A Patient, I am, I am....

Now I'm really starting to feel like a patient. It was one thing to have to go to chemo every 3 weeks, with bloodwork a day before, but at present, I'm feeling like my life is being dictated and consumed with hospitals, nurses, and doctors.

I went back to emerg last night for another IV antibiotic, which ONLY turned out to be a 2+ hr. visit. It really didn't seem that long though, I had my lovely friend Tara bring me, so we had a really great visit. The ER doc came to take a look at my port and confirmed that he thought it was infected, and that my wbc count from the night before is indicative of fighting an infection, and that it was a good thing that I went to emerg on Sat. night. He also added that even though antibiotics may eradicate the infection itself, that the infection will often reoccur since the bacteria can stay on the plastic and parts of the port itself, that the antibiotic is only effective on human tissue etc., thus not able to penetrate bacteria on this foreign object I have in me. In which case, removal will be the only option.

Subsequently, I had a follow up appt. with my physician at cancercare this afternoon, and another treatment of antibiotic IV. Today's hospital visit was 3 hrs. and Glen came with. They did more bloodwork, which still turned out to be high, but a touch lower than on Sat. night. Still fighting.... The redness on the port site seems to have dissapated somewhat tonight, that's good news, but it's still distended which in itself can be problematic. The Dr. said that they will keep a close eye on it this week, (which requires daily follow-ups and IV antibiotic). After a total of 5 or 6 treatments, if the redness, tenderness, how much it's protruding does not seem to be that different, I will then be referred to a port surgeon, and removal it will be. Once removed, an option is to have a pik line put in my arm, but at all costs, I will not let that happen! It will not allow me to continue going to the gym, swim, and generally be active. I would sooner have them poke me peripheraly (in the veins in my arm/hand) every 3 weeks for a year.... which thankfully is an option since I'm now done the FEC portion of my treatment. I really do despise getting needles and being poked now, but it beats being inactive. I was poked a total of 4 times today alone, and 3 times on Saturday night, I think I can put up with a few times every 3 weeks.... (I hope only that much anyhow).

This week will be filled with more hospital visits since I will need to return at the very least for the next 2 days for the antibiotic IV, and I have an appt. with my Radiation Oncologist on Wednesday afternoon. Appointments, appointments...hospitals...nurses...doctors... Life of a cancer patient.

Please send all good energy over my way for some awesome healing! The goal is to not have to remove the port. And if you aren't doing anything too much this week, I may be looking for an IV friend to keep me company. Give me a shout.

Jill xo