take off port or not?

[MCS]

if herceptin is completed, should i take the port out. On the negative side, I'm scared that this will come back and will have to get it placed back in.

the doctor says i should take it out to avoid infection but I know of several women with ports for over a year without problems. the hassle of course is to have it flushed but it would be so much easier to keep it and to get regular blood draws from there ( every 3 months right now for me)

apprecaite your opinion

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

[tousled1]

My oncologist said that when I'm finished with my Herceptin she wants my port to stay in for six months to a year.

[Kimberly Lewis]

As one who has had a port taken out and then put back in - I am keeping mine for awhile! It just makes sence to me. I had an infection in my port in the last few months of therapy but because my veins were so bad decided to go ahead and put another back in. I was hoping to stay on Herceptin a little longer but even so - I am glad I still have it. I look at it as insurance.

[Soccermom]

Have had my second port for 1 1/2 years now.Completed Hercep July 06. My oNc wants to wait a full year after TX ended to remove. I have had O problems with either the subclavian catheter or the implanted port.

Hope this helps,Marcia

[MCS]

I have not had any infection with it, which of course doesn't rule future ones but I am leaning to leaving there for a few month more. does this mean that i think i'll need it again, negative thinking?


MCS ( maria)

[Bev]

I'm going to get mine out before tank top season. Yeah! Onc was surprised I didn't want it out immediately, but I didn't want to schedule surgery in December. So do what you want to do. BB

[RhondaH]

said I could have it out. Last Herceptin 8/10/06, Port out 9/1/06...surgeon even "prettied" up the scar a little as the radiology dept that put it in did an "ugly" job. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[sassy]

Both my onc and surgeon want to wait 6 months to a year. I have not had any problems and mine is really not noticable so I'll leave it for a while. I don't see it as negative thinking, just not rushing anything.
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[Jackie]

I had mine out right after I finished Herceptin. I live 38 miles from my onc. and didn't want to cont. traveling to have it flushed. I think your onc. will look at what stage you are and your risk of reoccurance. I know mine first wanted to leave it in for awhile, but then changed his mind.