I think my port is infected

[mariapiedra]

Hi, I have another question. I had my port put in about three weeks ago. Everything seemed to be going fine. But last week when I went for my first taxol/herceptin the nurse didn't like the way it looked, so she didn't want to use it. They used dermabond instead of stiches, so it was hard to tell if the small amount of puss was just part of the healing process. My onc looked at it as well and she thought I had kept it covered up too long and needed to get some air on it. Followed her advice and things looked like they were getting better. Yesterday I went for my second taxol/herceptin and once again the nurse did not want to use it. She cleaned it and said to keep my eye on it. If more puss is produced I should get it checked. Well today the dermabond completely peeled off and it looks like there is new puss and it looks like the incision is not completely healed. It's really sore, and a little red, but no fever. I have an appointment to have it checked tomorrow. I started antibiotics today. I think they are going to have to take it out. Has anyone had a similar problem? Thanks, Maria

[Pam P]

Maria -
My port got infected and I had to have it removed, but it was after 6 years of it working fine. So a very different situation from yours. Hopefully getting on antibiotics now & f seeing the surgeon tomorrow & maybe having a better way to help it drain & heal will save the port. If you do have to have it removed & a new one inserted in a different spot it will still be worth having a port. I had my 2nd one inserted in April & it's healed & working fine. Hope all goes well.

[Sheila]

Maria
Good for you on getting on antibiotics and getting it checked...it does sound infected....hope they don't have to remove it, having a port is heavenly when they work...I'm sending good thoughts that they can get this one straighened out and put that port to use!

[juanita]

Glad you're getting it checked out. Better to be safe than sorry.

[mariapiedra]

Thanks All, Once again your words of wisdom have helped calm my anxiety. My port was infected and had to come out. I never even got to use it. Oh well, at least the infection is out of my body.