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Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
8 years ago

So scared about surgery tomorrow

I don't know what is wrong with me but I am sitting here in almost a full on panic attack from having my port out tomorrow. I know stupid right? I was so much calmer for my breast surgery.

I think it didn't help that my surgeon who placed the port disagreed with the oncologist's recommendation to get it out. He told me it was a very difficult process to insert it, that he would be keeping it for 5 years. It's only been 2 and my onc says I don't need it anymore, it's gotta come out. I don't care if it stays in and I have to get it flushed. Anyway, my general surgeon said he would defer to my breast surgeon as to whether I should keep it. She said I don't need to keep it, so I am booked in for tomorrow at 7 am.

But now I am freaking out, full on sweats, rapid heart beat and everything. I am worried about possible bad outcomes - blood clot, pain that never goes away, a big hole in my chest where it used to be. I guess everything else is going so well for me at the moment that I don't want to tempt fate.

Please, anyone who has had theirs removed, please tell me your good stories.


port
surgery

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  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Getting the port out is a lot simpler than having it inserted. I had mine out with just a local--which was not a pleasant process but I considered it a better option for me that having a line in for sedation. It took a bit of fiddling around but in the end I didn't have any problems. Apart from not liking it LOL.

    I scar heavily and, predictably, that one is ropey and raised but I'm covered in similar and it doesn't worry me--just another battle wound. There is no 'hole' though--the port isn't that big and you won't see where it was. Relax, breath and you will be OK. Marg

  • Mollygirl's avatar
    Mollygirl
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Nadi, it's ok to be anxious. It's just another thing in the long line of things you've had to endure. Note the 'had to'. It's damn hard having to go through all of this - biggest hugs to you xxx
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Everyone else I know who had ports when I was on  chemo have them out alreadt. I'm  the last one. I've just put my paperwork in as a new surgeon has started at our hospital who will do it. So I'm on the w/list. 

    In fact I was thought weird that I kept mine  so long.

    So chin up girl....this is the next part of survivorship. You got this. Kath x
  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Nadi. I remember how awful it was for you when it went in, and the trouble you had with it to start with. My oncologist has just referred me to have mine out, so I'm waiting to hear back. Mine's been in for 2&1/2 years now, so I guess it's time. I still feel like it's my safety blanket. It doesn't bother me getting it flushed every 6 weeks either. I'd rather that then ever having to have another one put in!!! 
    I think we go through so much, trying so hard to keep it all together, and then it's the smaller things that bring us undone.
    You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. Let us know how it all goes.
    Lyn
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    8 years ago
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  • Molly001's avatar
    Molly001
    Member
    8 years ago
    I never got a port Nadi but know all about fear. Thinking of you and wishing you well for surgery.