Last Monday I travelled back to Seattle to have a port-a-cath placed. The surgery went well! I was very impressed with how efficient the staff at Swedish is. My doctor was wonderful. He came out and talked to me about the port, what it is (even though I already knew about it He wanted to make sure I was well informed). He was even considerate enough to make sure to get the port in a place that would be most comfortable for me. He drew on where my bra straps hit and put it in the left side as I am right handed.

The ride home after the surgery did not go as well. I don't always respond well to anesthesia and pain meds. I slept most of the way but got sick before we made it home. To be on the safe side I went to stay at my parents for the night. Fortunately I am all better now. The pain went away after a couple of days and the site is healing really well.

Yesterday I had my third dose of Novantrone. I definitely recommend anyone going through chemo getting a port. It was so quick and easy this time. I debated getting the port because my chemo is only once every three months and it seemed to me that it would not be necessary, but as it turns out my veins did not want to work anymore. The chemo seems to wear off about a month before my next one is due, therefore I have been having to get IVSM as well. Not to mention all of the blood draws that I get for my various doctors. The last 3 times I had to have an IV put in it took them on average 1 hour or more to get access. I have so much scar tissue built up and the veins just don't seem to respond. My last chemo took just over 4 hours...most of which was them getting the IV in. Yesterday was slick. They just hooked it right into the port and I was done in about 1 1/2 hours. Very smooth. Now I am just taking it easy as I still have some nausea. Soon enough though I will be back to feeling good! :)

I hope all of you are doing well. Please take care of yourself.