IP Port

[ehr]

Diagnosed stage 4 in 2002. Been on one treatment or another for the past 5 years. CA125 up to 5000 in the fall yet two PtCts (over 2 1/2 months) were negative, Finally, a few days ago  a regular Cat scan showed low volumn peritoneal disease present. It was decided that this was an ideal time to do a Lap procedure at NYU and have an IP port put in. This will be followed by IP topotecan the following week, three days in a row every 3-4 weeks. My doctor feels this will be the most effective way to proceed. Has anyone out there had this procedure and subsequent treatment? I would like to know what I am in store for now!

[ehr]

thanks for heads up - what drug did they use for your 4 cycles. It does not sound like a day at the beach what is these days but this is what they say will be most effective as you suggested. I hope all continues to go well for you.

[onthemendmomma]

Yesterday I completed my last infusion of IPIV therapy. I had 4 rounds scheduled that were administered on day 1,IV day 2 IP and day 8 IP. I  had nulasta day 9. Rounds were scheduled for every 2 weeks and only 1 time had to  be delayed because of my bloodcounts being too low.

The port installation was much nothing even though they did a 2nd look at that time. Something they didnt tell me however was that they pumped me full of an anti-adhesion fluid which is very uncomfortable at first but MANAGABLE.....but what was terrifying about it was is it feels exactly like  severe acites....so that was frightining more than anything. (they should tell you these things!!)

The IP itself has it's ups and downs. It is imperitive you have a good pain management/nausea managment plan....if your not on emmend get on it...it is part of my Doc's protocol for any IP and even with that I still take 2 other anti nausea meds throughout the length of time being on ip. Doing this I havent lost any weight which is amazing on ip. I also ate yougurt everyday to get my good bacteria back. You also have to drink as much as possible after ip to get it out asap after it does its job.

The second is pain management. My pain increased from treatment to treatment with fewer good days after each treatment. Other people who have been successful w/ IP swear by exercise even when you feel terrible and say that it makes you better sooner. I couldn't do it. I shattered my leg just b/4 starting the treatment and the pain was just too bad for me to push too hard....I was steadily more bed ridden and needing more pain medication. All that being said....this treatment gives amazing results and knowing it WILL add years....that is what got me through.

All the best

[CA25]

I am praying for you, God bless you!