Michelle,

I have a friend here (my boss' wife) who held onto her port for a long time, for fear she'd need it again. They finally removed it last year, and I think she is now wishing she'd had it removed earlier. There was some damage that may have resulted from keeping it so long. She feels light-headed at times, because the jugular vein is blocked on one side now. It seems to be related to the port and chemo process.

If you can get over the fear (yes, please!) and have it removed, I think you'll find that you're more than fine without it.

Take care, and whateever you decide is fine. But this is just to say that someone in a similar situation gives permission to remove the darned thing. :)

SRS