How soon did you get your port out after Chemo?

[chickpea_and_me]

I was wondering how long you left your ports in?  I just had another ca-125 done last week and it was a 6.9.  I finished chemo in October. My gyno said to just leave it in.  Onco says its up to me.  I'd like to have it out but I'm scared to.  Any advice?

Kimberly

[chickpea_and_me]

Thanks everyone...I think I will leave it in awhile longer....I want it out so I'm "done".  But I'm scared to have it out.  I'm going to wait till summer and reevaluate then!!

Kimberly

[kllc409]

I finished chemo # 8 for my recurrence the last week in September 06.  I would like my port out but my GYN/ONC suggested leaving it in if it was not bothering me to much.  He did say for about 6 months.  I have a friend that had hers in for at least two years after chemotherapy.  It finally got infected and she had to have it removed.  Now she had a recurrence and she had a new one put in on the opposite side.  It is a little annoying and requires a little upkeep to get it flushed but I remember how sore it was after the insertion.  I think I will keep mine for at least the full 6 months and then reevaluate.  After 5 of the 8 initial chemotherapy treatments it was getting more difficult to find a good vein.  I did not miss that with the port this time around.  

Good Luck

[Helmar]

I had my port taken out before I left hospital after the operation in '04. Chemo since has been via IV through the vein on the back of either hand. My veins are holding up o.k.. No problems......yet, anyhow.

[rmarie]

My surgery was October O5, stage 3c, and my port is staying for 2 years.  I hate the thought that it says that long because of the chance of a relapse, and it is a constant reminder.  However, I don't want it put back in if they have to.  So I tuck my cell phone in my bra on the other side for matching bumps.

[Tybear]

Ugh, I don't blame you for wanting the darn thing out! I finished chemo February 06 and the first appointment I made was to have it removed, which was done in March. Unfortunately, I had a recurrence this past October and had it put back in, in November. I'm not by any means saying that this will happen to you, but I would hang on to it a little longer - it's no fun having it put in the second time and because they couldn't use the same spot, I now have two lovely scars! I really wouldn't blame you though, if you had it taken out... I hated it and still do!
Take care,
Becky

[Jane39]

I am sorry I don't know what stage and stuff you are at, but I was Stage 1A, finished my last 6th chemo in September, absolutely despised my port, I guess I was naughty, I had mine out in November.  I finished my chemos, had my pet/ct scan, got the OK from everyone except my oncologist, who wanted me to keep it in for atleast a year.  Mine just drove me crazy, it hurt and was always tender.  I was so glad to get that out.  Plus for me, it was the last thing to "somehow" put stuff behind me.  I never had an issue with my CA125 test either, mine has always been around 4.5 or 6.0.

Best wishes to you!!

[dian07]

Hello...dian here...I had my surgery in April of '05....my port remains in tact and I will leave it that way for at least 5 years.....it is easy to do the blood work needed in my 3 month check ups....getting it flushed is a minor hastle and I just don't want to have to get the stupid thing put in again....it hurt! My onc said it should be left in for at least two years...it's okay with me.
Peace.
dian