Port and aspirin

MCS · 04-20-2006, 06:20 PM

HI everyone,

I read in another thread that aspirin is ok to take while you have a portt to keep it unplugged. I believe Lolly does.

Are there others of you? I guess it would be the 80mg used for heart patients for maintenance?

Thank you all

MCS ( maria)

AlaskaAngel · 04-20-2006, 08:07 PM

Hi Maria.

I think my port maintenance is probably not the norm.

I kept my port, which was put in for chemo in 2002. I haven't been treated using it since 2002, but kept it mostly because being HER2 of course, and the controversy and potential for adjuvant use with early stage bc. During treatment I was on Coumadin. After treatment was finished I dropped the Coumadin dose gradually down to 0.5 mg and then switched over to 81 mg aspirin (all in the second year). Since then I haven't used anything. I just get it flushed about 3 times a year and it has never given me any problem. I do have occasional draws for a non-treatment clinical trial I participate in and it works fine.

It will be interesting to see what answers you get.

AlaskaAngel

Lolly · 04-20-2006, 08:58 PM

Maria, I've been on 81mg aspirin as per my onc, for several years now. It was either that or coumadin, and my onc and I agreed on the aspirin. Some people can't tolerate even that low dose, however, so it's definitely something to discuss with one's doctor.

<3 Lolly

tousled1 · 04-21-2006, 05:05 AM

I'm on coumadin since I developed port related blood clots. I haven't had any problems.

Chelee · 04-22-2006, 11:54 PM

This is something I have been concerned with since I have had a port placed in my upper arm. It hurts alot...and I am concerned about clots. I have had two oncologist tell me not to worry...and that flushing it keeps it clean. That I don't need low dose thinners or asprin. I was told that they use to always use thinners years ago...but they find there is no need for it with proper flushing and taking care of it.

Of course I was told to keep an eye on it for reddness, swelling, pain, etc. I hope they know what they are talking about. I think I will inquire about the asprin...it would make me feel better about it.

Roz · 04-25-2006, 12:44 AM

I have had a port in my left upper arm for one year now. It took quite a few months to stop being tender and sore, so take heart, if all is OK the soreness will eventually go away.