Day Before Chemo

Yesterday I had a port put in. This a small device that is under my skin in my chest.  It has a jell membrane that medical professionals can put a needle in. The can use it to either draw blood or give me medicine without having to stick my arm with a needle.  The unit has a tube that directly feeds into a major vein. While the picture of the chest is smaller, making the unit look bigger, this is what they showed me to show placement.

To do this procedure they had to use radiology to place the tube.  During the procedure they used propofol to put me to sleep. Seeing that this is the third time in two weeks, I tried to stay awake.  Well, I could not. They recommend not driving or signing contracts for 24 hours and I agree that there is some residual effects.

 Today I get ready for tomorrow's chemo. I have a class on the chemo and what to expect. I also will start the process of always having my blood work drawn the day before the procedure to check my red and white blood cell levels to make sure that I'm not to overwhelmed by the chemo. I have been told to take some anti-nausea medications of which they will also add to my chemo. Tomorrow morning I'm going to put some skin numbing cream (Lanacane) one hour before the treatment. I then get 5 hours of medicine starting at 0900 at the doctor's office and I'm sent home connected to a bag of additional information. I'll go in at 1400 on Thursday and have it removed.  Right now I will be repeating this procedure once every two weeks for 4 months.

Comments

  1. Aunt AliceNovember 13, 2018 at 7:54 AM

    Thank you for these informative updates, Stephen. Keeping you and the family in my thought and prayers. Your courage and honesty greatly inspire me. Walking with you through this. I remain only a click away...

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 13, 2018 at 5:30 PM

    Thanks Stephen for all the updates. Anything you or your family needs we are here. My cell number is 610-724-3490 and my email address is renee.martini@comcast.net. Please tell your wife that whatever she needs we will do,
    I love you so much and we will work with both of you and Rose to get through this!!
    BE WELL MY NEPHEW!!!
    LOVE aunt Renee

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aunt AliceNovember 13, 2018 at 5:57 PM

    I echo Aunt Renee's sentiments: 310.488.0280 (c), almardoy@gmail.com. Love you, dude! Anytime, anywhere, anyone in your family....

    ReplyDelete

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