Power Port Surgery

Preparing for the long haul.

I will be on some type of chemo treatment for about a year. The one I am currently taking is called Adriamycin and it is the strongest chemo you can take as far as symptoms. It is not recommended to receive through an IV because it can damage surrounding tissue if it leaks. I received my first dose through an IV and my arm was sore for about two weeks. Instead of using IVs for chemo they use what is called a port instead.

A port is a plastic triangle shape device that has a permeable center that a needle penetrates. First through my skin and then the port. The port has a long catheter that is inserted into my main artery. Doctors can draw blood, inject fluids, and medications using the port.

The surgery was no walk in the park. I had to fast for 24 hours and be at the hospital by 5:30 am. The nurse tried to place an IV on my wrist but ended up blowing my vein. This is something I have never experienced. I saw my wrist swell with blood and I started to feel light headed. The nurse layed me down and placed a fan on my face. The hardest part was that Aaron and Milan were in the room and not sure what happened but saw me is distress. It is a terrible feeling to have your kid see you sick. I just hope it didn’t scare him too much.

When they wheeled my bed back to surgery I felt like I was witnessing behind the scenes of Grays Anatomy or some kind of tv show. Most patients that receive this surgery are on some type of anesthesia, but because I am pregnant. I had to be awake. I requested pain medication. The nurse was hesitant because my blood pressure was so low.

I was placed flat on my back with a huge tv screen in front of me and a movable X-ray ceiling above me. Preparing me for the surgery they placed a paper sheet over my face. They raised the table and lowered the X-ray ceiling. It was a very claustrophobic experience. Then, I started to feel needles in my chest to numb the area. I could hear the incision and feel the catheter being snaked through my chest. It felt like a worm. They tried to give me a little pain medication but my blood pressure dropped even lower. I started to sweat and could feel my self passing out. Thank god the nurse elevated my legs and gave me fluids. This truly brought me back to life.

The recovery was no joke. Every movement of my neck and head was so uncomfortable. It felt pressure on my heart and chest for about a week which made rest and sleep. very challenging. The only medicine I was able to take was Tylenol.