Mom Update: Putting in the Port

Mom had surgery bright and early this morning to have the portacath put in her chest.  It is a little plastic connector on the end of a catheter just below the collarbone on her left side.  The catheter was inserted into the venacava, the vein going into her heart.  (Excuse my spelling, here--I'm just guessing with the medical terms!) This will make it easier for them to give her the chemo, and any other medication she might need, and she won't have to keep having IV's.  Also, the larger vein in her chest will handle the chemo better than a small one would.

Everything went really well.  She was at the hospital at 6:00 a.m.  Her surgery was scheduled for 7:30, and really began around 8:00.  She told the nurse and anesthesiologist that she would sure like to listen to her favorite music in the operating room as she being put under the anesthesia. They thought that was a great idea, so she fell alseep to the sweet sounds of a little Michael Buble.  She's so funny!  Surgery lasted a little over an hour, and went smoothly.  The doctor said he had to look around a little for the vein, so she will have some bruising and she is pretty sore.  The incision is probably about two inches long, and should heal quickly.

Around noon, the nurses were getting ready to discharge her and we noticed swelling in her left hand and arm.  The nurses checked with the surgeon, who was in the middle of another surgery, and he ordered an ultrasound to make sure the swelling was not due to a blood clot.  The ultrasound was done at 2:00, and showed that everything looked OK.  (Thank goodness!)  The swelling is probably because of the blood pressure cuff that was on her arm during surgery, and should go away soon.  After we got the ultrasound report, they released her around 3:30.  So, she is all set for chemo to start this Wednesday. 

Dad and I were at the hospital this morning and Aunt Mary came and stayed with me and mom until she was released.  By the time we left, we were all starving-- the Oreos and Lorna Dunes we took from the nurses station didn't go very far.  On the way home from the hospital we stopped at Kneaders and had a yummy late lunch and dessert, too. (Of course!)  It's my opinion that any medical procedure should be followed up with something delicious to brighten your day.  Mom and Aunt Mary and I had a great time at lunch and stayed a long time laughing and talking, and were glad for the time we had to visit.  We finally left when mom's Lortab kicked in and we thought we'd better get her home before she nodded off in her soup.  I had to get home to my kids, so Aunt Mary took mom home and stayed to help.

She is doing great tonight, just sore and tired, but that's to be expected.  We are so thankful for all of our blessings and for all of the love she has felt from so many of you.  It really makes a difference!  I have to thank my kids, too.  Lauren and Kamryn stayed home from school today to babysit Cade and Cooper, and we really appreciated their help.  They love their grandma and would do anything for her, even if it means missing school (ha-ha).  My kids were all good sports today, and didn't even complain about having canned ravioli for lunch AND dinner.   I am pretty tired tonight, too!

So, we are glad mom is one step closer to being cancer free! She will have her echo cardiogram Monday, and then gear up for the chemo.  Thanks to all of you who love and care about her.  She is so thankful for the support!  Love ya, mom!!!

P.S.
For previous posts on mom, just scroll down or check the sidebar.  They should all be there!