I have the port because I had 48 out of 50 lymph nodes taken from my left arm.
I had 6 out of 27 lymph nodes taken from the right arm. That leaves me susceptible to lymphedema . I have a power injectable port. My doctor said it is fine to have it flushed every six weeks. Jomama I just read through al the info that was given to me when I had the port. It states the port can stay in place indefinitely as long as it does not clot, if it does then it needs to be replaced.

Wow! Thanks Sarah!!!!

If anyone wants more info this is their site- http://www.cathflo.com/home/index.jsp

Activase cathflo eats clots in power ports, mediports,, infusaports, PICC lines, all central lines etc... It is a weakened version of the "clot eating" drugs they give to heart attack and stroke patients. It takes up to 90 minutes to work and can be done by whoever flushes your ports. I'm a registered nurse and use it from time to time- as needed at work. I work on a med-surg floor at a hospital. I've never seen it NOT work or anyone have a bad reaction to it. This has saved at least 10 ports from needing replaced since I've worked there.

I've only ever heard if women with stage 4 keeping a port in for longer than their treatment infusions. But I guess by keeping it you can have blood draws through it. It just means the Inconvenience of going for the flushes. But it can't be used for imaging contrast agents or immunizations. I have no idea how long they last. My oncologist told me he wanted it removed because it poses a clot risk.