How does one respond to being told that you have to get a port? Good question.....I cried, a little.
I have been getting chemo through an IV in my left arm, I have pretty sick (and by sick I mean, the nurses LOVE them) veins. Luckily, I don't wear jewelry so I can accessorize with my port, for free! But this new chemo can cause the veins to harden, ewww. So I am scheduled to get a port and start treatment all in one day. The procedure is outpatient and it doesn't take very long.
I have to say, if I haven't already, that I am really skeeved out by needles and IVs, etc., so I was completely anxious about the insertion.
The nurses were GREAT! They were really helpful and sweet. They explained I was getting a power port, I get a little card to carry around with me too in case anyone gives me shit! The power port can be used for everything they want to put in (toxins) or take out (blood). So Dr. I Can't Even Remember Your Name, is going to do the insertion, I will be under conscious sedation. Basically, they pump you up with liquid valium. :) What is completely freaky about this is that you are aware of EVERYTHING happening to you but you can't feel it. It's like one of those wicked crazy CSI episodes.
Unfortunately, I could "feel" mostly everything going on. Lots of pressure; apparently my skin is tight says the doctor. So each time the doctor asked if I was ok, I would respond 'lots of pressure', and the nurse would pump some more valium.....best friend. The conversation between the doctors and nurses was pretty entertaining, they were talking about 'The Hangover.'
So, the insertion is over and I felt good actually. Best part of the day: lunch at the Bagel Chateau....pizza bagels baby! Now off to Toxin Tuesday! This is my first treatment of Taxotere, I get to listen to the side effects and such, and prepare to be there for the next 3-4 hours. Yay!
Word of advice: one should rest the day after port insertion, NOT take an evening ride to JFK airport with no AC or gas to pick up a friend when it is 90 degrees.
