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serenity11's avatar
serenity11
Member
14 years ago

Round 3

Chemo Nos 3 yesterday did not go as planned.  The portocath was blocked - apparently my body doesnt like foreign objects.... Anyway pic line in, chemo on board and then they say the portocath has to come out in "twilight" surgery and I should stay overnight.  Wahoo, good thing I have an overnight bag always packed.

Up side was that my oncolcogist says I get an extra couple of weeks between the next sessions of chemo as I have been so traumatised by this one, plus I will have to go back in and get another portocath (of different make). 

 I think I am very lucky as my Oncologist chased down my breast surgeon.  And both chased up ultrasounds, xrays etc and made sure I was preadmitted and stayed in touch until I saw them in theatre.  Very sympathetic and apologetic for all the trauma.  I told them to go home after they were finished with my port.  I presume their families would like to see them.  Besides I do like a good drama:)

 I also denied anything I might mutter whilst in the "twilight zone". My breast surgeon says thats when he gets the most "useful" information out of his patients.  Wicked humour these two.  Last thing I remember thinking was how young the aneathatist was - hope I didnt say anything inappropriate:)


Any way home now, all ok - side effects few so far. And onwards I go.

2 Replies

  • serenity11's avatar
    serenity11
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had a PowerPort too.  When it came out the surgeon didnt find anything wrong, but better to be safe than sorry.  The xrays showed the blockages so better safe than sorry.  I think both doctors were concerned about the trauma accessing it and I have 13 more sessions to go.  Now I just have to heal and boost my blood count for the next surgery.  After that I am hoping Taxol will be gentler. 

    Interestingly I found out that some of headache and neck pain was probably associated with my body rejecting the port.  Now it is out I am pain free (other than the surgical sites).  Amazing what your body tries to tell you.

    I am sure there are women out there who are worse off than me battling this or any other cancer.

    I am also going with the thought that all this hassle means no more post chemo. Done will be done!

    Glad to read that you are travelling easier.  Gives me hope for the Taxol sessions.  I do miss getting out with everyone and I looking forward to being able to do that. 

    Take care and be gentle on yourself.

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    14 years ago

    What rotten luck - so glad they took you so quickly and you are home again now. 

    At least you only have 1 more "fortnightly" chemo to go before starting your weekly Taxol.  I had my 3rd Taxol yesterday and no side effects so far at all.  I hope you are just as lucky.

    What port did you have?  Mine is a Power Port and no problems to date.

    Thinking of you - your sense of humour is such an asset!   Stay strong

    Love, Michelle xx