So, I wasn't going to blog until next Wednesday after the PET scan but apparently even in blogging I'm long-winded and chatty. On Wednesday the 25th I went to Frankford Bucks to try to have my blood drawn. As per Dr.Kennedy's suggestion I asked for the person in out-pt lab who had been there the longest. That would be Vicky. She was at the hospital when it was still Delaware Valley and Dr. Kennedy was just a resident. I stayed true to myself and was still the most difficult stick she had seen. At one point I asked her what would happen if they just couldn't get the blood. She responded," I don't really know because it has never happened." Although she was a little older by the end of the experience, Vicky was amazing and managed to get all the blood we needed from two different sites. I was relieved.
Then we went to book club where everyone wore pink in my honor (Sonya even wore a robe and slippers because that's what she had in pink). And we had pink food - salmon, shrimp, macaroni, raspberries, pink champagne, cosmos, pink lemonade, pink cupcakes with breast cancer ribbon icing....It was good to see everyone and I appreciate the gesture and the gifts - favorite children's books and cancer "goodies" - more than I can tell you. Thank you, Tracy, for hosting, and thank all of you for being there and for continuing to support me.
On Friday, the 27th, we got to Frankford Bucks at 7am for the port placement. (All the bloodwork was fine by the way, and I had gotten a call telling me that the mugascan results came back and that everything was a "go" for chemo so far - except, perhaps, for my emotional state...) My nurse, Lynda, started my IV on the first stick(!) (Thank you God) and the procedure went along without a hitch. I was awake but numbed and sedated and they told me that the drugs usually have an amnesiac quality to them. Maybe so, I don't remember many details of the procedure but I sure can tell you all the details of one of the staff member's son's ankle surgery...I have one of those faces...people just want to tell me things...
So now I have a Power Port. Apparently this is something new. I have to carry a card in my wallet and I even have a bracelet and something for my key chain if I want. Not only can it be accessed like a regular port, but with a special needle it can be used for CT contrast, etc. I am hoping that this will make my life a little easier. I have the PET scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 1st, I want to get my hair cut and go to the dentist before chemo starts, and maybe get a few things squared away at the practice and the Sharing Network...the juggling is getting easier.
More next week....unless I can't sleep...
Then we went to book club where everyone wore pink in my honor (Sonya even wore a robe and slippers because that's what she had in pink). And we had pink food - salmon, shrimp, macaroni, raspberries, pink champagne, cosmos, pink lemonade, pink cupcakes with breast cancer ribbon icing....It was good to see everyone and I appreciate the gesture and the gifts - favorite children's books and cancer "goodies" - more than I can tell you. Thank you, Tracy, for hosting, and thank all of you for being there and for continuing to support me.
On Friday, the 27th, we got to Frankford Bucks at 7am for the port placement. (All the bloodwork was fine by the way, and I had gotten a call telling me that the mugascan results came back and that everything was a "go" for chemo so far - except, perhaps, for my emotional state...) My nurse, Lynda, started my IV on the first stick(!) (Thank you God) and the procedure went along without a hitch. I was awake but numbed and sedated and they told me that the drugs usually have an amnesiac quality to them. Maybe so, I don't remember many details of the procedure but I sure can tell you all the details of one of the staff member's son's ankle surgery...I have one of those faces...people just want to tell me things...
So now I have a Power Port. Apparently this is something new. I have to carry a card in my wallet and I even have a bracelet and something for my key chain if I want. Not only can it be accessed like a regular port, but with a special needle it can be used for CT contrast, etc. I am hoping that this will make my life a little easier. I have the PET scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 1st, I want to get my hair cut and go to the dentist before chemo starts, and maybe get a few things squared away at the practice and the Sharing Network...the juggling is getting easier.
More next week....unless I can't sleep...
4 comments:
I really have no idea what to say to you! I can't believe what you have been though! I think that you must be breaking. Fortunately, you have the strongest support system I have ever known and I can only hope that you are taking advantage of it. True friendship is a gift...we all love you! I know that any of us will jump at the chance to make this journey in your life easier for you. With all my best.....Tara's sister Heather
I have been thinking and praying for you the last few weeks during my transition .. so glad you were able to get to Sue's graduation and past the surgery. You have amazing resilience, faith and wit-- it will get better. Miss you... fondly, Laila
PS.. I am now in California working w my sister - getting some tlc
A Power Port? Wow! Just think how much easier that will make time travel. Beam me up, Bama!
Sounds like you are really on track and taking one thing at a time. This really is a journey.
FYI When I shaved my head I used a buzz shaver. It was uncomfortable to sleep b/c of little hairs sticking up until Mike used a man's electric shaver all over my head...then I was REALLY bald! ( but more comfortable)
Blessings to you. L, C:
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