Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Cancer Journey Part 18: Update on My Port

In CANCER JOURNEY PART 17, I mentioned a problem with my port and the need for it to be removed. I was given the choice of having it replaced, or just going without one for the remainder of my treatments. At the time, I decided I wanted to have the port removed and just go without one.

At yesterday's appointment (Tuesday, May 7th) I changed my mind and have decided to get a new port installed when they take the old one out. What was the reason for this?  (1) The doctor said my veins in my arm are tiny and it would be less dangerous to use a port. (2)  I ended up getting stuck twice in the arm yesterday (the first one blew a vein and caused bruising) and I don't really want to have to go through that 6 more times. (3) I will still be needing routine bloodwork after treatments are finished. So, having a port my be helpful during that time.

So, the date for surgery has been scheduled for next Tuesday (May 14th). And, my usual Tuesday chemo appointment was changed to Wednesday.

Another area of concern is that my blood tests revealed a consistent drop in White Blood Cells. The numbers are in the area where my doctor is rather uncomfortable. He did go ahead and allow me to have my chemo treatment, but said I would need to take 3 doses of NEUPOGEN, beginning on Thursday. It is an injection that will help increase my WBC count, and make things safer for me to have chemo treatments, and to have my surgery next week.

I know there are many of you who will continue to keep me in your prayers. God bless you!

The following came from one of the cards that was sent to me awhile ago (Thanks, Carie!):

What do we do when we face challenges that make us wonder what's ahead? The answers are not always easy, and the direction is not always clear. In these circumstances, our hope is in God alone. Our lives and our times are in His hands, and He assures us that He is the rock we can stand upon through the storm.  ~ Roy Lessin
 

12 comments:

  1. Following your posts', I am at a loss for words. So I pray to the One who knows how to intercede. Be blessed today in all things.
    dad

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  2. Cancer is such a tricky disease. One step forward and a dozen backwards sometimes. I have been praying for a cure for this disease for more than 50 years, my Dad died more than 50 years ago of cancer and it has been one of my missions since I was a child. Stay strong.
    Darlene

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    1. I've been learning to "go with the flow" in some cases. You just never know what might come up.

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  3. Remembering how difficult and painful it was for my daughter to have multiple sticks and draws each day before they put her port in, I think you'll be glad you changed your mind! I'll continue to pray for you. God Bless you and your family.

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  4. Continuing to pray for you! Thank you for the update! (((hugs)))

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  5. Vicki - I can't urge you strongly enough to read Hind's Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard, even if you read it before. God used it to bring great comfort and an intimacy with Him like I'd never experienced before during my journey through the valley of breast cancer. And because it's a story, it's not a difficult read (which I wouldn't have been able to focus on at the time). You are in my prayers.....
    Jan Koch

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    1. I've got so many other books to read right now, but will consider it. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for the prayers.

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  6. Thankful you are able to update us like this. I love you and am grateful for you. I'm praying!

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