Watch and Wait - 2 years on...

[ticktock10]

Hi all,

About this time 2 years ago, I was weighing up whether to go ahead with planned APR surgery or change to the 'watch and wait' approach following successful neo-adjuvant chemo-radiation treatment. It was a huge dilemma for me and I will always be grateful to the people on this forum who took the time to comment and provide feedback at the time.

I just wanted to provide a quick update to say that after my most recent scans (PET and MRI) and colonoscopy, the news is... still watching, still waiting! So far so good

The onc said that if everything looks the same in 6 months time - which will be approx 2 years since I finished the follow-up chemo - we can discuss removing the port. That would be a big milestone for me, so fingers crossed I get deported

[Nik Colon]

Do you have issues with your port? I am thinking to leave mine in as long as possible since my veins really suck

[ticktock10]

I'd be happy to keep the port. I don't have any issues with it at all. It would be a bit scary to have it removed but the onc brought it up so I'll see what happens in six months time. I would be apprehensive but I would take it as a vote of confidence if they suggest getting it removed.

[Bev G]

Do you have issues with your port? I am thinking to leave mine in as long as possible since my veins really suck

Nik,

I've had mine for 6 years now. I was re-grateful for it the other day when I had to go back to the retinal specialist after my stroke in my retina a few months ago. They needed to do an angiogram and did not want to use my port. I let the tech in the office stick me twice, and when he couldn't get a vein he called the IV team. Another two sticks and she got it. I hope next time they need an angiogram they'll use the port. I'm on Plavix now because of the stroke and I get a bruise because of it if someone even looks at me I have been sort of advised a number of times to get mine out, butt seriously with the veins I've got I don't think I will. Spend a fair amount of time wondering about it though.

[Bev G]

Do you have issues with your port? I am thinking to leave mine in as long as possible since my veins really suck

Nik,

I've had mine for 6 years now. I was re-grateful for it the other day when I had to go back to the retinal specialist after my stroke in my retina a few months ago. They needed to do an angiogram and did not want to use my port. I let the tech in the office stick me twice, and when he couldn't get a vein he called the IV team. Another two sticks and she got it. I hope next time they need an angiogram they'll use the port. I'm on Plavix now because of the stroke and I get a bruise because of it if someone even looks at me I have been sort of advised a number of times to get mine out, butt seriously with the veins I've got I don't think I will. Spend a fair amount of time wondering about it though.

Here's something else weird (actually TOO weird). There is a complication that can occur after a retinal stroke that is way too complicated to explain. It hasn't happened yet. The doc told me if it did he would treat it by injecting AVASTIN IN MY EYE!!! I thought it was ironic. The idea of it makes me nauseated. I am very much hoping I won't need it. I'm tough....butt really??!!?

[vilca11]

Bev, do they flash your port monthly all these years?

Avastin treatment of ocular disease is very common, used for macular degeneration too. No problem, the dose is small.
Hugs, vilca

[Ajane]

TT10, that's really good news! Looking forward to hearing more good news from you come October. Jane

[Nik Colon]

Do you have issues with your port? I am thinking to leave mine in as long as possible since my veins really suck

Nik,

I've had mine for 6 years now. I was re-grateful for it the other day when I had to go back to the retinal specialist after my stroke in my retina a few months ago. They needed to do an angiogram and did not want to use my port. I let the tech in the office stick me twice, and when he couldn't get a vein he called the IV team. Another two sticks and she got it. I hope next time they need an angiogram they'll use the port. I'm on Plavix now because of the stroke and I get a bruise because of it if someone even looks at me I have been sort of advised a number of times to get mine out, butt seriously with the veins I've got I don't think I will. Spend a fair amount of time wondering about it though.

Here's something else weird (actually TOO weird). There is a complication that can occur after a retinal stroke that is way too complicated to explain. It hasn't happened yet. The doc told me if it did he would treat it by injecting AVASTIN IN MY EYE!!! I thought it was ironic. The idea of it makes me nauseated. I am very much hoping I won't need it. I'm tough....butt really??!!?

Wow, crazy! Glad you are ok now.

[mike1965]

Great news glad it is working. I tried that approach did not work for me.