Port Question

Stephanie B. · 04-04-2007, 10:59 AM

Thank you for the information. I really wasn't looking forward to having this done, but being on weekly treatments I definitely don't want them to have to do an IV every week

Stephanie

Andi · 04-04-2007, 12:56 PM

Lolly - what do they consider the average life of a port?

Mary Anne in TX · 04-04-2007, 01:57 PM

You know what? My surgeon told me not to be surprised if my port lasted 5 - 6 years. And then he said I'd better not need it that long - he expected me to get well! But I was put to sleep when he did mine. I've had it 14 months. You know what? I don't want to think about doing it again, but I would if necessary. I am sooooooooo glad to have a port! the treatment rooms nurses told me if I want to keep it after June when there is no planned treatment, just to come in once a month to have it flushed. Would you keep it and for how long? I was thinking at least 6 months. Is that lack of faith or wise? ma

Audrey · 04-04-2007, 03:03 PM

I've had my port in since the end of 2001--I had my last Herceptin treatment in March 2003 and have kept my port in ever since, partly because it's so convenient for blood draws and partly out of superstition, but I'm finally getting it out in May. It never gave me any problems, but my onc. and I agreed to schedule the removal, since having a port still presents a small risk of infection and it's not worth it to use just for occasional blood tests. Looking forward to summer clothes without the port sticking out under tanks, etc. Glad to hear the procedure isn't too bad...