After the 3rd round of FOLFOX (at a lower dosage), still bad side effects. A new one though with my face and neck swelling up (my face looks purple and my eyes are swollen puffy). Called the oncologist today and she's sending me for an ultrasound tomorrow morning at 8am.

Has anyone else had problems with blood clots with their ports? This one really has me scared!

Carol B

Ports can clot off. They should always heparinize them after accessing them. Have they told you you have a clot? Are you on coumadin? You should be on a blood thinner when you have a port. Are they saying that a clot in the port is causing your side effects? I'm a bit confused.

Just beginning Folfox myself... first round last Wednesday, I've been flat on my back since Saturday. Never thought it would be this bad. I share your pain, hope you'll be better soon.

Hi,
Just a quick question. My husband just had his port put in a week ago and he wasn't put on thinners. Is it a standard thing to be put on them or does age have something to do with it? We weren't told much about the port at all except what they will use it for. Would daily aspirin help?

Thanks, Sherri

Ports can clot off. They should always heparinize them after accessing them. Have they told you you have a clot? Are you on coumadin? You should be on a blood thinner when you have a port. Are they saying that a clot in the port is causing your side effects? I'm a bit confused..

My ports are always heparinized before and after they are accessed. Went in for the ultrasound this morning, and yes, I have a DVT in my subclavian vein. The clot has caused my neck and face to swell since the blood is not flowing like it should. I was already on Warfarin (1mg) so they've upped that to 5 mg a day. I am also having to take a shot of Lovenox once a day (hubby gets to give that one!) Fun...Fun...

Carol:

I don't know what happened to the post I put on the board yesterday?? :confused:

I'm very sorry that you are having all these problems with your port... for SOME, oncologists do prescribe warfarin (Coumadin) and for others, not. It really is up to the doctor; some believe it is necessary while others don't. I hope the clot clears without complication, with no other drug or procedure needed.

It is NOT very common to get a clot as the tubing that they insert into your vessel is NOT sewn in place, but rather allowed to float around in your vessel.

Again, I do hope the meds work quickly to break that up, and prevent future clots. We arel all sending well wishes.:angel:

Fondly,
CancerDad:angel: