[SusanMary]

Re: Port or no port?

by SusanMary on Fri May 16, 2014 11:12 pm

I live in Australia, so things may be different here with regard to ports (but unlikely I would think). I have had a port for two and a half years with no trouble until three months ago when it suddenly stopped working. I have had myeloma for 18 years so have had a number of PICC lines - all with a lot of trouble associated with them, one even fell out! Several infections and the need to cover them when showering got to be just too much so when a port was suggested I cautiously accepted.

I'm glad I did. Since my port has stopped working, I am having to have blood taken from a vein and the veins in my arms do not bleed. The only option is to get blood from the top of my feet. I am going in for day surgery next week to unblock the port, a procedure I am told is very successful. We will see.

My port has not been used for drug administration as I have recently been on the Velcade, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), dexamethasone regimen [VCD, CyBorD].

By the way, the only upkeep is to make sure the port is flushed at least every 3 months.

I hope that helps.

[mkk321]

Re: Port or no port?

by mkk321 on Sat May 17, 2014 2:08 am

October 2012 , at age 73, I started VRD. I had a port put in December 2012 and am very glad I did. I have had no problems with my weekly infusions. I have Zometa infusion once a month and take the hydration each time I go in for treatments. I am now in Very Good Partial Remission and on maintainence therapy, monthly.

All the best, Mary K.

[Dano]

Re: Port or no port?

by Dano on Sat May 17, 2014 9:28 am

I started RVD recently and in my opinion unless you have some underlying issues with venous access I see no need for a port. The Velcade is injected Sub-Q and is a painless injection. Some patients do get a minor local reaction at the sight of injection, but I still think it is safer and more convenient to avoid a port if you can.

A port requires maintenance, and is an opportunity for infection -- something myeloma patients need to avoid at all coast. I also get monthly Zometa infusions using a vein in my forearm. Again, painless and convenient.

Wishing you the very best!

[Wayne K]

Re: Port or no port?

by Wayne K on Sat May 17, 2014 10:28 am

Many of you refer to the injection, but do you not have blood drawn first? For me, I would have appreciated the port if for no other reason than the 3 blood draws a week.

[SusanMary]

Re: Port or no port?

by SusanMary on Fri Jun 27, 2014 6:52 am

Just an update on earlier post about my port and it being blocked.

I had the day surgery to unblock it and it turned out that the port had a lot of scar tissue and had "grown into the vein". So that surgery was not helpful at all. Still my veins would not bleed. My doctor said the port needed to be removed and replaced.

The original port was put in my left side subclavian vein because the right side vein appeared on ultrasound to be very small. When I went to the surgeon he again had a look and the conclusion on the operating table was that the subclavian vein on the right was very small so he put the tube of the port into the internal jugular. He said it was a very difficult operation and I stayed in hospital overnight as a precaution.

The surgery was on Saturday and I had blood taken from it on Wednesday. It bled beautifully. Today is Friday and the bruised feeling is almost gone. I am all in favour of ports!

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Port or no port?

by Beacon Staff on Fri Jun 27, 2014 8:44 am

Thanks for the update, Susan. It's helpful to everyone here to learn how the situation with your port was resolved.

We hope your experience with the new port continues to be a good one!