I was so happy to have full function back on my left side and was feeling quite proud of myself for being -according to the PT- ahead of schedule. Well guess where the port went it? yep...left side. And my body doesn't want it in there. Apparently though this will only last for a couple of days and while it may always be somewhat uncomfortable it will supposedly quit stabbing me every time I swallow or talk or move. Ok....enough whining and complaining! It will be well worth it to save the veins in my arms and hands and stop feeling like a pin cushion!
A port is a small plastic device that they implanted right below the collar bone. From what I can tell it measures about 1 1/2 inches. Out of the plastic device is a tube that feeds directly into the jugular vein in my neck. The plastic device has a magnetic center in it that needles will automatically connect with when blood draws or injections are needed. So in the long run...it will be a very good thing! But for today....it sucks:/
While they were in there they re cleaned and re packed the right incision. It does seem to be making progress and we will go back in next week so he can check that out again. Onward and upward!
One more thing crossed off the list:)
Well, life has just been continuing to march on along! Loved having Ashley home for 3 weeks, she headed back to school yesterday:) Bob was home for 3 weeks as well which was very strange but really nice! We spent a rare Christmas at home instead of traveling over the mountains, and while we definitely missed being with our families we still had a pretty wonderful Christmas! I ended up with a staph infection in one of my insicions which hasn't really been a barrel of laughs, and that has delayed forward progress some but we do seem to be getting on top of that now.
I had surgery this morning to have a port installed, my veins seem to have started to rebel a little these past couple weeks so I'm kind of excited to have the port in so we can stop the hide and seek game with my veins:) if the infection continues to clear up well, the goal is to be able to start chemo by the 29th of January. The first 2 months we will be doing chemo every other week, after that we will be doing weekly chemo treatments for 12 additional weeks. When that's all done we'll tackle 33 doses of radiation. So while that may seem daunting when you lay it all out there, we're really trying to remember that this is not all that our world is, its just PART of our life right now...and our 'normal' life still continues. The kids still have 4h and ffa and basketball games and fairs, there's still work to do and errands to run and friends to enjoy! While it's doubtful that I may be able to return to work anytime real soon, Ill try to focus on getting some more of my own schooling done on my good days and just lay low on the bad days. Through it all we continue to be overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for God's amazing blessings! Everyone should have the opportunity at some point in thier lives to experience the incredible amount of love and support that our family has been blessed with over this past month! It is truly life altering!
Xoxox
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