Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Not Flushing Mediport!
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Not Flushing Mediport!
by Concerned Granddaughter <3, May 19, 2007 12:00AM
Hi. My name is Riki. Years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She had to have one of her breasts removed and has received Chemotherapy. She also had a Mediport implanted. Well she has been in remission for a while and doing pretty well, but I just found out that she hasn’t gotten her Mediport flushed in about 8 or 9 months! She said it’s because it’s on the 5th floor and she’s deathly afraid of elevators. She has been having pain around the shoulder on the same side as the Mediport. Could this be caused by her not having it flushed? Also, just how dangerous is it for her to go that long without flushing it and what are some of the possible side effects both associated with the pain in her shoulder and otherwise? I would really appreciate some answers.
Thank You!
~Riki
Thank You!
~Riki
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Riki: The general guideline for mediport maintenance is flushing once a month. Whether the port will be patent (able to be used/flushed) at this point is questionable. If there are no plans for additional therapy, it may be that the mediport can be removed. The shoulder pain may or may not be related. There are many possible causes of shoulder pain (some can be serious) and this should be evaluated separately from the mediport issues. Her doctor should be made aware of the shoulder pain and the mediport issues.
Blessed Be,
~Riki