No more port

It is a great feeling to be done with chemo. Every chemo appointment was a source of anxiety and dread but now that is all behind me. We also never knew the side effects and as you know I experienced many. Jeff laughs and tells me how much better my coloring is...no more Casper the ghost.

Yesterday on a beautiful cold morning with the moon still hovering, Jeff and I trekked to San Francisco to have my port removed.We left at 6:30am because the traffic to SF on our recent early morning drives has been awful, and we have been late. Yesterday traffic was post-holiday light and we got there for once before the appointment. Jeff stayed in the lobby while I went up to the interventional radiation department where they installed the port so they could remove it. Having a port has been a godsend. It saved me from so many extra sticks and pokes.

The port resided in my upper left chest area and was hardly noticeable.It has been used for the last five months both to draw blood which has happened frequently as well as for the administration of the chemotherapy. I was lucky with my port as I never had a problem with it such as an infection.

When it was inserted it was more of a delicate procedure but this time they told me it would be quick, and I would not need to fast or have anything more than local anesthesia. Despite what they told me, every time I have any procedure I get nervous. I suppose this is normal. I was greeted by a friendly nurse who showed me where to change and promptly gave me some warm blankets while I waited on a gurney. The halls were cool and I was glad to have them.She congratulated me for getting the port out.

While I waited for the surgeon to come to talk to me, I reflected on my "detour." Sometimes it is  overwhelming to think of the unexpected twists and turns I have endured and how far I have come since my cancer diagnosis. Yet now that I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, I am very grateful. My five week course of radiation will begin in mid February.

  I saw a woman the other day in Berkeley struggling to get out of her van in to a wheelchair then pushing herself forward with crutches. Watching her reminded me that my situation (g-d willing) is temporary and I will be able to move forward and get on with my life. Her situation is permanent.

The young Asian surgeon came in and told me this would be a quick procedure, probably 45 minutes. He likened it to a dental procedure...(great, I hate going to the dentist.) He would give me a local anesthetic then remove the port. I signed a release and then the nurse came and we walked to the operating room. A technician cleaned the area and the surgeon came in. I chatted with him as I was completely alert and awake. The shot hurt for a second but the procedure was simple. I felt some pressure and pulling but that was it. He removed the port and showed it to me. It looked like a small round microphone with a chord. Then he spent ten minutes stitching me up and I was good to go. It went quicker than he anticipated, only a half hour.

Though I thought I would get back to my gym this week, now I have to wait another week. I am looking forward to resuming my old activities.  Next week I start my beloved Thursday morning writing workshop. I hope to resume Zumba and regular gym visits.

It will take time as I gain  strength and my resistance gets  back to normal, and  I am trying hard to stay away from anyone with a cold. At the end of the month we are booked for Maui and we can't wait. Aloha!  Mahalo!!