Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 I have a single port and take 1mg of coumadin daily to keep it open. The nurses flush it with heparin after every treatment. Even if the port is not being used it must be flushed perodically. I have never befire heard of the X-ray at every tretment. Dale M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 I have a single port and take 1mg of coumadin daily to keep it open. The nurses flush it with heparin after every treatment. Even if the port is not being used it must be flushed perodically. I have never befire heard of the X-ray at every tretment. Dale M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 Judy, I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. Joe > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the port? > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 Judy, I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. Joe > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the port? > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 Judy, I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. Joe > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the port? > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 My husband Bert has a port in his arm and it is flushed after every use with Heparin...which he does himself at home. s his 5fu bag with him for 46 hours straight, slow infusion. He has never had it xray'd. Monika P.S. He is getting his port out in less than two weeks...doctors orders...he is done!!!! FOR GOOD, I HOPE AND PRAY. > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the port? > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2004 Report Share Posted July 13, 2004 My husband Bert has a port in his arm and it is flushed after every use with Heparin...which he does himself at home. s his 5fu bag with him for 46 hours straight, slow infusion. He has never had it xray'd. Monika P.S. He is getting his port out in less than two weeks...doctors orders...he is done!!!! FOR GOOD, I HOPE AND PRAY. > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the port? > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Joe. They do flush it after every use. They even showed me how to do it in case of emergency. He has never had a problem with it since it was put in last Oct. They just inject dye and x-ray it before he starts his three days of chemo. Is Dr. being overly cautious? Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " Joe " <jsulli8@n...> wrote: > Judy, > I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put > in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being > used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they > don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not > on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin > afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously > expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but > they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. > > Joe > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Joe. They do flush it after every use. They even showed me how to do it in case of emergency. He has never had a problem with it since it was put in last Oct. They just inject dye and x-ray it before he starts his three days of chemo. Is Dr. being overly cautious? Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " Joe " <jsulli8@n...> wrote: > Judy, > I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put > in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being > used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they > don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not > on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin > afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously > expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but > they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. > > Joe > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Joe. They do flush it after every use. They even showed me how to do it in case of emergency. He has never had a problem with it since it was put in last Oct. They just inject dye and x-ray it before he starts his three days of chemo. Is Dr. being overly cautious? Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " Joe " <jsulli8@n...> wrote: > Judy, > I have a port - I have never had it xray'd, short of it being put > in. In terms of blood thinner, EVERYTIME the port is done being > used they MUST flush it with heparin, an anticlotting drug. If they > don't, it will clot. When I was in the hospital (believe it or not > on a cancer floor), the nurse did not flush it with heparin > afterward, and it clogged. It took two days of this fabulously > expensive stuff (it's three letters - can't remember the name, but > they use it during heart attacks, I think) to unclog it. > > Joe > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thank you Dale, He takes 1mg also, so that must be standard. I will ask the Dr. next week about the x-rays. Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , dalesfish@a... wrote: > I have a single port and take 1mg of coumadin daily to keep it open. The > nurses flush it with heparin after every treatment. Even if the port is not being > used it must be flushed perodically. I have never befire heard of the X-ray at > every tretment. Dale M. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thank you Dale, He takes 1mg also, so that must be standard. I will ask the Dr. next week about the x-rays. Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , dalesfish@a... wrote: > I have a single port and take 1mg of coumadin daily to keep it open. The > nurses flush it with heparin after every treatment. Even if the port is not being > used it must be flushed perodically. I have never befire heard of the X-ray at > every tretment. Dale M. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Monika, That is why I asked. I never heard anyone on here mention x-raying. Congratulations on finishing chemo. I pray this will be the end of it for your husband. Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " msisecureu2 " <moomaus@a...