Day 5: Surgery and a Spinal Tap with a Twist
'I am Jonathutus of Borg.'
Today, I had my access port installed into my chest. This is where the chemotherapy will be given, as well as future blood draws, etc. It makes it a little easier so I don't have to endure so many needle stabbings, and because chemotherapy is very hard on your veins. I have what's called a double port Port-A-Cath which allows for multiple draws and gives essentially. In other words, they could be drawing my blood from one port, while they're giving me a pain med in the other. They simply inject IV needles in through either port, and the needles stay there until the task is done. The port remains buried beneath my skin, and will likely stay there through the duration of my entire treatment. The port feels a little sore right now, but I'm told in the future I won't even know it's there.
I was awake for the surgery, but I was pretty dopey. They installed the port right below my right collar bone, so it was hard for me to see them actually doing it. They numbed the area pretty well, so I didn't feel much at all.
Afterwards, I was allowed to eat breakfast and nap a little before the action resumed. Around 3pm, it was time for my Spinal Tap. And this Tap came with a kicker: chemotherapy! So, not only were they going to insert a big-ass needle near my spine to withdraw some fluid, they were going to give me some chemo in that very same area. Overall, that process was virutally painless. I could feel pressures in certain areas, the needle moving around and things liket that, but it didn't really hurt at all. Once that was over, I just had to lay in the same position for an hour to stabilize my spinal fluid and to alleviate any other side effects.
I'm still getting night-sweats...ugh.
But I'm kicking the crap out of this Leukemia. It's time for you to be gone. It's time for you to leave. You're being eradicated....
...and resistance is futile.
Day 5: Surgery and a Spinal Tap with a Twist
'I am Jonathutus of Borg.'
Today, I had my access port installed into my chest. This is where the chemotherapy will be given, as well as future blood draws, etc. It makes it a little easier so I don't have to endure so many needle stabbings, and because chemotherapy is very hard on your veins. I have what's called a double port Port-A-Cath which allows for multiple draws and gives essentially. In other words, they could be drawing my blood from one port, while they're giving me a pain med in the other. They simply inject IV needles in through either port, and the needles stay there until the task is done. The port remains buried beneath my skin, and will likely stay there through the duration of my entire treatment. The port feels a little sore right now, but I'm told in the future I won't even know it's there.
I was awake for the surgery, but I was pretty dopey. They installed the port right below my right collar bone, so it was hard for me to see them actually doing it. They numbed the area pretty well, so I didn't feel much at all.
Afterwards, I was allowed to eat breakfast and nap a little before the action resumed. Around 3pm, it was time for my Spinal Tap. And this Tap came with a kicker: chemotherapy! So, not only were they going to insert a big-ass needle near my spine to withdraw some fluid, they were going to give me some chemo in that very same area. Overall, that process was virutally painless. I could feel pressures in certain areas, the needle moving around and things liket that, but it didn't really hurt at all. Once that was over, I just had to lay in the same position for an hour to stabilize my spinal fluid and to alleviate any other side effects.
I'm still getting night-sweats...ugh.
But I'm kicking the crap out of this Leukemia. It's time for you to be gone. It's time for you to leave. You're being eradicated....
...and resistance is futile.
Jonathon & Katie,
ReplyDeleteKnow that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that the Spirit is with you through all of us who pray for your healing. We are ND, a community of faith here to support you through all things.
Peace be with you both.
The "Collective" is here for you! A double port, you must be extra special ;) Hang in there big guy. I have some things on the top shelf that I can't reach!
ReplyDeleteThis quote must appear somewhere/sometime; now seems appropriate: "May the Force be with you!"
ReplyDeleteHey my dear brother-in-law! I'm really glad that the spinal tap went well. Mine sucked! But then again you are in a better place than I was; even if it's residents doing it. :) I know the process has really just started, but I'm really proud of you. You are definitely a fighter and have a fabulous sense of humor. I love you and Katie very much! Keep it up bro!
ReplyDeleteHey, guys, my dad had one of those ports "installed" when he was being treated for kidney cancer. He said just what Jonathon listed as an expectation, that after the first day he didn't even feel it, and it was a lot easier to get stuff in and out.
ReplyDeleteHand in there you all!
Dual port, great. If your feeling off at night have the nurse hook up a double Miller Lite drip, that should make you feel better. HA HA...Glad to hear that all is going well for you.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the fight, you can will this
jon, love reading your updates every day. love the word "ERADICATED". i say "BEGONE"!!
ReplyDeletethe other thing i really liked was the picture of katie kissing you. absolutely beautiful. you two will get each other through this ordeal with flying colors.