Cancer Survivor's MRI day & Should You Get a Port Catheter?

[@charlenesullivan9539]

Scan day March 14, I’m cancer free to

[@MarinaBlackford]

🙏🏼❤️

[@lindaomrod1887]

I got a pic line in my arm for chemo..no poking at all after initial insert!! It's been in for a year and a half..no problems at all. It just needs to be kept clean and dry..and needs to be flushed and dressing change once a week. I am almost done treatments for HER-2 positive breast cancer. No scars at all.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thanks for sharing! This could be a good option for some people too.

[@amya9597]

I only had 4 rounds of chemo but still got a port. It makes everything so much easier for the chemo or for the bloodwork. I would totally do it again if I had to, but fingers crossed I never have to do that again.🙏

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes, no ports for us again! 🙏🏼

[@kimberlyfaure1845]

You are Amazing ❤🙏🏻. So young and you have been through so much. 🙏🏻 God bless you.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you so much! 😘

[@Hdishsbdidhdmsk]

Hello everyone. I have breast and brain mri scans and I just wanted to give comfort to people who might be scared by the idea of them. They really aren’t that big a deal and if I can offer any advice - it would be to close your eyes and relax into it. I go into lovely deep thoughts during mine and I’ve got kids, so I treat it as a bit of escapism where I get left alone 🤣❤️

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thank you for sharing that! I’m sure it can help someone. I am thankful for the opportunity to be scanned and have clear scans. I just don’t love the process, but We Can Do Hard Things. And yes, appointments can be a little getaway if you have a busy family life. I feel you!

[@Hdishsbdidhdmsk]

@@MarinaBlackford 💙🙏

[@hadlee189]

I did all 6 rounds of Chemo without a Port, & I surely regret it. The Chemo messed my vein up royally! So when I started to get rounds of Avastin my doctor advised me to go on & get a Port, & I did. I wish I had done it during the Chemo treatment.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing!

[@lf7065]

I have a port since right before i started chemo last September, and I'm reveiving my immunotherapy infusions through it now. I'm SO glad I have it, even though I don't fancy the look, lol. Infusions & blood draws are easy with it. Whenever I decide to get a blood draw through a vein, I regret it quickly because it's so much more uncomfortable.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏼

[@krystalg3228]

I will start my chemo on the 11th, and I am scheduled to get my port placed on the 13th. The thought of getting the port is freaking me out, which, let's face it, if that is my biggest concern right now, I will just be fine, lol Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. You have eased my anxiety and have helped me to have a positive attitude for this journey. Sending you love and appreciation from 🇨🇦

[@paja7647]

I received my port last year. I had local anesthesia, so I was awake, but felt nothing and barely noticed when they finished. It was after my first infusion due to scheduling, but I’m glad I have it because my veins were trouble without it that first time. My incision healed over well, little pain, it’s not pretty, but I got used to it. After taking it easy for a couple weeks, I was able to get back to exercising, including swimming, light yoga, weight machines, normal stuff, when I wasn’t feeling like crap. Your medical team should guide you on your recovery, but hopefully it doesn’t keep you from focusing on getting through chemo and getting well. 👍🏽!

[@krystalg3228]

@paja7647 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with me. I have an anxiety disorder, so hearing of others' experiences helps to calm me down and mentally prepare.

[@paja7647]

@@krystalg3228 You’re so welcome. Marina’s videos have been very calming for me, so I’m glad to share what I can.

[@laxnative4622]

My port was also installed under local anesthesia and the whole it took about 45 min to an hour. Mine went in my upper arm on the inside. The port is about the size of a half dollar coin. No problems with pain after installed or later removed. Didn't have a problem sleeping with it in. Was really glad I got it. I had 5 rounds of chemo (10 infusions). When I finally had it removed the doctor was cranking up the music from the same Era I came from. Felt like a party!

[@krystalg3228]

@laxnative4622 Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I really appreciate it. I'm starting to be a bit more relaxed about it. But only a bit lol

[@hilka73]

Still following you 😊 finished treatment in june 23. I was offered to have a port, but declined because i "only " had 4 rounds of chemo... i really regret that now. The EC90, which is a combination of epirubicin (the red devil) and cyclofosfamid really was bad for my veins. If i was to choose again, i would have said yes please to that port...😊

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thank you for being here and thank you for sharing!

