Disconnecting Your Chemotherapy Pump at Home: A Safe and Convenient Option

If you're receiving chemotherapy through a continuous infusion pump, you're likely familiar with the small portable device that delivers medication over 24-48 hours. Traditionally, patients return to the clinic to have their pumps disconnected, but there's an increasingly popular option that many treatment centers now offer: disconnecting the pump at home.

What is a continuous infusion chemotherapy pump?

Many chemotherapy regimens use portable infusion pumps to deliver medication continuously over one or two days. Common regimens that use these pumps include:

FOLFOX - For colorectal cancer (5-FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin)
FOLFIRI - For colorectal and GI cancers (5-FU, Leucovorin, Irinotecan)
FOLFIRINOX - For pancreatic and colorectal cancers (5-FU, Leucovorin, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin)
5-FU with radiation - For rectal and other cancers
Other regimens - Various protocols using continuous infusions

These small, portable pumps allow you to receive your chemotherapy infusion while at home, connected through your central line or port. The pump typically delivers medication for 24-48 hours before needing to be disconnected.

Understanding central lines and ports

If you're new to continuous infusion therapy, you may hear your healthcare team mention "central lines" or "ports." These are specialized devices that provide reliable access to your bloodstream for chemotherapy delivery:

Port (Implanted Port): A small device surgically placed under the skin, typically in your chest. It's completely hidden under the skin when not in use, and a special needle is inserted through the skin to access it. Ports are designed for long-term use (months to years) and require minimal maintenance - just monthly flushing when not in regular use. They allow you to shower, swim, and participate in most activities normally once healed. Ports are the most common choice for home disconnection programs because they're more secure and have lower infection risk.
Central Line (PICC Line): A thin tube inserted into a vein in your upper arm and threaded toward your heart. Unlike a port, it has external tubing visible on your arm that requires regular dressing changes and daily flushing. PICC lines are typically used for shorter treatment periods (weeks to months) and can be removed easily without surgery. While less common for home disconnection than ports, PICC lines can also be safely disconnected at home with proper training.

Both devices can be used for home pump disconnection, though your healthcare team will recommend which type is best for your specific treatment plan and whether home disconnection is appropriate for your situation. The disconnection process is similar for both, though port access may require needle removal as an additional step.

According to the Association of Community Cancer Centers, home disconnection programs have become an important part of modern cancer care, offering multiple benefits for patients and healthcare systems alike.

Types of continuous infusion pumps

Not all chemotherapy pumps are the same. Understanding the type of pump you have can help you feel more confident about using it at home. The two main types used for continuous infusion are:

Electronic pumps

Electronic pumps are battery-powered, programmable devices that deliver medication with high precision. Common brands include CADD pumps and similar ambulatory infusion devices.

Key features:

Highly accurate flow rate control
Built-in alarms for safety (alerts for occlusion, low battery, or completion)
Programmable for complex regimens
Can be adjusted if treatment needs change
Requires charging or battery replacement

Considerations:

Slightly heavier and bulkier than elastomeric pumps
Makes mechanical sounds during operation
Requires training to understand alarms and settings
More commonly used in hospital settings or for complex protocols

Elastomeric pumps

Elastomeric pumps use a simple balloon-like reservoir that's pre-filled with your chemotherapy medication. As the balloon deflates, it pushes medication through at a controlled rate - no batteries or electricity needed.

Key features:

Lightweight and truly portable (often small enough to fit in a pocket or small bag)
Completely silent operation
No programming or buttons - it just works
Disposable and single-use
No power source needed

Considerations:

Fixed flow rate (cannot be adjusted once started)
No alarms or alerts
Temperature and body position can slightly affect flow rate
You'll return the empty pump to your clinic for proper disposal

Most patients receiving FOLFOX or similar continuous infusion regimens use one of these pump types. Your healthcare team will choose the pump that best fits your specific treatment protocol and lifestyle needs. The good news is that regardless of which type you have, the home disconnection process is straightforward and safe with proper training.

The benefits of home disconnection

Save valuable time

One of the most significant advantages is time savings. Instead of scheduling another clinic appointment and traveling back to the hospital 46-48 hours after starting your infusion, you can disconnect at home on your own schedule. This means:

No additional travel time or transportation costs
No waiting room time
More flexibility to plan around work, family, or rest needs
Less disruption to your daily routine

Reduce exposure to infections

During chemotherapy, your immune system may be compromised, making you more vulnerable to infections. By staying home instead of visiting a crowded clinic, you reduce your exposure to:

Common colds and flu
Hospital-acquired infections
Other contagious illnesses from fellow patients

According to Minnesota Oncology, reducing unnecessary clinic visits is particularly important when patients are immunocompromised or during high viral circulation periods.

