Hi Rubyann

I had both, a picc line and then after my first round of induction chemo I had surgery to implant the port. The picc line went in with just a local into my right arm and was fine except for the dangling tubes and having to wear a shower glove to keep everything dry. As far as functionality, I saw no difference. From a personal preference, go with the port all the way. I've had mine in for over two years now and no bothers at all. I have to get it flushed every 2 - 3 months, no big deal.

Kevin

Kevin,

Bill has kept his port in as well and we both agree that it was such a help during his treatment and beyond. We haven't scheduled the surgeon for the removal simply due to inertia. Bill returns every six weeks for a flush. Why haven't you had yours removed?? And, could we go longer, between flushes??...I guess I need to research this as we have just followed what we were told somewhere craziness between dx and treatments.

I know that to some degree, we see the port as something so positive that we don't want to be premature in having it removed, in other words, we are emotionally attached to it and....it has never given Bill a moment's problem. I know at the last two checkups at Moffitt Cancer Center (we go there for follow up even though our treatment docs are local,) our doctor has said, "Why don't you get that thing out??"

Just curious how long everyone keeps the port after treatment and I guess a swift kick in the butt to make an appt. for the surgeon to remove it.

Just curious, Deb

I gusse breaking down and throwing a fit did do some good (So ashame,not like me to act up) They got me in to see a doctor today and going to put a peg in Tue. ( they were talking Oct.)He said I couldn't get a port and and peg at the same time, because two different doctors would have to do it. They still want to do a picc line. He explained everything to me step by step, drawing pictures of what he was going to do, interesting, I said find as long as I'm asleep.
Right now, I want them both out as soon as I can eat. My niece in TN. still has her peg, she had throat cancer and radiation+chemo in Nov. 2006. she can't eat, just gets a few drinks down.

I never had much of the tubes and picc . They took my picc line out the day I came home because I forced myself to swallow..I have no idea why they thought I couldn't swallow . LOL That neck dissection wasn't as tough as this older bird. Now the tongue still gets my attention. LOL and does it big time.

Deb,
the end my treatment was 19 July (07), I go the PEG out in September (07) and the port in early October (07).

M

Ruby:

A port is much easier to care for than a picc line. They basically do the same thing but a port is under your skin. The picc line takes special attention to it daily.


I was told my port needs to be flushed every 4-6 weeks. I wish I could go every few months. I go every 6 weeks to get it flushed. After one more pet scan in Jan, if all is good then its coming out along with the peg tube.

Best of luck with the peg tube surgery. You may feel a bit uncomfortable for a couple days. My belly was a little sore for 2 days when I had mine put it. Now its no big deal anymore, its there but usually I dont feel it. It just needs to be flushed daily, I do mine twice a day. One advantage of having the peg tube is you can put most medications in there so you dont need to taste yucky medicine.

Are you working on getting lots of calories and drinking lots of water now? Hopefully you are eating all your favorite foods and not worrying about gaining weight. Eat everything now, it could be a while before food tastes the same once treatment starts.

Oh, BTW, the same surgeon did both procedures (Port and Peg)during one session under general anesthesia, so it is possible.

Deb