Should you get your chemo port flushed periodically?

It was recommended to me to flush every 4-6 weeks if you're not actively using it.

Thanks!

I was told that they went to every three months during the pandemic, and that that was fine too.

I have to mention that there seems to have been a recent recommendation to flush with just saline, not heparin, at least while you're still having chemo. I'm sure this is primarily to save money.

This causes problems for me. While I was letting them flush with saline only, they had problems getting a "blood return" almost every other time they accessed my port. Then they have to soak it in a clotting-busting drug for an hour. (Basically the same stuff they use on strokes.). I've been insisting they flush mine with heparin every time.

Yes definitely. If the port is not being regularly used, ask your doctor how often to go and get it flushed.

Absolutely! I was given liquids daily post treatments for a few months and then a couple times a week for several months so I didn’t need to worry about it.
I had my port removed when I got my feeding peg removed nearly a year post treatments.

MOJO

I get mine flushed every 4 weeks. They have to ensure the tubing stays clean and is still working properly 🙏

For me, it is once every 3 months and I haven’t used it in 5 months. I’d like to get it removed but they said it has to stay in for at least one year before they will remove it.

Yes! I am on a schedule of every 6-8 weeks. Just had it flushed yesterday at Mayo Jax! I’m fortunate to live ten minutes away so I don’t mind. I love my port! Makes testing SO much easier.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I found out there is a difference, depending on if you have an accessible versus under the skin. As a follow up question, has anyone had any issues with their port? Mine has been “uncomfortable” since it was put in, cannot touch it or the area. I also get a rash quite often. It hurt each time it was used (I had a drip and there was only two rounds of chemo).

Hopenjoy,
My port creeps me out. It looks so alien. After placement it was bruised for a few months, healed very slowly. It is sensitive to some clothing, has pains that come and go, itches at times, and lets me know when an overhead lifting activity is not good---think the vein gets pressure from the port arms.
My chemo nurse told me I could put a gauze pad over it to keep my clothing off of it, they are sold with some type of gel adhesive so will peel off easily. I am sensitive to many adhesives so won't try it.
Yes, my port hurts each time it is used too, but is better than the alternative of using arm veins. There was a gal in the infusion room yesterday getting Carboplatin through a vein. Her veins are getting damaged from the Chemo, It took two Nurses to locate a vein that was healthy enough to feed a line into. So I am happy to have a port and avoid those consequences.
Have you tried cortisone ointment on your port? Just dab it on. I try to moisture the skin over it daily since chemo dries out your skin I feel it needs help. Hang in there, best of luck!