...and that is why I had a port implanted

Yesterday's experience was both better and worse than I anticipated. I was told to arrive at 9 a.m., which was wonderful since my procedures usually are scheduled mid-afternoon (not pleasant when you can't eat after midnight). After the requisite tests and questionnaires were completed, we headed down to the surgical area to get my IV started. There I met two lovely nurses, to whom I explained that I have small veins that are difficult to get a needle into, but that I was thinking positively because I was able to drink water up until an hour before the procedure (liquids help keep your veins puffy). Violetta decided to try for a large vein near my elbow on my left arm and struggled for about 90 seconds trying to pierce the vein. Meanwhile, I was breaking out into a cold sweat, turning pale and trying not to hyperventilate. She finally conceded defeat and apologized for another minute. Then Amy decided to give it a go in the back of my left hand. After reassuring her that I didn't need a stretcher, she spent several minutes prepping the vein and then bravely went in, only to have it collapse on her. She, too, spent some time apologizing before tracking down a nurse practitioner to make a third attempt. I don't know her name, but she considered the task a challenge and went to work on my right arm searching for vein. She finally found two potential sources in the back of my hand and boldly stuck her IV needle into one of them. Despite the fact that the needle almost got pushed back out, she managed to hold on long enough to get it taped down and ensure that it was a good stick. Now, in case you were wondering, you know why I decided on this elective procedure. :)

The implantation itself went without incident and after a short recovery and a tuna fish sandwich, we headed home. I am now a high-tech cancer patient -- I have a Powerport, the top of the line mediport through which not only chemo can be administered and blood can be drawn, but contrast material, which is administered during CT scans, can also be pushed through the port. No more IVs!!!!

I am feeling a little stiff and tender today, although yesterday afternoon I felt like I had been hit in the right side of my chest with a bat. I didn't sleep well last night because I woke up every time I moved, so I took today off to rest and recover. I hope to be back to normal by Sunday, when I get to remove the dressings.

Chemo starts on Friday morning after I meet with Dr. Keohan and have blood work done to check my white and red blood cell counts. I will let you know sometime next weekend how that went. In the meantime, thanks for all your support and good wishes!