After the port was installed last week they were able to access it for the fourth treatment last week as well as again today, and will use it from hereon. I realize I never blogged about #4, so this I’ll touch that one as well. (Last week was busy with appointments, as you know if you are following my blog.)
The fourth treatment was the first time they used my port. The nurse had to look at my x-ray to be sure they installed it in the right place, or she said they wouldn’t be able to use it. “What happens if it’s not in the right place?” I asked with a little concern in my voice. “They have to do it again,” she replied, matter-of-factly I might add. “You mean sometimes they have to redo it?” I’m sure I squeaked. “Not very often but it does happen.” Wow! I was so glad she didn’t tell me that before I went in for the surgery. That would have heightened my anxiety more than a few notches. Fortunately the X-ray confirmed I was good to go. My surgeon is very good, and did exactly what she was supposed to do. Whew! A glob of Lidocaine on the skin helped ease the entry pain the first go round as I was still sensitive.
My doctor gave permission to remove the Benadryl from my cocktail. Yeah! No more night-night. I enjoyed the rest, but drooling on my computer isn’t exactly my favorite pose. I have had no reactions or side effects, so we maintained the same routine today during the fifth round of treatment. So when I got out of the car to go upstairs, I forgot to take the Lidocaine with me. However, these nurses are so good. Even with the bruising and steri-strips, “one-two-three deep breath” and she was in like Flynn. It rarely takes them more than one attempt. The phlebotomists at MD Anderson Clinic in The Woodlands are also excellent at what they do. Their smiles and demeanor let you know they are Christians. They play Christian music, draw your blood without pain or discomfort, and send you on your way with “have a blessed day.” Today we talked about grown children and grandchildren. It was great to see her smile.
God is giving me a peace through this process that passes all understanding. I’m living life with my eyes fixed on Him. This morning’s Scripture reading included Peter walking on the water toward Jesus. It was a good reminder – don’t focus on the waves and storms in life. That’s why we start to fall and have to cry out “Lord, save me!” If we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He does protect from falling, and we will feel no anxiety or fear while we walk through it. He comforts in a time of trouble.
I hope you have your eyes fixed on Jesus. Good-night!