Long day today. Drove all the way out to KP in Antioch (dang, it's far) for my final procedure before chemotherapy. Surgery was performed on my left chest to insert a port catheter for future chemotherapy treatments. Rather than being poked a million times over in my arm, a port catheter gives the nurses easy access to my vein which will be HUGELY beneficial for me since I will be receiving the drug Herceptin for one full year. That means, KP in Walnut Creek will be my home away from home every three weeks for an entire year. Oi vey!
Today's procedure was quick and easy. I received local anesthesia and was sedated with what they called the "happy drug." The doctor later told Eugene that I was asleep for the entire surgical procedure. Hallelujah! The only discomfort I felt was a stinging sensation when the doctor administered the local anesthesia.
Originally the chemotherapy start date was scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th but it's now been pushed back to Thursday, July 29th. Praise God! This means I'll receive chemo treatments every Thursday (8 cycles every 21 days) and have the weekend to recuperate from future treatments and Eugene won't have to take as much time off from work.
Looks like I've got 6 more days to "party" before I head to the Infusion Clinic. :)
I'm glad to hear that the procedure was not too painful. It is a blessing to hear that you were asleep the entire time. How God has been so kind and faithful through each step of the journey, Helen. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd it sounds like this new schedule of treatment will be more beneficial for Eugene and your family...yay! When needed, I am still available to take you when you receive treatment.
Helen- thanks for sharing your journey with us. I know you are leaning on God and His strength will carry you through this. Audrey and Kiki are praying for you and M and A too!
ReplyDeleteHelen! I'm so glad you are doing this! Especially for those of us who feel so far removed! :( My small group is praying for you as I know so many others are and I'm so encouraged to hear that you are feeling them! We love you and are here for you, my dear sis!! P.S. Lolo had tears in her eyes this morning as we were praying for you! She said she misses you!
ReplyDeletehelen! i'm glad you're doing this blog too! you are in my prayers lady... i love you!!
ReplyDeletehelen!!!! hopefully you have gotten my messages, you and the family are in my prayers constantly!!! and i am so glad that you are keeping this blog so that i can stay up to date without having to bug you via phone! ;) we are praying for your courage, strength and healing!!!! LOVE you!!!!!!
ReplyDeletehello ms pakman! helen. i was so incredibly blessed by how and what you shared on sunday night. praise God! i can sense the peace and trust that He has provided - it really is from the Lord. praying for his mercy and strength, esp for this thurs.
ReplyDeleteYou're such an amazing woman girl! I'm so encouraged by you and so blessed!! Keep looking UP and you will find complete peace.
ReplyDeletehi helen! long time no see :). thank you for the blog...jim and i are thinking of you and praying peace and power over you and your family. i'm believing in full healing and recovery, so feel free to join in with me. love you lots. please do keep us updated with specific prayer requests. love, kathy won
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