[@annnarag835]

Found your channel ❤praying for you, I myself with HER2+ found out right 2 days before Christmas started treatment end of Jan going on my 3rd chemo in a week. Thank you for all the advice been watching your videos. I actually got the port since having heart surgery 2022 I am bound to have bruises. I was glad to get the port.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for commenting and sharing! ❤️

[@paulrossouw5722]

You are an inspiration Marina. Holding thubs for your results.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you so much!

[@Ripleycat]

I got a port for my 4 rounds of chemotherapy and it simplifies the process. But the surgery both to place it and remove it caused quite a bit of pain after the operations. I don’t think I needed to get a port given my few treatments but it is a good idea for people who are doing long term treatments.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@YolandaH-yw5es]

I am thankful for you & the sharing of your journey. I have been following you since my uterine cancer diagnosis in December of 2022. Also treated in Phoenix and thank you for your advice and suggestions especially during chemo. Thank you for being a blessing to others like me. Best wishes to you.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Best wishes for you! Thank you for being here. And how great is our weather right now? 😘🌵

[@YolandaH-yw5es]

@@MarinaBlackford Thank you! 😎 It's great!! I am only here for the winter then I return home later in the Spring 🙂 I am a snow bird. and love the Winter here!😉

[@YolandaH-yw5es]

But I am still under surveillance with my oncologist here in Phoenix as with my oncologist at home.

[@k_and_m8745]

I have had to not watch your videos for a while for my husband's mental well-being but I wanted to say you truly are a remarkable woman. I had my last MRI in September and need to have one again but was told it was every 6 months so I will try to be more on top of it based on what you said.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you! I hope you and your husband are well! Take care of yourself. We all need to be reminded. 😊

[@laxnative4622]

My chemo lasted only 5 months, but my port was in a year and a half, just in case the cancer returned. My port was in my upper arm, not my chest like some patients. (My cancer wasn't breast.) Been in remission just over a year and a half, and like you getting scanned about every 4 months these days.

[@MarinaBlackford]

I didn’t know they did the arm. Thank you for sharing!

[@goldenpapaya6862]

I'm doing Signatera as well but for colorectal cancer. I can attest to using it as a marker. So thankful for the peace of mind it gives me aside from my other tests.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing that! 🙏🏼❤️

[@lianahw-j7h]

As always, I love your content Marina! So insightful, honest and positive. ❤ I just wanted to mention that over here in Switzerland, my doctor gave me the option of a port or a PICC line in my arm for chemo. I ended up choosing the PICC. Both definitely have their pros and cons, but it was nice to have the choice. Just an fyi in case anyone wants a third choice to discuss with their care team.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for watching! That is so great to have options! Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤️

[@lynneward8845]

You are an inspiration, Marina, and give very practical tips, thank you!

[@MarinaBlackford]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@christinawaite8352]

Another great video Marina. I love that I always get a positive message of some kind from your video's or lives. I really needed to hear how you don't allow fear to run your life and how you talked about knowing your treatments have cured your cancer. My husband the whole time during my treatments has said the exact same words you shared. Thank you again for all you do!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Your comments are always so sweet! Thank you for taking the time to write them. I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@christinawaite8352]

We all appreciate you!!!@@MarinaBlackford

[@USALife_AZ]

Marina, where are you? Miss you at Dr. Gombert. Angela.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! I’m no longer doing dental hygiene. I’m home with my kids, on KZbin and cancer coaching clients now.

[@USALife_AZ]

@@MarinaBlackford whatever make you happy. And healthy. Will miss you ❤️

[@isalushiku3541]

Hi Marina, kisses & hugs from Ottawa 🥰👍

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hello 😊

[@natalievanhouten8809]

Thanks for all the great advice and positive energy. I love my port and numbing cream is amazing! Personal piece of advice, don't let anyone that isn't chemo certified touch your port, like a lab tech or even ER nurse. Also, your teeth are perfect! Do you have a toothbrush recommendation that doesn't cost $300???

[@laxnative4622]

I get blood tests monthly for a condition other than cancer, and never once did the non cancer center folks use the chemo port when I had it in.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Yes, numbing cream is a good option to use with the port too! The oncology team is best with the ports. I agree. And thank you! I love the Oral B power brushes. They start around $49. amzn.to/3IoRk1P

[@MarinaBlackford]

Interesting. I wonder why they didn’t use it. There must be a reason. Remember to have a port “accessed” or flushed at least every 6 weeks too.

