Forum Discussion
That should be it.
I had my portacath out this morning which, as far as I'm concerned, signals the end of my treatment. It's been a hectic and stressful 11 months and I am so pleased to be free of the whole slicing, zapping and poisoning process.
I had the port out with just a local anaesthetic which took a bit of negotiation. I can't say it was a pleasant thing to do on a sunny morning (rather more gristly and noisy than I had expected) but it was great to be able to get out of theatre, have a cuppa and go home without the need for drips or any other fuss. And no sedation hangover, which is also worth being fully aware through the op.
So, barring anything I can't control, I'm done. I'm booked for a four day Otis break then I'll see my oncologist next Monday and sign him off too. I've decided to go 'commando' and cut them all loose. No more tests or appointments until something goes wrong. It may, it may not. We will see. I'll have to be mindful of my bone density because of the Letrazol, but I've got bones like a Clydesdale horse so I'm not getting myself wound up about that at the moment--vitamin D, calcium and exercise will have to be enough for now.
Thanks for all the support. I feel so far away from where I was during the chemo--even though its only been a couple of months that part of my life is fading into history. Which is how it should be. Marg.
20 Replies
- @Zoffiel Congratulations lovely, Wishing you many many many years free of any health crap. Found this picture of wisdom and thought it was quite appropriate. Xx Cath
- Cancer is just shit, couldn't put it better myself without the risk of offending someone. Good on you for making decisions about your surgery, this stuff is exhausting and we all hope it is worth while. We can only try.
- Cancer is just shit isnt it.. i can handle vein pain I just dont want it to come back.
- It came back in my armpit (FFS!) Which is classed as a local recurrence rather than metastatic disease. I had a number of contaminated nodes which wasn't welcome news, but I've done what I can now. Sorry to hear you are having problems with your veins, that really hurts!
- Okay. Thank you. My veins have almost had enough too. I got some type of burn from chemo where they put it in and the bruises i am getting from a blood test are not pretty. Your cancer came back after 10 years. No wonder you are fed up. Did it come back in breast same location?
- @Shorelle. The port (potacath or infusaport) is a device that sat under the skin on my chest with a catheter that went into a large vein. I had chemo 11 years ago and it damaged the veins in my arms (this doesn't happen to everyone) so I decided to have the port installed to make chemo easier this time. Oncology used a special needle that clips into the port and delivers the drugs that way.
Not everyone needs one--it was a good option for me even though mine had its own quirks and didn't always behave itself. They can stay in for years with a bit of basic maintenance. Quite a few ladies who have Herceptin end up with one, just to make access easier if they are having issues with their veins. They are not painful once they settle in, but I found it a bit creepy (it feels like a fat dollar coin under your skin) and was glad to get rid of mine. - Congratulations @Zoffiel - I love your attitude!
Now your ties are cut, enjoy your much deserved freedom!!! Jane xx - So glad you feel this way. You are handling everything very powerful and good on you. Hoping I get to be that way in time. Ive decided for the chop on both but noone mentioned this port thing you are talking about.
- Happy news for you, you sound very brave and determined. Whatever you do, though, please keep posting on here. You have the most fantastic turn of phrase, great humour, a judicious use of the swear word, and sometimes what you don't say has been as funny as what you do say (oh Harvier!).
- Fantastic news @Zoffiel
enjoy your now new life and hope you never ever have to go through this hell again. Best wishes xoxo
