Port-a-cath placement

 Yesterday, I went to Medical Park to get my port-a-cath placed. The port is a permanent IV access point in my chest. Since chemotherapy can cause tissue damage, it is safer for to have a port versus a peripheral IV. This allows me not to have to stay perfectly still while my infustions are running. 

Dr. Stuart placed my port yesterday. Wil was allowed to come with me since it was I was having a procedure. Dr. Stuart is the same doctor that did both of my bowel surgeries and is a family friend. We were in great hands there. 

Out from surgery, still groggy!

I'm sore but nothing bad, I haven't take to take anything more that Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the discomfort. It was an outpatient so we were home by 3:30 pm. I couldn't eat or drink after midnight so I was hungry, thirsty, and needed caffeine since I didn't get to have my morning coffee. 

My treatment plan is underway now. Thankfully, I get my second COVID vaccine today.  I am so greatful that I could have it done before chemo starts. My first chemo infusion will be next Monday (2/22/21). It will be 6 rounds of 4 weeks for Taxol and Avastin. I get the chemo week 1, 2, and 3. The 4th week, I don't have any chemo. If everything stays on track, I will be finished the end of July/beginning August. I am planning on just working 2 days a week during chemo. 

One of the chemos (Taxol) does make my hair fall out. This is the same drug that I had during both other rounds in 2012 and 2014. My younger sister, Lauren, is a cosmetologist and does amazing work. Wil and I are going to take a day trip this weekend to Cary to see her. That way she can cut and dye my hair before it falls out. Stay tuned for photos!

Wil and I are very blessed to have great health insurance! I know a lot of people have been asking what they can do to help us. I feel humble and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. 

My friend, Emma Hemphill, is still battling her cancer as well. It is tough going to through chemo but she does it with grace and leaning on God for strength far beyond her teenage years. If you would like to help, I have listed her GoFundMe page below. She still has a lot of treatments to go and donations would greatly help her parents and family. 

  https://gofund.me/0e4693f2

Thank you again for the prayers and I have listed more prayer requests below. 

1. Praise for easy recovery from my port-a-cath placement and no complications. 

2. Pray that I get minimal side effects from the COVID vaccine. 

3. Pray for peace and comfort for Wil and me as there are no visitors allowed in the chemo room. He has been at every treatment right by my side. He will is still planning on driving me to be as close as he is allowed. 

4. Pray that this new chemo is effective and shows regression of the disease at my next CT Scan. 

5. Continue to pray for our kids (especially Wilson) as we navigate how to explain cancer and chemo to him.