Forum Discussion
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.
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.
26 Replies
- It's gone. The bloody thing had disconnected (probably why it didn't hurt anymore when exercising....lol) and probably only happened after last flush...so little bit of fiddling to take it out but all goid. Done under local and I asked for sedation as was anxious. So all good and no restrictions except swimming.
- Thinking of you today @Primek. Hope everything is going well and that any tears are cathartic. K xox
- Wishing you all the best with it Kath @primek . I've had mine out now for 6 weeks after going through the same questioning and doubts. But I feel like I can finally move on.
- Thinking of you, wishing you well as you wave your port good bye.
I still have mine, but only because the surgeon who put it in, and who I've been referred to, to haveit removed is sick himself, so no longer working. I haven't seen my oncologist again, as yet for another referral - That's great news about the port @primek They work so well but they're so awful and a constant reminder. Jim Kollias reassures me that it's a very straightforward procedure to remove but it's always a bit nervewracking having something done. One more step forward for you. Good luck on Tuesday.
- Hi there @primek I totally get where your coming from. I get aches that come and go and still ponder the fuck is there something wrong or should I be worried about but I must admit it’s less common now thankfully. And so far there’s been nothing persistent. And I had my port out as soon as I finished chemo. I hated it sticking out making me look like a bloody cancer patient. I had the light sedation with mine as I was a bit anxious going in again. So no need to be the brave bc survivor here. NothIng like a dose of midazolam to ease your anxiety. Works a bloody treat for sure. Just takes the edge off and who doesn’t love feeling a bit bent and super relaxed even just for a short period. It’s the only time I got to feel like that lol. Once the site has healed you’ll be able to get back into your exercise. Let us know how you go love. Biggest hug. Margie. Xx
- One more thing off the medical to-do list. Mxx
- I so get where you are coming from @primek. Your post echoes my thoughts about every ache and pain and niggle. After all our bodies let us down once! You have been through so much already! Once your port is gone you will be able to move a little farther down that healing road....and you said it yourself. ..you are a survivor!!!! Big hugs x
- I just had my ovaries and tubes removed this week and lots of people have been asking am I really excited?? Am I relieved its all over etc... but it’s not. I have 4 more herceptin infusions and my treatment is not done in my head until I have my port removed. I have become strangely attached to it (excuse the pun!) When my oncologist said he wants it removed as soon as my last herceptin is done because he believes I won’t need it again I broke down!! Was delighted and completely terrified all at the same time. For a start it means “active” treatment is over so you’re on your own and then you think what if it comes back and I need it again...... it’s another step of being a survivor. You are such a strong, amazing woman and have been such an amazing support to me personally probably without even realising it! I love reading your responses and advice. You are such a beautiful soul. So get excited this it HUGE!!! Wishing you all the best and sending big love your way xxxx
