my mother is in her 3rd week of treatment and about 10 days ago had a port and a peg "installed."Tonight she's in the hospital for a blood clot after her left arm swelled up apparently due to the port. Has anyone heard of this? How dangerous is it? She's on an IV of humalog or cumadin (sic).Also she's eating mashed potatoes, jello and scrambled eggs, but she's holding out on using her peg. I'd like her to use the peg because she's been throwing up every evening. When should she start using it-can she eat what she can and then use the peg to supplement? THANKS!!!

Hi,

Yes, your mother can eat some regular food and use the PEG tube to supplement. If she is throwing up, she really should use the tube for some of her food. She needs to get enough calories and especially enough protein.

Heather had a PICC line, which is similar to a port. She also got a clot which caused her arm to swell. We were told it was not particularly dangerous. The dangerous clots are the ones that are in the lower extremities. They can break up and travel to the lungs, but upper body clots supposedly don't. They did remove the PICC and put one in her other arm, though. I'm not sure what would be done with a port. Heather also took Lovenox daily to prevent any more clots.

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

thank you rosie-you sure are quick! I'll ask the doc tomorrow about Lovenox and try to get mom started using the peg. good night.I just read some of your old posts and I'm so sorry to hear about Heather. Another thank you since you took the time for me when you may just want to forget about this site.