> wrote: > My husband Bert has a port in his arm and it is flushed after every > use with Heparin...which he does himself at home. s his 5fu > bag with him for 46 hours straight, slow infusion. He has never had > it xray'd. > > Monika > > P.S. He is getting his port out in less than two weeks...doctors > orders...he is done!!!! FOR GOOD, I HOPE AND PRAY. > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Monika, That is why I asked. I never heard anyone on here mention x-raying. Congratulations on finishing chemo. I pray this will be the end of it for your husband. Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " msisecureu2 " <moomaus@a...> wrote: > My husband Bert has a port in his arm and it is flushed after every > use with Heparin...which he does himself at home. s his 5fu > bag with him for 46 hours straight, slow infusion. He has never had > it xray'd. > > Monika > > P.S. He is getting his port out in less than two weeks...doctors > orders...he is done!!!! FOR GOOD, I HOPE AND PRAY. > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 -Thanks Monika, That is why I asked. I never heard anyone on here mention x-raying. Congratulations on finishing chemo. I pray this will be the end of it for your husband. Judy -- In colon_cancer_support , " msisecureu2 " <moomaus@a...> wrote: > My husband Bert has a port in his arm and it is flushed after every > use with Heparin...which he does himself at home. s his 5fu > bag with him for 46 hours straight, slow infusion. He has never had > it xray'd. > > Monika > > P.S. He is getting his port out in less than two weeks...doctors > orders...he is done!!!! FOR GOOD, I HOPE AND PRAY. > > > > Could anyone with a port tell me if theirs is x-rayed everytime > > before chemo? Also, are you on a blood thinner because of the > port? > > They do this to my husband and I never heard anyone on this board > > mention this. Just wondering if this is standard procedure. > > > > Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Judy- I would ask the doctor about the x-rays. I have had my port for over 2 yrs and have never had it x-rayed. I do have good return of blood from it each time they access it for pre treatment bloodwork and when they hook up the chemotherapy. This is a good assurance that the tip of the catheter of the port is well seated in the vein. If they cannot collect blood from the port they they may be concerned that it is not in a proper place. My first oncologist put me on a low dose of cumadin, a " blood thinner " to reduce the risk of clots. My current oncologist does not believe this is necessary and I have not on anything for it for the last year or mor. The radiologist who put my port in said that if the tip of the port catheter is located immediately adjacent to the heart, the rapid blood flow will make the formation of clots unlikely. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Judy- I would ask the doctor about the x-rays. I have had my port for over 2 yrs and have never had it x-rayed. I do have good return of blood from it each time they access it for pre treatment bloodwork and when they hook up the chemotherapy. This is a good assurance that the tip of the catheter of the port is well seated in the vein. If they cannot collect blood from the port they they may be concerned that it is not in a proper place. My first oncologist put me on a low dose of cumadin, a " blood thinner " to reduce the risk of clots. My current oncologist does not believe this is necessary and I have not on anything for it for the last year or mor. The radiologist who put my port in said that if the tip of the port catheter is located immediately adjacent to the heart, the rapid blood flow will make the formation of clots unlikely. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Judy- I would ask the doctor about the x-rays. I have had my port for over 2 yrs and have never had it x-rayed. I do have good return of blood from it each time they access it for pre treatment bloodwork and when they hook up the chemotherapy. This is a good assurance that the tip of the catheter of the port is well seated in the vein. If they cannot collect blood from the port they they may be concerned that it is not in a proper place. My first oncologist put me on a low dose of cumadin, a " blood thinner " to reduce the risk of clots. My current oncologist does not believe this is necessary and I have not on anything for it for the last year or mor. The radiologist who put my port in said that if the tip of the port catheter is located immediately adjacent to the heart, the rapid blood flow will make the formation of clots unlikely. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Lynette- Chemo can be given through a central line. Central lines can stay in quite a while, but since central lines that I know of protrude from the skin, I think that they eventually have to be removed, whereas ports being placed under the skin, can stay in for a very long time- I have had mine for 26 mths. They can give chemotherapy through a catheter in the lower arm as well, but some of the chemotherapy drugs are irritating to these smaller veins where the drug is only slowly diluted by the smaller about of blood flowing in these veins compared to the rapid dilution that occurs in the larger veins near the heart. I have heard many fellow patients complain of discomfort when they receive oxaliplatin through these smaller veins. They have been very pleased when they got a port. I see that you are from Columbus area. As far as treatment goes, I am not certain whether Ohio State has a comprehensive cancer care center, but that might be something to check into even if for a second opinion. Cleveland Clinics I believe have a comprehensive cancer center that I have heard a number of people speak highly about. Best wishes, Kris > -My Father hasn't seen his Oncologist yet. But he does > have a central line in. They only x-rayed that once to > make sure it was in place correctly. > Dad is on a blood thinner called Coumadin (sp?), but > that's not because of a port. > I was curious if anyone knew if he could get chemo > through his central line or if they will have to > insert a port? > > Thanks, > Lynette > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Lynette- Chemo can be given through a central line. Central lines can stay in quite a while, but since central lines that I know of protrude from the skin, I think that they eventually have to be removed, whereas ports being placed under the skin, can stay in for a very long time- I have had mine for 26 mths. They can give chemotherapy through a