Hi Teo,
Many patients - like me - have a port-a-cath inplanted for transfusions and drugs. I got mine Jan 2007 because I was transfusion dependent and should start with the iron chelating drug Desferal intravenously later on. The port has been OK during 5 years now though I really don’t need it today since I don’t get any transfusions now – it is flushed once a month.
http://lookingforcure.org/index.php?...rapy&Itemid=55
I don't know if we can gain weight when we get EPO drugs or Ferriprox - in any case it is a sign of improvement if your mother doesn't have swollen feet or other symptoms due to too much fluid in her body.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A