Hi folks:
I'm in the process of having to choose an oncologist and commence chemo.
I have been strongly advised to get a port, and this is where my biggest
concern lies.

I lost my leg 9 years ago due to a heparin reaction (HIT). I understand
that heparin is used to flush the lines. I have been advised that they
CAN use saline to do this, but my problem is that I am having a hard
time wrapping my pea brain around the fact that I am going to have to
trust that the nurses do not use a line that has been flushed with heparin.

I was wondering if anyone else is sensitive to heparin and how you might
deal with it. I am considering asking the doctor to let me purchase my
own line(s) that I can keep in my possession and make sure they're
handled properly.

I know I'm being a control freak, but having now lost two body parts, I
am highly reluctant to part with another one which would be a probable
result of an "oops" on the part of a care provider.

Thanks in advance for listening to my concern.

BG