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To have "Power Port" removed or not..that is the question (put in on 07/25/2012)

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 6/26/2013 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Please also read signature at bottom of this post, for that will give everyone a general idea of where husband is regarding treatment, etc.
Our last visit (May) with oncologist, he asked if husband wanted the port removed? Husband said that it didn't bother him but would be okay to remove it??? This was one of the last questions asked during the exam time and of course doctor was behind also seeing some of his partners patients as well, therefore didn't really get a "feel" about his reply regarding the removal or not. We had asked before if he would be given taxotere again and the doctor said NO...so does that mean no more chemotherapy "ever"...who can say never......Next visit to actually see the doctor "face to face" will be in July (late in the month). Wanted some input from you guys here on this forum....everyone seems knowledgeable in several areas and I find that comforting and need to hear your thoughts on this question.
Their are lesions in lungs and kidneys which are being watched closing (for size or spreading changes). I am concerned that this is where the cancer will go next and chemotherapy would be a way of treatment, right? Or possibly radiation? However, he already has had 37 radiation treatment in the prostate area, and maybe radiation can not be utilized due to the previous treatment, therefore (my thinking) only other option would be chemotherapy and then the port would be useful again. Doctor has said that he would even consider a combination of meds if scans show growth, etc.
Not familiar with folks having them taken in and out very often, sometimes I've heard of them keeping them in for years...."just in case"....
Husband doesn't use the port for blood draw or anything else except the chemotherapy treatments. His shoulders have been hurting, doctor said it's the medication (no cancer growth on scans in that area). We thought that maybe it's the port, (especially when he lays on his side & he is a side sleeper), but one Aleve has stopped that pain, so sleeping has not been interrupted as it had pre-Aleve.
The orders ave been drawn up, all we have to do is make the appointment to have the port removed...just hesitant. Thanks in advance for your support.....and I also will "play it back"..
Posted 6/26/2013 7:50 AM (GMT 0)
Tednsal,

I'm a moderator on the Chronic Pain forum but your post caught my eye so I'm hoping no one will mind if I gave a couple of quick thoughts. Because of my health issues - I had a Power Port put in a couple of months back. Because I use it for everything (blood draws, IVs, infusions, etc) - I can't ever see being w/out a port at this point.

Even though the insertion and removal is a "minor" surgery -- it's still an invasive procedure. Personally - given what you've shared - I would choose to keep it in.

That being said....

--If the pain your husband has is disrupting his sleep or causing major discomfort - I probably would think about removal, if I wasn't actively using the port. I, too, am a side sleeper.... and I'm "aware" of the port and it's sometimes aggravating. That being said, I'm getting more and more used to it as the days go on.

--Maybe because my port is new - I'm aware of it a few times a day... which occasionally makes me think about the health issues that I have that necessitate a port. For me, though - it's actually a positive thing because it's made my life so much better in many aspects. However, I can also see the flip side - that a port might be a negative reminder. (Did any of that make sense?... sorry! Having a hard time coming up w/ the right words tonight).

So.... if those two points aren't much of an issue - I'd say leave it in. If either of those points are an issue - I'd say to yank it out - because it can always go back in.

One final thought.... and not sure if this is applicable to all port patients.... I can't go longer than 5 weeks of non-use w/out having it flushed. I'm not sure what the longest amount of time is.... but, again, just something to think about.

Good luck to you and your husband. Would love to know what you ultimately decide, if you get a chance! --Tina
Posted 6/26/2013 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
tednsal - your husband could have additional radiation to those new areas. The radiation oncologist would plot out the area to radiate and would have info on the previous radiation. My husband just had radiation therapy to the lower spine. There was one small spot not treated because it had been radiated earlier.
No opinion on the port, sorry!
Best thoughts to you and your husband!
Posted 6/26/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I’ll offer a response on your question about removing the port.   I have not had a port myself, but I’ve learned a lot about them from someone close to me having one. Having a “foreign body” in your body elevates risks for issues…you were probably already told about these:   infections, bleeding, clotting, possible breakage, and others.   It can get in the way.   It is extra sensitive to getting bumped or even brushed against.   I believe, then, that the general suggestion is that if you don’t have a likely near-term use for it, it might be best to pull it out.   The procedure for pulling it out is similar, but simpler, than putting it in.   It does involve anesthesia, for which there are always low levels of risk.   Another port can always be reinstalled, although, again, that would involve the low-levels of risk from another interventional procedure. I’d say that the only reason to keep it is if there is a plan for it as a treatment vehicle in the near-term. Best wishes…
Posted 6/26/2013 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for that info Casey.

I know nothing of ports but have been reading up all day since my mother had one put in yesterday. I don't think taking it out will be relevant with her though.

I have to admit I am a little squeamish at the idea of a port. Am also concerned with the instructions her Italian doctors gave her about not showering. Been trying to read up on that but that can't be right. They also told her not to swim in the pool which is a shame because we rented a house with pool for her to relax in during her chemo.
Posted 6/26/2013 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
tendsal -- it sounds to me like your discussion with the doctor, or at least the part that might be most relevant to this decision, was a bit rushed. You and your husband are entitled to have all of your questions answered fully before you have to make a decision. You might consider calling the oncologist and trying to have a prompt follow up discussion with him, by phone or in person, about the likelihood of further chemotherapies or other potential uses of the port. That might give you more confidence that you are making the best decision. When my dad went off taxotere, they tried a few other things. Eventually, they did use some other chemotherapies. That was a few years ago, and treatments have changed a bit, but "no more taxotere" does not necessarily mean "no more chemotherapy." So I would vote for a call to the doc, and a follow up conversation - so you get all your questions answered. Best wishes, Medved
Posted 6/27/2013 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
David,

I would definitely be asking the doctor again about the not showering/not getting the port wet. I can definitely see that while the incision is healing (mine took maybe 10 days to heal, something like that).... there really should be no reason to not get the site wet, once the incision is healed.

Obviously, check w/ her doctor....

Take care, Tina
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