Great News – Today I had my chemotherapy IV port removed from my chest, which had been there for over 8 months (since April 8). The IV port greatly simplified the chemotherapy treatments and frequent drawing of blood. The veins in my arms are not as easy to “find” as they were in the past and the IV port always provided flawless access. In preparation for today’s operation, it took three tries before they found a suitable vein. Although I must say that the first two attempts were by a male nurse who seemed to lack experience. So he then deferred to a more senior nurse who had no difficulty.
Removal did require an operation. However, I was placed under “conscious sedation,” which meant that I was aware of what was happening – at least some of the time. As the doctor explained I would go in and out of consciousness during the procedure. It seemed like I was awake during the entire time I was in the operating room, which was about an hour. But then again, the hour pasted pretty quickly. I do remember asking the doctor and nurses questions periodically and one request was to see what they removed from me. One of the personnel did oblige my request and I was surprised by how small it looked compared to the bump on my chest.
Today’s incision was about an inch long and the doctor said he planned to use the same location as the initial incision to insert the port to minimize scaring. Don’t want to mess up the looks of my well-honed upper body 😉
Yes, it was painful, but nothing that a few pain pills couldn’t handle!
Leave a Reply