[@natalievanhouten8809]

thanks! bought it! Did you do a false eyelash video?? I just received my 4th round of chemo taxol/carboplatin/avastin/durvalumab and did really well, debulking surgery is this month. I'd love to get the message out that some people tolerate chemo well. I envisioned myself hugging the toilet and exhausted and was terrified my first chemo tx. None of those things happened. I pray for hope, peace and healing for all oncology patients! Thanks for making this journey easier! @@MarinaBlackford

[@laxnative4622]

Yes. After my chemo treatments finished I still had the port for a year. I had to get it flushed at the cancer center once a month.

[@carolbraswell4488]

You are so sweet!! Love your videos and your positive attitude and vibs!!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you so much!!

[@staciaallison5638]

Can you suggest a multi-vitamin and also, do you take turmeric in a powder form or pill? Thanks

[@MarinaBlackford]

Yes, I use pure encapsulations multivitamin. I take YouTheory turmeric in pill form.

[@LouisBisignano]

loved it especially stress free life style.My daughter is an Oncology nurse saved my life have NHL waiting on my final 3 month pet.Trying to wean off gabba,acylovir,bactrim etc,back to exercise and power nutrition.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you! That’s so good your daughter can help you! 🙏🏼❤️

[@1patriciam1]

Hate scan days so hard

[@MarinaBlackford]

Ugh. I feel you!

[@laxnative4622]

When I get the contrast I'm radioactive for the rest of the day, so the doctors say to avoid being around anyone pregnant the rest of the day.

[@MarinaBlackford]

I have not been told that. Thank you!

[@lf7065]

I've never heard that, either! What country are you in? Perhaps they use a different kind of solution than the US? 🤔

[@laxnative4622]

I'm in the U.S. at one of the top hospitals in the country. For my post cancer PET-CT scans they inject F-18 FDG intraveneously an hour before the scan. After the scan they recommended lots of water to flush it out and avoiding children & pregnant women for 2 hours. I would search "F-18 FDG" online for more info.

[@laxnative4622]

I'm in the U.S. My post cancer PET-CT scans included injection of F-18 FDG an hour before each scan. After the scan I'm told to avoid children and pregnant women for 2 hours, and drink lots of water afterward. According to Wikipedia F-18 FDG usage is standard for PET neuroimaging and cancer patient mgmt.

[@lf7065]

@@laxnative4622 Thank you for sharing. Yours is done differently from mine then. I hope you're getting great results! 🙂🙏

[@Bar1115]

❤❤❤

[@MarinaBlackford]

❤️

[@aseret4672]

I have been following you...i have a query..i am a hormone positive breast cancer survivor...completed chemo, lumpectomy and radiotherapy in nov 2023...now i am on Tamoxifen and Pamorelin injection.. Wondering about getting a hysterectomy? What made you go ahead with it? I already had one ovary removed in 2019...and i was diagnosed with BC in march 2023...Stage 2 grade 3 ( but no metastasis...it was a stage 2 coz the tunour was IDC 3cm)

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! I decided to go through with my hysterectomy because I am BRCA1 positive and I carry the risk for ovarian cancer. After having breast cancer twice and being done having my children, I wanted to eliminate my risk for cancer. Tough decision but no regrets here.

[@aseret4672]

@@MarinaBlackford Thanks for replying...you are an inspiration for women like me.. 🙏

[@geogarcia7655]

❤

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for being here! 😘🙏🏼❤️

[@Anastasia-m5b]

Dear Marina, I am new in your channel, I would be grateful if you could answer couple of questions I have, sorry if there are answers in other videos, so if you could share when did you find out about the cancer for the second time, was it a local relapse, was it in the lymph nodes?? Which strategy did you oncologist use this time? How did you get over chemo one more time, how many courses did you have?

[@lf7065]

Watch her videos. She recorded it all. 🙂

[@Anastasia-m5b]

I would appreciate if Marina herself could answer.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Local relapse, no lymph nodes and carboplatin and taxol with surgery and radiation after.

[@monicaelizondo1606]

My husbands doctor didn’t give him a choice. I REALLY don’t like this doctor.

[@MarinaBlackford]

His oncologist? Ask if he has to do the port and why or why not.