I have a port question - looking for opinions and personal experiences

I finished my chemo from colon cancer in 2017 and 3 weeks later had my port out. I knew I would not need it any longer. I got no argument from my doctors about it. I am thankful that I did not keep it, I have not needed it since. You have to do what you have determined in your heart and what is best for you.

Thanks I appreciate your feedback!

Port is great. Making some people use it can be a problem but you’ll just have to insist. RN and above have to access it so some places can be a pain but insist on it. That is what it is for.

I agree. It feels so invasive and I just hate my port. I have had it in since I was diaywith anal cancer in March! Just had my petscan on Thursday to see if I am cancer free! Then I will have it removed! I hate the feel of it in my chest. Can’t handle it any longer!

I left my port in for about 1 month or so after having the iliostomy reversal. The doctors agreed I really didn't need it anymore since the cancer was removed surgically. BTW there are a couple of different types of ports. A Power Port can be used to give contrast dye when having an MRI or scans where there is another one which is too small for contrast to be used. Then they have to use an IV. I had the power port in my chest. You have to go along with your gut feelings and advice from your doctor. The longer it is in, the harder it is to remove. Mine got pretty intertwined in the muscle I guess because the doctor said she had a time getting it out.

Mine is not a power port, and I’d like to have it removed before my ileostomy reversal surgery. Thank you!
Btw, how soon after the reversal did it take your ‘plumbing’ to return to somewhat normal?

I hope you are cancer -free and can get that bottle cap out of your chest!!

I had mine removed a few months after treatment in 2021. It never worked very well, was itchy, & I got rashes around it. Two years later, cancer came back, & I had a new port placed, on the other side this time, (we figured out that I have an extra rib that was obstructing the first port) it has been without problems. I didn’t miss the port, & didn’t think having a new one placed was a big deal, personally. I now have scars on both sides of my chest, but that doesn’t bother me.

Had colon and 108 lymph nodes removed, followed by chemotherapy. Last chemo was in Nov 2021. I have one small unidentifiable spot which during the last two scans which was decreasing in size, and the last scan was increasing again. The the scan interval was changed from 6 months to 4. Next scan is late this month. Yes, I still have the port in and they flush it monthly. That port removal topic will come up at my next appointment with the oncologist.

I hope you get good news at your next appointment- and if you want your port removed they support you!