Not such a great week ...

StephN · 08-10-2006, 03:07 PM

No bad scan or anything like that.
Had my Port-A-Catheter replaced on Tuesday afternoon. So, been home with a very sore chest and not able to do much with my arms either. (The pain pills are kicking in right now, so I am up for a while.)

My old port was in for nearly 6 years and was set rather low and deep. There was a lot of scar tissue around it and it was harder to get out for that reason. My new port is placed right where I did not want it, but the surgeon did not want to go lower and into my breast tissue. Hey - it is MY body ... but I was knocked out, what could I do?

We are in the middle of an EXPENSIVE plumbing repair that we discovered yesterday morning. I was not well enough to do a lot of calling around and get more than one on-site opinion or estimate. We just needed it done and my hubby was wrapped up in other things. So, I think we are getting skinned alive.

Glad to hear things are better with most of you - like finally getting Tykerb and finishing treatments. Life goes on around us no matter how we are feeling.

janet/FL · 08-10-2006, 03:39 PM

Steph, I really understand what you are going through. Life shouldn't be allowed to throw more than one thing at us at a time, and then separated by long periods of NO problems.
I went to my endocrinologist today and he wanted to do another biopsey of my thyroid. I just said NO! He can do it someother time. I need a break.
Hugs, and hope the plumber turns out to be the best (and cheapest!) and gets the job done soon and right!
Janet

RhondaH · 08-10-2006, 03:58 PM

hope things start looking up for you. I will be praying for you. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

Barbara H. · 08-10-2006, 04:48 PM

Hi Steph,
I thought of you all day on Tuesday. I agree, it is not easy to get a port in and out. I had my taken out after my first treatment, and then, off course had to get a new one in 2004. I can't remember anything about that surgery. I do remember the first one because I refused any meds, and refusued to be put out. They just did a local. I got off the table when they were done and was able to leave. That was during the days when I was fearful of being being put out.

It seems like when it rains, it pours. Sorry about that plumbing situation! Of most importance, I hope that you heal quickly and that this port works for you. My new port is much smaller. However, it has twisted and is harder to access.

Best wishes for a quick recovery and keep us updated.

Barbara H.

AlaskaAngel · 08-10-2006, 05:15 PM

I'm hoping the plumbers give you a break, Steph! Jeez...

Having to go through having the port replaced is hard enough. I feel pretty sure that if you could have "been" there to raise a little cain that port would not be where it is -- you are very particular and vocal about your care and it certainly has made a difference.

You are a very good influence here and I'm sorry to hear you are having to handle all of this now.

AlaskaAngel

Becky · 08-10-2006, 05:45 PM

Dear Steph

I hope things look better for you. Sometimes we all forget that everyday annoyances (and not so everyday ones like the plumbing but certainly not a cancer annoyance) are a pain in the butt. I sometimes feel that I'm not supposed to get pissed about normal daily blog because I am doing well (medically). Never can complain about anything else, even stupid stuff.

And the port replacement and it not being where you want it to be is agravating to say the least, especially since it will be there for years and its not where you want it. Its not like they'll get it right next month.

All I can say is have the hub bring home a nice 2001 Cab from Napa for tonight.

Thinking of you

Becky

IRENE FROM TAMPA · 08-10-2006, 06:01 PM

you are not feeling the best today Steph.

If it's any consolation to you ..my first two ports were placed lower into my breast and had more fatty tissue there. The nurses always had a hard time accessing since it was in deeper and would wiggle around more due to the denser area. I had those for several years when the last one went bad.
It was replaced with a much smaller one and up higher in my chest area.
It may show a little more then the other one but they never have any trouble at all accessing this one and a shorter needle can be used.

I don't even think about where it is half the time and don't even try to cover it up. I have had this one for several years now and it still works pretty good.

You are right Steph, life does go on around us and hopefully it WILL for us all. That is why we are all here for each other in our times of sorrow as well as in joy. We are the sisterhood of the Her2 and a lot will be learned from our experiences.

Hope tomorrow brings you a more comfortable day without pain.

Take care Steph..

karenann · 08-10-2006, 07:11 PM

Steph,

Sorry to hear you are having a bad week. Sure hope the next couple of days are better.

Hugs,
Karen

sassy · 08-10-2006, 07:34 PM

Steph,

It sure seems like we go thru so much with BC that we should get a pass on stuff like plumbing problems. Hope you begin feeling better and the plumber doesn't take you to the cleaners.
________
WebcamStud cam

RobinP · 08-10-2006, 07:50 PM

Dear Steph,

Hang in there.I certainly will pray for you!

chrisy · 08-10-2006, 08:54 PM

Dear Steph,
What a pain! Two pains! Hope things settle down soon and that the new port turns out to work perfectly and unobtrusively. For that matter, I wish the same for the new plumbing.
Hope things look brighter soon!
Chris