too much at all when it was in.

Carol Ann
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July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 04-28-2015, 07:06 PM   #8
leldredge1
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Re: chemo port

Thanks for everyone's advice I'm going to have it removed.
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Laurie in Idaho
IDC, Her2+++, PR- ER- diagnosed Feb 2014 1 month before 53rd bday
2.6 cm mass right breast with lymph node involvement
THP-FEC neoadjuvant chemo regimen

THP (taxotere, Herceptin, perjcta) every 3 weeks for 4 doses started 3/27/14
BRCA negative
bilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection done June 2014 15 lymph nodes removed all negative for cancer, breast tumor gone
FEC (5-FU, epriubicin, Cytoxan) every 3 weeks for 4 doses, Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year, then
radiation for 6 weeks
New Years Eve 2014 completed radiation
September 2015 Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction
March 2016 rib fractures under implant
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Old 04-28-2015, 07:53 PM   #9
Kkmom
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Re: chemo port

Laurie,
Yeah for you - finishing up herceptin and getting your port out. I got my port out about a month after I finished my last herceptin. For some reason, getting that port out made me feel like I was really NED. Pam
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[FONT=Tahoma]Dx 12/14/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 4/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+[SIZE=2][COLOR=Blue]
Surgery 12/28/2012 Lumpectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (Right)
Chemotherapy 02/06/2013
Herceptin, Carboplatin, Taxotere Started 6 rounds on 02/06/2013 Herceptin
Finished chemo - May 22, 2013
Radiation Therapy 06/12/2013 - 36X External
TM Marker - 13 October, 2013
TM Marker - 15 November, 2013
Annual Mammagram - 3D - Both Breast - CLEAR!!!
Colonscopy - 1st-Clear - November 18, 2013
CT Scan-Results-Clear - November 27, 2013
BC Diagnosis-1 Year - December 14, 2013
TM - holding steady at 15 - December 24, 2014
TM - 24.2 - January 12
Herceptin Treatment - Last One-February 4, 2014!!!
TM - 3.7 - February 4, 2014
MRI & CT - February 21, 2014 - All Clear
NED - and my doctor said - "well, it looks like you are NED - your MRI and CT are clear - Febuary 25, 2014
TM - 18.2 - February 21, 2014
Port Removed - Scheduled for Wed, March 19, 2014
Port Removed - Yeah!!! I feel lighter already!!!
TM - 15.3 - March 25, 2014
Diagnostic 3D Mammogram - Rt Breast - All Clear!!! - Tuesday, May 13, 2014
TM-15.5 - June 25, 2014
Diagnostic 3D Mammogram - Nov. 2014 All Clear!!!
Diagnostic 3D Mammogram-Rt Only-May,2015-All Clear!!!
Diagnostic 3D Mammo-Annual-Nov 2015-Right Clear!!! - Left Breast-found 5 mm CYST. Aspirated - all clear!!
TM - Nov 2015 - 18.2
NED-December, 2015 - 3 Years NED!!!
TM-Feb 2016 - 13.7
TM-June 2016 - 13.3
TM-Oct 2016-10.0
Annual 3D Mammo-Nov, 2016-All Clear!!!

Annual Mammogram - November 2017 - ALL CLEAR. i AM 5 (YES) YEARS OUT!!!

NED - 10 Years Out!! - December, 2022
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Old 04-30-2015, 09:34 AM   #10
Donna H
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Re: chemo port

My last Herceptin is May 11th. I plan to ask about getting the port removed as soon as I can. It was helpful to read about those who have had their port removed soon after finishing treatment. The port is great at saving veins but it is creepy looking. It can't be deported soon enough!
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Old 04-30-2015, 09:57 AM   #11
bonnie
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Re: chemo port

I didn't have any problems with my port and if I ever needed one again, I'd have one put in. It made treatment easier. However, like I said earlier, when I didn't need it any longer, I wanted it removed as soon as possible.
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Old 04-30-2015, 05:03 PM   #12
Lnmum
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Re: chemo port

My last herceptin was 3/12. Port out 3/23. It felt like a sweet victory. I can always get anew one, if I need it.
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Loren
11/3/13 mammogram age 50
11/27/13 follow up mammogram and right breast ultrasound. Radiologist showed me image of 3mm nodule. He said to wait 6 months for a follow up mammogram. I advocated for myself and requested a biopsy.
12/11/13 core biopsy with clip placed
1/6/14 Duke consult BC Treatment
1/30/14 partial right mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy 2 setinal nodes clear. 1.1 cm IDC, close margins.
3/13/14 met Dr Heather White in Greenville, NC. She is wonderful and my new oncologist.
3/18-19/14 Dr. White ordered pet scans, full body ct, bilateral MRIs and BRCA TEST.
3/20/14 5/15/14 chemo taxol/Herceptin 1x/week
3/25/14 port placement
4/17/14 BRCA2+
5/22/14 Herceptin only 1x every 3 was for a year. incomplete Taxol(neuropathy of hands and feet)
7/2/14 oopherctomy, salpingoopherectomy, hysterectomy at Vidante with Dr. Marie Rowe.
10/3/14 BMX/trams flap with Georgaide and Zenn at Duke.
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Old 05-05-2015, 11:11 PM   #13
IrvineFriend
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Re: chemo port

Too busy and lazy to have it removed. Doesn't hurt anything. When I catch a breath, I'll have it removed. I just turned 50 and now I have all kinds of other things to do like a uterine biopsy and colonoscopy. Work full time so it's the last of my worries.
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Julie
Live in Orange County, CA

Diagnosed with DCIS Oct. 2012

Bilateral Dec. 19, 2012
IDC, ER/PR-, Her2+++, Grade 3
Stage IIIa
15.6 cm
4/14 nodes + macrometastases
First thing each morning, I try on my bathing suit. Then, nothing worse can happen the rest of the day.
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Old 05-14-2015, 09:57 AM   #14
Donna H
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Re: chemo port

My last Herceptin was Monday. I called the surgeon to schedule port removal as soon as I got home from the oncologist office. I took the first appointment he had!
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