Forum Discussion

Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
9 years ago

To keep my port, or not keep my port.... that is the question

Hi all. Twelve months ago I was diagnosed with grade 3, HER2+  BC with a high proliferation rate of 71%.  Now I only have 3 lots of Herceptin to go and then I will finally end 12 months of treatment. My oncologist has asked me to consider keeping my portacath in for another 12 months. Keeping it means I will have to go back to the chemo unit every 6 to 8 weeks to have it flushed. I was told the reason they suggest keeping it for another year is that I have the greatest chance of recurrence in the next 12 months. If my BC doesn't come back in the next 12 months then my chances of a recurrence significantly drop. I have had so many problems with my port, including having to have a second surgery because it had flipped. It has finally come good in the last 2 treatments. Just wondering what other ladies with HER2+ BC and ports have been told regarding keeping their port in. It would be great to hear what you decided to do about your port and whether you had a recurrence within 12 months of finishing Herceptin.
her2
herceptin
  • KarenneW's avatar
    KarenneW
    Member
    9 years ago

    As I had my Chemo before surgery and I was ER + PR+ and HR- when I had my Mastectomy I asked my surgeon to remove mine as it used to drive me up the wall.  All gone and so much better.


  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    9 years ago
    If you had problems with the port before I would strongly suggest keeping it in now that it has come good.  The regular flush visits are super quick and easy.  Rather keep it for the extra 12 months.  I did with mine and mine then got removed with my final reconstruction surgery.  It is definitely better to have it x
  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks Paula. I have decided to keep it because quite frankly I really don't want another surgery just now even if it is a simple one. My oncologist told me that I will have it for 2 more years rather than 1 and I'm ok with that. As you say if it plays up I can get it out then. I had my first flush last week which went perfectly. I couldn't believe how quick it went. Good tip about saving up all your blood tests for a port flush! I will have to remember that.
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    9 years ago
    I kept my port for the simple reason that I needed another procedure to remove it and I was planning reconstruction.  My reconstruction ended up being delayed and so I had it for another 2 1/2 years.  I did dread going to the chemo unit to get it flushed every 6 weeks, but I was in and out of there very quickly.  The bonus was  I have crap veins and if I ever had blood tests due I would save them up until my port flush and the nurses there would collect them for me. If it's behaving and not too much trouble then maybe keep it, however if it starts to give you grief then maybe get it out.
    Paula xx
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    I wondered the same thing...although I have 10 to go.
  • Cate64's avatar
    Cate64
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Nadi,

    I finished Chemo 6 months ago & have kept my port in place, mostly because my veins dont like being stabbed for blood tests. It makes life a hell of a lot easier for me to keep it... But, having said that, touch wood, I have had no problems with mine...

    Cate
  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks Jane.  Great to hear you haven't had a recurrence. Thank goodness we have Herceptin. I had scans done in August and got the all clear. However the onco is still suggesting I keep the port. Not a big deal to keep it, I guess, but it makes me wonder if it what most women do.
  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Nadi, I had my last Herceptin on 12 June 2013 and following scans (CT/Bone) in the August, which were clear, I organised to have my portacath taken out on the 3rd of Sept that year, which was OK by my oncologist. I do remember worrying it had come out too early but so far, so good in relation to recurrence (fingers etc crossed) and it was good not to have the additional visits back to the chemo ward. Perhaps your oncologist is wanting to wait until you've had some further follow-up tests etc before taking it out?