The port, and other news

I haven't updated for a few days, because there hasn't been a lot to report!  Just the same roller coaster of emotions.  Sometimes I'm fine, and sometimes, I'm really NOT!  I spent about 7 hours at Huntsman yesterday, first for an echocardiogram.  Then I went to Radiology to wait, and wait some more to get my port.  My sister in law, Jeanne was with me.  I was so grateful for that!  She got through her book, and I WAITED!

My "Not Very Happy About How That Happened" Look

They couldn't get the IV started in my right arm.  "Too much scar tissue in my veins", they said.  I can only use my right arm because of the lymph nodes that were removed last time, so my left arm is off limits.  So they said they would do an ultrasound guided IV into the flesh of my upper right arm.  After about 10+ minutes of "fishing" and failed attempts, I lost it.  Just a few tears.  Apparently, the veins in my upper arm are as naughty as the ones in my wrist and elbow.  Finally, though, they got it and knocked me out and did the procedure.  "Conscious Sedation" is what it's called.  They monitor the vitals and pump up the drugs as needed.  By the time I got home, I was so emotionally spent.  I slept until a ridiculous hour this morning.

I remove dressings tomorrow

I spent a few hours doing landscaping at the house in Bountiful I help maintain.  It's amazing what pulling weeds and deadheading can do for my spirits!  I'm hoping to get my Farmington house done tomorrow.  Because Friday, the fun starts.  It's my last chance!

I sent Mat to the pharmacy last night to pick up one thing, but forgot to tell him that Kathy, my nurse called a couple of days ago to tell me she had called in the prescriptions I need to get started.  Lidocaine for my port (to numb the skin before I get there for a treatment) and three powerful nausea medications, because apparently, I'm going to need them.  I learned last time that you don't wait until you're nauseated to take medication.  You have to stay in front of it, to prevent it.

We did this Sunday afternoon, because when there's wind, you must fly kites!  The other kids are our neighbors.  Brooklyn let out all the string, all 600 feet of it!  You know, because that's the easy part.  Any guesses on who reeled it back in?