Terry,

I don't know about what problems would happen if you don't get it flushed. Maybe yours is different too. It seems like they definitely should have told you that if you needed it. Or it may be one of those extra precautions which the folks at my medical oncologist's office are so very good at taking--but maybe it isn't strictly necessary. I honestly don't know, but I would call to be sure.

I only had one time when I had to hold my arm up to get the port to work. in general, everyone who needed to use it said it worked like a charm!

Amy, I'm at work today trying to work out the one in-person class I'm teaching (I'm also teaching an online class which won't be a problem and developing some training materials which I can do on a very flexible schedule and that is a half-time load for me. I had enough overlaod teaching hours banked to get released from two courses I normally would have to teach.) My freind and colleague could take it for me if we give another class she's teaching to an adjunct and then I can take on another online calss in exchange.

I really like teaching in the classroom MUCH more than teaching online but it doesn't look like it's the semester for it, given how sore my mouth still is. Thankfully, I have really good work environment and colleagues who really want to help me get well.