Portacath Surgery

The Day of my Portacath Surgery

Pete and I in the wait room

 Like my previous surgery before, I had to stop all eating and drinking at midnight. Just like a little piggy, I made sure I didn't miss a meal until midnight. My plan of stuffing myself worked. I managed to get through the morning without breakfast and coffee.

We waited in the wait room for an hour until my room was prepared.  The nurse made me pee into a cup to ensure I wasn't pregnant before my surgery. I guess my reassurance wasn't good enough.  Pete and I must be going around with a "We're In Love and we're like rabbits" look or something....LOL.

Mom and I in the wait room

Dr. Lynn Tucker and I before surgery time

Uncle Peter, Aunt Catherine and I after surgery

My mom flew in the morning of my surgery from Los Angeles.  Poor mom, her flight was delayed due to maintenance issues at LAX and she was forced to fly red eye.  Red eye was right.  She was so exhausted by the time change and flight but she stayed awake the whole day with me during surgery.  What a trooper!

My mom is a recent breast cancer survivor too.  I asked how about her portacath surgery. She said she was awake and watched the whole surgical procedure.  I asked if it hurt.  She said she didn't feel a thing.  I told her I'm being put to sleep cause I just don't want to know.  She said I wasn't her daughter cause I didn't take after her boldness. LOL.  

Dr. Lynn Tucker came by to see me before my surgery.  She is a wonderful and gifted surgeon.  She ensures I'm comfortable and I go home with pain killers - even when I think I'll be okay. LOL.  Good thing she's smarter than me cause I assumed it would be a minor surgery and I would be okay.  Well, once the local anesthesia wore off in the surgery area, I almost cried.  There are two incisions made - one to insert the port and the other incision is where they use a wire to puncture the central vein in order to insert a tube.  A portacath is primarily used to administer chemotherapy and blood draws.  Its purpose is to save your veins from being overused.  

So, I have two conflicting stories about the surgery.  My version is - I don't remember anything and I slept the whole time.  Pete's version is - Dr. Tucker said I was sedated and I watched to whole procedure on the ultrasound.  Then I was given a shot of amnesia to forget everything.  LOL. Well, it worked cause I remember waking up and being wheeled out of the hospital. 

That evening, I was in the most incredible pain.  I couldn't lay down and sleep. The best description of my pain - I was kicked in the chest by a horse! This pain was far worse than my lumpectomy and my sentinel node biopsy under my arm.  My neck and chest hurt so much that I couldn't get up, laugh, cough or anything that requires strain.  I increased my percocet intake and added motrin.  This helped manage my pain.

My Uncle Pete and Aunt Catherine visited me as they were enroute from a church seminar in Kentucky.  This was a wonderful and pleasant surprise.  It was my first time meeting Aunt Catherine and I really enjoyed her visit.  They are both dedicated to serving the Lord and and shared the meaning of the Holy Spirit with me.  She reminded me that God has never left my side and He is opening my eyes to his Love through this journey.  She also reminded me of all the blessings around me that I take for granted.  I guess it takes somebody from LA to remind me about how there are numbers of city folks who would love to have the opportunity to live in the country like I do.  

I looked around me and I did see God around me.  In the green trees, butterflies and birds that surrounds me and my home.  I see God through the love of the people around me.  I never felt so much love until cancer.  This is quite the blessing.  My life has slowed down so I can see God's presence.

Yes, this girl is all about Green Acres. LOL. I've become an Asian Country Bumpkin. I gave up a BMW for a Kubota Tractor.  What's a Louis Vuitton?  Who's Prada and Gucci?  I like Ariat and Tony Lama cowboy boots.... I'll go shopping at Tractor Supply. LOL.  My LA friends are like...WHAT?  What has become of Moon?