Port Removal Question

[Shirley]

Hello all,

I just finished my year's worth of Herceptin. I won't be trading out my expander for something permanent until the Fall so I'm scheduled to have my port removed later this month. My surgeon was going to do it in her office but I wanted anesthesia so she had it scheduled in the hospital. Of course that means a lot of extra hassle.

I don't like the idea of having this thing removed in the office but thought I'd check with you all to see if anyone's done that.

Shirley

[BonnieR]

Yes. Mine was removed in the office. It went fine although I was a little weirded out about it. I think I might have taken an Ativan or Valium first The doctor and I talked the whole time to keep,me distracted! Of course the area was numb. I felt some "sensations"as it was removed but absolutely no pain. I think it's commonly done this way
Keep the faith

[LeahM]

Didn't bother me at all having it removed.

[jaykay]

Mine was removed under local anesthesia as an outpatient. Was kind of weird but didn't feel anything and drove home afterwards by myself

[snolan]

My was done under a local had no problems.

[BonnieR]

Shirley, you're right about it being a hassle to have it performed as inpatient surgery. And there's the issue of receiving general anesthesia, etc. Lots of considerations. But you have to do what you are most comfortable with (although in that case, I'd spend half my life under general anesthesia!!). Just be assured that probably most of the time ports are removed as outpatients in doctors office
Keep the faith

[Coux92]

I don't have a port, but must say, Bonnie-love your comment. "But you have to do what you are most comfortable with (although in that case, I'd spend half my life under general anesthesia!!)"
I feel the same way sometimes!!
We really do need a "Like" button

[Shirley]

Thank you ladies for your comments! This is helpful and I think I'll have it scheduled in-office instead of at the hospital. Although, Bonnie, you are on the mark with the anesthesia comment!

Shirley

[BonnieR]

Just take a little helper like Ativan and get a ride home
Keep the faith

[tricia keegan]

I had mine removed in the office and it was painful but I think that was due to the Dr or area where the port was, good luck!