Still clot probs - port removal tomorrow

[StephN]

Well, I have come to what amounts to a BIG decision for me. After having a port-a-cathater as part of my body for 9 years, I am going to be without for as long as I can.

I am having symptoms of vena cava narrowing where the catheter passes through. Not wanting to let it get as bad as last time, I am not waiting until January as we had tentatively planned.

Been off Herceptin since last December and only have to use my good left arm every 6 weeks or so for labs or scan contrasts.

My vascular surgeon will do an angioplasty to open the vein once the catheter is removed. This is a day patient procedure. Having had both a port replacement and the angioplasty before, I know what to expect, so no butterflies!

And No Herceptin and no port - seems like a new me is emerging!

Let's exchange good thoughts for each other ... http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Margerie]

Hoping being Portless in Seattle is a nice change for you! Best wishes for a successful procedure Steph :)

[schoolteacher]

Hoping your procedure goes well. Let us know how things go. Miss you.

Amelia

[chrisy]

Steph,
I remember the port problems you've dealt with...Glad to hear you're being de-ported!

[Barbara H.]

Good luck tomorrow, Steph.
Barbara H.

[StephN]

Thanks friends. I think the only kind of port I will have near me comes in a bottle and you sip on a chilly winter's evening.

[ElaineM]

I hope all goes well !! Take care.

[Sheila]

Good luck tomorrow, Steph....you will be the most imPORTant patient they work on! Anxious to meet you in person next month!

[whatz]

...and here is to no more need for a medical Port for you in the future!!! (though having the other kind on a chilly evening does sound good ;-) )

[bejuce]

This is wonderful! Portless in Seattle, I like that. Congrats and keep up with the good news!

[Joan M]

Steph,

I can't believe you've had the port for that long. Wow. I had mine for three years and I thought that was a long time. My bc spread six months after it was removed but I haven't had it put in again. For my Herceptin every three weeks, the nurses use my arm.

Joan

[vlcarr]

I'm so happy for you! I look forward to being Portless in Nashville one day.

I hope your surgery goes well. Sending warm fuzzies your way.

[Ceesun]

Steph-it will be so good to have that port out! Happy for you....when I had mine, I always felt like I had a pop (soda) bottle cap under my skin. Hated that--its funny how different aspects of dealing with bc affects us. May I ask why you are on zometa--do patients get that even with no bone involvement? Ceesun

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hoping all is well and you're portless and happy! ma

[ammebarb]

Sending along my best wishes for your procedure tomorrow too, Steph.

Barb A.