catheter in the lower arm as well, but some of the chemotherapy drugs are irritating to these smaller veins where the drug is only slowly diluted by the smaller about of blood flowing in these veins compared to the rapid dilution that occurs in the larger veins near the heart. I have heard many fellow patients complain of discomfort when they receive oxaliplatin through these smaller veins. They have been very pleased when they got a port. I see that you are from Columbus area. As far as treatment goes, I am not certain whether Ohio State has a comprehensive cancer care center, but that might be something to check into even if for a second opinion. Cleveland Clinics I believe have a comprehensive cancer center that I have heard a number of people speak highly about. Best wishes, Kris > -My Father hasn't seen his Oncologist yet. But he does > have a central line in. They only x-rayed that once to > make sure it was in place correctly. > Dad is on a blood thinner called Coumadin (sp?), but > that's not because of a port. > I was curious if anyone knew if he could get chemo > through his central line or if they will have to > insert a port? > > Thanks, > Lynette > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Lynette- Chemo can be given through a central line. Central lines can stay in quite a while, but since central lines that I know of protrude from the skin, I think that they eventually have to be removed, whereas ports being placed under the skin, can stay in for a very long time- I have had mine for 26 mths. They can give chemotherapy through a catheter in the lower arm as well, but some of the chemotherapy drugs are irritating to these smaller veins where the drug is only slowly diluted by the smaller about of blood flowing in these veins compared to the rapid dilution that occurs in the larger veins near the heart. I have heard many fellow patients complain of discomfort when they receive oxaliplatin through these smaller veins. They have been very pleased when they got a port. I see that you are from Columbus area. As far as treatment goes, I am not certain whether Ohio State has a comprehensive cancer care center, but that might be something to check into even if for a second opinion. Cleveland Clinics I believe have a comprehensive cancer center that I have heard a number of people speak highly about. Best wishes, Kris > -My Father hasn't seen his Oncologist yet. But he does > have a central line in. They only x-rayed that once to > make sure it was in place correctly. > Dad is on a blood thinner called Coumadin (sp?), but > that's not because of a port. > I was curious if anyone knew if he could get chemo > through his central line or if they will have to > insert a port? > > Thanks, > Lynette > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Kris, Blood return is good. The nurses tell him the port is great. He has all his blood draws through it. I think his Dr. is overly cautious. I worry about the blood thinner because he is on Folfox 6 with Avastin and Avastin can cause bleeding. His only other medical problem is high tryglicerides. Maybe that is why he is concerned. I will ask next week at our appt. Judy - In colon_cancer_support , " krissdvm " <krissdvm@y...> wrote: > Judy- I would ask the doctor about the x-rays. I have had my port > for over 2 yrs and have never had it x-rayed. I do have good return > of blood from it each time they access it for pre treatment bloodwork > and when they hook up the chemotherapy. This is a good assurance > that the tip of the catheter of the port is well seated in the vein. > If they cannot collect blood from the port they they may be concerned > that it is not in a proper place. > > My first oncologist put me on a low dose of cumadin, a " blood > thinner " to reduce the risk of clots. My current oncologist does not > believe this is necessary and I have not on anything for it for the > last year or mor. The radiologist who put my port in said that if > the tip of the port catheter is located immediately adjacent to the > heart, the rapid blood flow will make the formation of clots > unlikely. > > > Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Kris, Blood return is good. The nurses tell him the port is great. He has all his blood draws through it. I think his Dr. is overly cautious. I worry about the blood thinner because he is on Folfox 6 with Avastin and Avastin can cause bleeding. His only other medical problem is high tryglicerides. Maybe that is why he is concerned. I will ask next week at our appt. Judy - In colon_cancer_support , " krissdvm " <krissdvm@y...> wrote: > Judy- I would ask the doctor about the x-rays. I have had my port > for over 2 yrs and have never had it x-rayed. I do have good return > of blood from it each time they access it for pre treatment bloodwork > and when they hook up the chemotherapy. This is a good assurance > that the tip of the catheter of the port is well seated in the vein. > If they cannot collect blood from the port they they may be concerned > that it is not in a proper place. > > My first oncologist put me on a low dose of cumadin, a " blood > thinner " to reduce the risk of clots. My current oncologist does not > believe this is necessary and I have not on anything for it for the > last year or mor. The radiologist who put my port in said that if > the tip of the port catheter is located immediately adjacent to the > heart, the rapid blood flow will make the formation of clots > unlikely. > > > Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2004 Report Share Posted July 18, 2004 Yes Marv they are like canker sores only many of them even in the throat. Not a fun experience! Hopefully you won't have any. By the way, my husband turned 62 last week. You are a lot alike. Good luck tomorrow. Judy > thank you very much for the reply...i try to drink more liquids but i never seem to drink as much as i should i suppose...are the mouth sore like canker sores?...i used to get those when i was much younger but haven't had them in many years...the fatigue won't be hard to get used to i've been experiencing that for better part of a year. never realized why. figured it was just part of getting older..i am 64...anyway, thanks again..i'll keep you posted on my progress...Marv...(Michal) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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