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primek's avatar
primek
Member
8 years ago

Goodbye Dear Port

Well it is about to happen.

About 2 months ago I put in my paperwork to have my port removed. I wasn't ready when I first stopped treatment as it was stopped early. I was scared I would need it. Fortunately I overcame that fear in a few months.

Then I was going in for changeover reconstructive surgery and thought it would be better to keep it. However they refused to use it.

Then the vascular surgeon left our hospital. ..which then meant I would have to travel at least 300km and be worked up for it. Quite frankly I was fed up using all my time off for surgeries so put it off. Getting flushes done 6 weekly.

But now a new surgeon can do it. They rang me Tuesday and said...we will do it this Tuesday after long weekend...can you come in for workup. As I work at the same hosputal I ran in for that between appointments. 

So Tuesday...7.00 am I will be waiting.

I'm so happy to have it gone now. It's interfering with my fitness activities as I strive to regain muscle and strength as at times it is uncomfortable. I have no idea yet how long until I'm allowed to swim and do weights yet...but it needs to happen . So far the plan is for local but we will see on the day.

I recently also had an endoscopy and colonscopy. Bottom end good. Top end shows Barret's oesophagus which can turn cancerous so guess I will be on regular checks. I got really anxious before this procedure . And I got nervous about my pap smear and results as my result took ages to come back. Having cancer really impacts on your old resilient nature.

Work has been hectic and emotional as one of my regular clients died. It was very sad. I ended up with a horrid headache Friday which led to Saturday and my stupid brain did the "maybe you have brain  mets...maybe you should see a Dr for a CT scan before the port comes out. Oh ffs...I hate how cancer does that to you. It makes you question everything.  But as always the headache passed and I'm well again. Nervous?  ...Probably. But it is  another thing ticked off in acknowledging I am a survivor. 

Will we ever feel safe? Probably not. But it gets better. 
  • @primek, I totally understand, I have been driving myself mad about every new or different ache and pain, thinking the worst, then it resolves and something else crops up. You are so right! Cancer makes you second guess yourself when previously you wouldn’t have given it another thought. You are the one usually imparting support and wisdom, I can only say that having your port removed is another healing step. I wish you all the best, as you always do for so many of us. Best wishes, Sophie 
  • I hear you about the nerves @primek. Every niggle, pinch, ache & twinge reminds us. Congrats on the port and all the best with the procedure.
  • I can't imagine having something for so long - be good to have it gone but sort of hard to see it go, I imagine. But it's a step forward, so a good one to take. Best wishes
  • Oh @Primek, what a stressful time you're having. It will be brilliant to be without your port. I can't wait to get back to weights so I feel you. Sending my love and hugs xox  <3
  • Thinking of you @primek all the best for Tuesday. Another milestone with removal of port. Best wishes, Rosie