[TobyBradshaw]

Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by TobyBradshaw on Mon Jul 29, 2013 5:18 pm

My mom got her first chemo today -- cyclophosphamide IV, Velcade subq, and dexamethasone PO. She's on a 21-day cycle with the cyclophosphamide on Day 1 only. The plan is to re-image her plasmacytomas after 2 cycles. She is probably not a candidate for SCT, and will likely just have 6-8

My mom's oncology nurse mentioned getting a port. Have those of you on 21-day cycles of VCD had ports installed? If not, why not? If so, how did it work for you? [I searched the forum but only found 1 port/picc thread.]

I'm a little leery of ports since my dad's gave him clotting problems. In my mom's case, having port surgery when the port is only used once every three weeks seems questionable to me.

[Covelo]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by Covelo on Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:16 pm

I take my cyclophosphamide orally. The pills are rather large (take 13 once weekly) but smaller than some vitamin tabs I have taken. I get the Velcade and dex same as your Mom.

[dnalex]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by dnalex on Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:30 am

My mom had a port put in when she going through the VRD (The VR) maintenance and Zometa infusions after stem cell transplant. She just recently had it removed after 2 years, because she is completely off treatments, and only needs to have blood drawn for monthly bloodwork.

For her, it was a very good thing to have had that port. Her veins were just getting really difficult to do, and her arms were a mass of bruises.

[lyndaclark]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by lyndaclark on Tue Jul 30, 2013 5:30 pm

I had a port put in before my first stem cell transplant. Up till then, I had only had oral chemo. My port and I had a love/hate relationship. At one point I had a staph infection, but with antibiotics (through the port) it cleared up. It was aggravating as far as bathing. BUT as someone else mentioned, getting stuck for an I.V. frequently really does damage to the veins. I believe mine was removed after my SCT but before I completed my zometa and thalidomide maintenance.Once the port was removed, I wished I still had it! .As time went on, it got tougher to find a good vein, and therefore my anxiety increased before each I.V. I'd say it is all personal preference. Is she able to see how things go and then decide to get one later if she wanted?

[TobyBradshaw]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by TobyBradshaw on Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:17 pm

Thanks for the information -- very helpful.

[pewerw]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by pewerw on Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:29 pm

my Mom had a port put in and she says everyone needs one. She loves it. All IV's botyh chemo and non can go thru it and they take her blood thru it.

[janner]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by janner on Tue Jul 30, 2013 7:48 pm

I had a port for 8 years, through several rounds of chemo and two stem cell transplants. It worked really well for me, and especially for all of the constant blood draws through those years, too. I had it removed 5 years ago when things looked stable, and so far, so good. I wouldn't hesitate having another one put in , if need be.
Best of luck to you and your mom

[LibbyC]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by LibbyC on Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:50 am

Hi Toby,
During my treatment I have had 3 PICC lines (left arm, right arm then left again) . It is annoying having to be careful when you shower but so very easy if you need to give blood or have chemo or anything that they need to give you IV. Most of my zometa was given via the PICC. A PICC line is usually used as a temporary line and they need to be flushed and have a new dressing every week. All 3 of mine were double lines, if need be they can give 2 different IV solutions at one time. When I was very ill they needed more than the 2 lines, in the end I had 2 more temporary lines put in. It took them (doctors, nurses, whoever was willing to have a go) ~11 attempts to get another line in. I felt like I was a pin cushion.

Your mum doesn't need one for her current treatment but it can make it much easier.
All the best,
Libby

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by Nancy Shamanna on Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:26 am

Hi Toby, I have not had a port but friends who have them like them. They tend to be on chemotherapy for an extended period of time. I had Velcade by indjections for three months, and the veins on my hands started to collapse. (Sub cutaneous injections were not given back then). I required a central venous line over the time of my auto stem cell transplant. I wasn't really very comfortable with it and it was removed again after the transplant was deemed to have been a success (four months). After that I was still taking chemotherapy but it was orally (Revlimid). So because of my situation I don't think I needed a port, even though I was on treatments for almost two years.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Port for VCD/CyBorD?

by Nancy Shamanna on Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:53 am

Hi Again, Having said the above, I might add that the nurses in the units that give chemotherapy are very experienced with all aspects of the drugs. Cyclophosphamide is a stronger chemo than Velcade , I think. If so, perhaps the nurses have good reasons to suggest a port. I would talk with them and your doctor as to why they would suggest a port!!