Port Placement

Had to be up bring and early to get my port placed today at Methodist at 8:15. We were woken up earlier than expected though because Able decided to poop in his sleep again. This is the third time in 24 hours he has done this. We are hopeful he’s just holding it in because of the cold and will get back on track. He is older at ten years old so there’s always that fear it’s something more than a simple solution.. I had a stern talking to with him before his turn out right before we left and he did poop outside so here’s hoping he’s got it back on track ????????

Of course this set us back time wise. We were supposed to be at Methodist at 8:15. Then all the lights were out on dodge street which slowed us down even more! I was so nervous we wouldn’t make it on time but somehow did. Once we got there though the receptionist said “you were supposed to be here at 7:30!! Everyone arrives two hours prior to their procedure!” I felt so bad and had no idea!!! Multiple people told me 8:15 so somebody messed up in communication for sure! They were still able to get me all ready and I apologized about a thousand times.

Pre-Surgery

First I had to pee in a cup to ensure I wasn’t pregnant. Still no Jesus baby here! Then they took me back and a nurse named Tracy asked me all the pre op questions and put in an IV. She hooked me up to some gentle fluids which I really appreciated because my urine looked a little dark this morning. Mitch was allowed to come back and sit with me after this. Covid puts alot of visiting restrictions so I’m glad he’s allowed at these big scary appointments. I was also able to say hi to an old ER coworker, Kristina, who now works pre-op. It really eased my fears seeing a friendly face and a nurse I highly regard.

After that everyone from anesthesia and Dr. Kolkman came and talked to me, making sure I knew what was happening. Tracy had me take oral Tylenol, gabapentin, and oxy for the pain then off I went. They had me switch to the surgical bed. Anesthesia said here’s a little oxygen but that put me right to sleep, little tricksters!

Post Surgery

I woke up with a new fancy port and pain to accompany it. Luckily the pain in my right chest from the biopsy and cancer in general had gone away and they put the port in my left so I got a few hours of pain just on one side. She gave me a whiff of fentanyl which I didn’t think did much but must have done something because I got all sorts of crazy ideas when we left.

We went and picked up bagels from my favorite, Bagel Bin. It wasn’t too far from Methodist and I woke up craving bagels. Something inside me (probably the drugs) said, “take grandma this cute little donut with pink sprinkles on it.” So we did that too. She doesn’t live far from the hospital and it made her day. Love her so much!

Got home around one and the pain hit me hard. It was not a fun afternoon. I took a lot of meds and it’s taken until now (around 11pm) to get the pain under control. It’s just been on and off sleeping/icing since then. I had gotten some good tips about using an ace bandage to hold the ice in place instead of a bra and that really helped.

Thankful For Support

So many cancer survivors I’ve never met or only met once have reached out to me with great tips. It’s like being in a sorority and having a big sister guide the way. Right now two lovey women Jane, a greyhound owner, and Coleen, my mother-in-law’s friend, are providing so much advice and support. I’m so grateful I have them! My friend Jasper’s wife, Andrea, also has breast cancer right now and I see her as a fellow sorority pledge. It’s nice having someone going through it at the same time to talk to. I can’t say enough good things about these women. They are helpful, courageous, and simply amazing.

A Science Lesson!

A little science to end out the blog. A port is a little circular device connected to what looks like a straw. The port is implanted right under the skin. The little straw is guided through a vein. A needle is then inserted into the skin to connect to the circular device to give medicine into the straw and right into the vein whenever I need it. It can be removed (the needle, not the whole port) when I’m done with whatever treatment I need or can be left in for up to a week if I need it to be accessed for multiple treatments.

Ports are used for multiple reasons including easy venous access for medication, protection of the vein from the caustic harmful drugs being but in my body, and is accessed using sterile technique versus clean with IVs. The pain I’m having will go away as it heals and it will be getting lots of use soon with my chemo treatments and blood draws.

That’s it for today my warriors. Some people mentioned wanting a way to subscribe to the blog so they get an email when I post (only if you want!). We are are working on that and hope to roll that out in a few days.

We’re also working on a design to get shirts made for everybody to show their support and wear on chemo days. Y’all know I’m all about putting it out into the universe to manifest your dreams. All the good vibes will help! The shirt is gonna feature some of my favorite things but we won’t spoil the surprise yet. ???

As always warriors…have a magical, joyful day!