Increase comfort and control

Many patients report feeling more empowered when they can manage this aspect of their care at home. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust notes that patients appreciate:

Being in the comfort of their own home
Having control over the timing
Avoiding the stress of additional appointments
Feeling more independent in their treatment journey

Research shows that 81% of patients feel very comfortable with self-disconnection, and 98% feel they have the resources needed to safely perform the procedure.

Help reduce healthcare system burden

Home disconnection also benefits the healthcare system by:

Freeing up nursing time for more complex patient needs
Reducing clinic congestion
Allowing infusion centers to accommodate more new patients
Optimizing resource allocation during staff shortages

Is home disconnection safe?

Yes - with proper training and patient selection, home disconnection is very safe. Healthcare facilities carefully screen patients to ensure they are appropriate candidates for home disconnection. You'll receive:

Comprehensive training

Your healthcare team will provide:

Step-by-step written instructions
Hands-on practice during a clinic visit
Instructional videos to review at home
Contact information for questions or concerns

Complete supplies

You'll be sent home with everything needed:

Disposable gloves
Alcohol wipes or chlorhexidine for cleaning
Gauze pads
A puncture-resistant sharps container
Sealable plastic bags for safe disposal
Detailed instruction sheets

Safety protocols

According to UNM Health, proper safety protocols include:

Checking that the pump has finished infusing (pump alarm sounds, display shows "END")
Wearing gloves during the entire procedure
Following proper hand hygiene
Safe disposal of chemotherapy-contaminated materials
Knowing when to call for help

The disconnection process: What to expect

While your healthcare team will provide specific instructions, here's a general overview of what the process involves:

1. Preparation (5 minutes)

Gather all supplies in a clean, well-lit area
Wash your hands thoroughly
Put on disposable gloves
Check that the pump shows the infusion is complete

2. Disconnection (5-10 minutes)

Turn off the pump according to instructions
Clean the connection site with an alcohol wipe
Carefully disconnect the tubing from your central line or port
Flush your line with saline if instructed
Apply a clean dressing if needed

3. Disposal (5 minutes)

Place the pump and tubing in the provided plastic bag
Dispose of gloves and other materials properly
Return the pump to the clinic as instructed (usually at your next appointment)
Wash your hands again thoroughly

Most patients find the entire process takes 15-20 minutes and becomes easier with practice.

Who is a good candidate for home disconnection?

Not everyone is suitable for home disconnection. Your healthcare team will consider:

Your comfort level: Are you confident following step-by-step instructions?
Your support system: Do you have a caregiver who can assist if needed?
Your physical ability: Can you manage the manual dexterity required?
Your understanding: Do you comprehend the safety procedures?
Your line type: Some central line types are easier to disconnect than others

If you're interested in home disconnection, discuss it with your oncology nurse. Many patients who are initially hesitant find it becomes routine after the first time.

When to call your healthcare team

While home disconnection is generally safe, you should contact your healthcare team immediately if:

The pump doesn't indicate the infusion is complete
You see signs of infection at the line site (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge)
You experience fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
The line appears damaged or is leaking
You feel unsure about any step of the process
You develop sudden pain or discomfort at the line site

Your clinic will provide you with 24/7 contact numbers for questions or emergencies.

Tips from experienced patients

Patients who regularly disconnect at home offer these helpful suggestions:

Practice makes perfect: The first time may feel intimidating, but it gets easier
Set a reminder: Use your phone to remind you when it's time to disconnect
Create a dedicated space: Have a clean area with good lighting set up in advance
Watch the video again: Review instructional materials before your first few times
Don't rush: Take your time and follow each step carefully
Have someone nearby: Especially for your first time, having a family member present can provide reassurance
Keep the clinic number handy: Save the contact number in your phone for quick access

Real patient experience

Want to see what the disconnection process looks like in real life? Here's a quick demonstration from a FOLFOX patient showing how straightforward it can be:

Note: This is for educational purposes. Always follow your healthcare team's specific instructions for your pump and situation.

Supporting technology

Modern healthcare technology can make managing your treatment even easier. Tools like OncoSteps can help you:

Set reminders for pump disconnection time
Track your chemotherapy schedule
Log any symptoms or side effects
Keep all your treatment information in one place
Communicate easily with your healthcare team

While technology can't replace proper training, it can serve as a helpful organizational tool throughout your treatment journey.

Conclusion

Home disconnection of your FOLFOX 5-FU pump represents a positive shift toward patient-centered care. With proper training, clear instructions, and the right supplies, most patients can safely and confidently disconnect their pumps at home.

The benefits are clear: more time, greater comfort, reduced infection risk, and increased autonomy over your treatment. If your treatment center offers this option and you feel comfortable with the process, it's worth considering.

Talk to your oncology team about whether home disconnection is right for you. They can assess your individual situation and provide the training and support you need to succeed.

Remember - you're not alone in this journey. Whether you disconnect at home or at the clinic, your healthcare team is always just a phone call away to support you through every step of your treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare team. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your oncology clinic for pump disconnection.