Ch. 23 - My Port-a-Cathe is OUT!!

Ch. 23 - My Port-a-Cath is OUT!!

On 4/29/2008, Dr. Shirazi removed my port-a-cath. It feels sore, but good to be free of the device. It really did not give me any problems until someone bumped it by accident or when something rubs up against it, like my seatbelt or my husband at night. She actually removed it in her office which was great and convenient. I could feel the tugging as she removed it which was crazy, but fun at the same time. My body was so sore after the procedure from me tensing all of my muscles during the procedure. It felt like I had been lifting weights, my arms and legs were so sore. My scar will be small and hopefully will fade with time. But I do like have a few battle scars from all that I have been through.

As for life, I am recovering well. I did have a slight meltdown after treatment ended. I think when I got diagnosed, I put on my battle gear and went into war. Now that the war is over, my body and my mind needed a well deserved break!! So... my wonderful surgeon recognized my condition, maybe the uncontrolled crying in her office gave it away (who knows), but she did take me out of work for a month for recovery time. This time off has been the best medicine for me at this point in my life. I have had the chance to stop and smell the roses as everyone says and enjoy more time at home with my pets and Clayton. We have done some gardening projects together and watched a lot of movies in the evenings. I am also a big American Idol fan so that has also been fun to keep up with 2 nights per week.

On Monday, I return to work at the hospital on a part-time basis. I am looking forward to getting back to work and will enjoy the part-time hours for now. I have also been spending some time with a psychiatrist, Dr. Mikulsak. He has been great at helping me through this difficult time in my life and helping me to redirect my focus. I have a very giving personality and it has been hard for me to put my needs first and everybody else's second, but he has been helping me in this effort. It is a very difficult thing for me, but I am learning to like it the more I do it. Who wouldn't? Right?

But anyway, life is good and I am thankful to be getting past this cancer year and moving on. I did get a little bad news the other day regarding some lab work I had done. My ANA is positive. This CAN be an indicator of an autoimmune disease process. So... I have had follow-up blood work performed but do not know the results of this bloodwork yet. But as soon as I know, I will let you all know as well. I am hoping this is just another adverse effect of the chemotherapy and will resolve on its own. And, by the way, I got a period!!!!! So, I have also been able to put the nigtmare of going through menopause behind me as well. Yeah!!

Take care and continue with my blog. I enjoy my friends and family being able to follow along my journey with me. It has been great therapy.