Port vs. IV for Doxil?

[doicat]

I am getting ready to start my 2nd chemo with doxil and a trial drug and still do not have a port.  I've done 4 carbo/taxol treatments and have not had any problem with my veins but have heard (from the clinical trial nurses) that doxil is more caustic and that a port really would be best.  Also, if I do get the new drug, I will be receiving it 3 times a week weeks 1 and 3 as well.  Meanwhile, my doctor says, we can place the port later...that's what he said before with the 1st chemo and he kept putting it off.  I believe that the main reason is because I am on blood thinner (coumiden) and he doesn't want to wait the 5 days of getting off the coumiden/onto Lovenox etc. then back on the coumiden...I do not have a problem giving myself the twice a day Lovenox.  

My concern if I Don't place a port before starting the trial I know that my WBC will go down and then I can't get a port put in. What if my poor veins can't handle the doxil and whatever else they are giving me?  I'd then be in a pickle...just second guessing myself here.

AM I wrong to say Hey,,,let's get our ducks in a row?  Anyone out there ever taken Doxil by IV?

Appreciate your thoughts.

[doicat]

Thanks for your suggestions/comments.

I will be meeting with the surgeon tomorrow to talk about placement.  I think the big dithering on this was my blood clot problem.  I hope to get this sucker in by Fri. and be done with it.  You know, at first, I really didn't want one of these but now have changed my tune and don't want potential problems with veins blowing etc to stop the progress of my chemo.

Thanks again, you all are such a good group of people to bounce my worries around with.

Love to all
Teresa/doicat

[shewrites]

I always had blood drawn through my port, too.  When you're past chemo but still having a lot of blood tests, it's still an advantage.  I had to go to the hospital or the gyn/onc for blood draws and port flushes, always done at the same time in my case, but my hands were never sore.  I preferred it and was sorry to part with my port.  

[Tybear]

Oh I'm with Judy on this one...my veins are absolutley awful. I had a port put in ages ago and I always suggest that people have it done...it's a little sore for a couple days after but so worth it in the end. I too, continue to have my blood drawn through my veins...
I've never had Doxil and don't know that it's any worse on your veins than all the other junk we put in them...if I were you, I would just get the port and be done with it. No more worries, you know?
I know it's easier said than done...I don't think your wrong at all for wanting all your ducks in a row.
Best of luck!
Becky

[JC145]

Well, I can't comment on the blood thinner portion.

I did NOT have a port my first chemo.  I had IV and IP (belly).

My veins are not the greatest and I had a port (shoulder) put in before starting this tx.  It is great.  My MD buried it pretty deeply in the tissue and other than the scar that has not 100% disappeared yet, you cannot see a thing and accessing it has been great for the first 2 rounds.  I have my labs drawn through the vein .. but, if necessary, they could use the port for blood draws as well.  I've accepted the fact that the port is with me forever.  I'll have it "flushed" every 28 days when not on chemo to keep it open and functional.

Don't know if this helps, but my hands could NOT handle more chemo.  Once, during the first go-round, it took 6 (six) tries to get a line open for chemo ... not any more :-)

Judy