At The End Of 15 Months
At the end of May, I had my LAST Zometa infusion, so today I went down to M.D. Anderson for another milestone visit; I got my port-a-cath removed!!!
I chose to be fully conscious for my port removal given that the procedure would be relatively quick and uncomplicated. I asked if I could watch the surgery, but my request was denied. Fortunately the physician’s assistant who did my procedure was good about talking me through everything she was doing.
Knowing that I’d be getting a few shots of Lidocaine prior to port removal and being very tired of needle sticks, I pre-empted the pain of the Lidocaine shots with a slathering of Emla (Lidocaine) cream. I’m glad I numbed my skin beforehand because I barely felt the shots. Once all the numbing was done, the spot where the port was initially placed was opened with a scalpel. A cauterizing wand was used to further open the area while it stopped blood vessels from leaking. Every so often, I’d get a whiff of burning skin/flesh, or I’d feel a twinge of pain or heat, but the smell quickly dissipated and pain was attended to with additional Lidocaine shots.
Within a few minutes after being opened up, I felt a tug and the catheter was pulled out of my vein. Pressure was applied to the area for a few minutes to stop any bleeding. After the catheter (a five inch long, thin, white tube) was out, the sutures that held the port in place were snipped. More tugging, more pressure, and in no time I gave birth to a thumb-sized port! Lastly a number of stitches closed me up, steri-strips were applied, and finally a pressure bandage was placed over the surgical site.
Thinking back on the day, I walked into today’s appointment only mildly excited. After all, my port was never a real intrusion in my day-to-day activities, so I didn’t think I would miss or notice the port being gone. I was, however, far more emotional than I expected after my port was taken out. It dawned on me that today really marked the end of a long, hard road.
I’ve encountered a life-threatening disease, marched into the thick of it and come out the other side alive and healthy. My life now is certainly more precious to me than before cancer. Of course I think about the possibility of recurrence from time to time, but I’ve already decided that I would, in a heartbeat, go through everything (surgery, chemo, radiation) again, given how life feels after cancer.
Throughout these last 15 or so months, I’ve thought a lot about what cancer means to me. It’s definitely scared me, saddened me and inconvenienced me. More than anything though I’ve reaped many, many gifts as a result of my cancer experience. My life is richer, fuller and happier. I’ve found that I’m a lot tougher than I ever imagined. I’ve learned greater patience with myself, and this once I-can-do-it-all-myself person has learned to receive help from others.
I knew from the beginning it was important for me to put my thoughts and experiences down in writing as a way to process what I was going through. It was also important for me to be talk, laugh and cry about having breast cancer. As a result, new relationships have formed and existing relationships have deepened. My life has been touched, encouraged and enriched by all of you. Notes, phone calls and hugs helped me remember that I was not alone through this experience. Thank you for being a part of my journey!
Lots of love, Lisa
-MESSAGES-
Wonderful Lisa: I am so happy for you. You have such a wonderful outlook. Know you will get to see your folks soon. Have a wonderful visit. Hope I get to see you when you come here. Take care and God Bless. Love, A.J.
Congratulations! Hey Lisa! Way to go! It made my morning to read your last update on getting your port removed :) I'm very happy for you - you are a real trooper.
Maybe we'll see each other in October. B. has been on me about signing us up for the next Race for the Cure in Houston since his sister got to do it:) God bless you, E. <><
What a Trip!
It certainly has been a long and winding road to this point in your life and I am so happy that you have shared the trip with all of us ! Love and hugs and happy dances -D.
Long journey Lisa You have travelled this long, 15-month road with such courage, dignity and grace! We have all learned from you. Thank you for being so open about your experiences and thoughts. Your postings have been a gift to all of us privileged to share them.
Love to you and Nat,
j. (Ann Arbor)
You are strong Lisa, We haven't met yet but I hope we will someday. In the event that cancer touches my life, I will remember your journey and the positive way you traveled it. It is so good to hear that you have grown happier and enjoy life even more now. Congratulations - J.
WONDERFUL NEWS!!! DEAR LISA AND FAMILY: HURRAH, HURRAH FOR THE GREAT NEWS!!! I AM THANKING THE GOOD LORD FOR ALL YOUR BLESSINGS AND WE ARE ALL SO VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THIS NEWS. THINGS ARE LOOKING SO WONDERFUL AND WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS UPDATE FOR A LONG TIME. KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE KEPT IN OUR PRAYERS AND WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN. HOPE TO RUN INTO YOU AROUND OUR NECK OF THE WOODS SOMEDAY SOON!!! TAKE CARE AND ENJOY YOUR WONDERFUL LIFE!!!! LOTS OF LOVE AND PRAYERS, S., J., M. AND D., TOO!!!!
Yeah! I am glad to hear that you are done with everything. It's always good to hear from you. Take care and stay in touch a well! Love ya, L.
Thank-you! Bravo Lisa! Thanks you for the effort of journaling your experience and sharing it with us. Our lives are richer for it. Many of us will draw on your experience when we need it. You are one courageous lady. I love your "look it straight in the eye" approach and your honesty. Thank you. Blessings. B. K.
You are a gift! I was out of town for a few days getting some R&R, and I kept thinking that I needed to call you when I got back. How delighted I was to see a posting from you! I have a lump in my throat from reading it! You are such a special person. You have moved me from your first posting to this posting, and every one in between. While I was out of town, I was thinking about how it was a little over a year ago that you, Kelly and I went to Round Top. I finally deleted those pictures out of my camera about 2 weeks ago. Every time I turned my camera on and used it, I always had a reminder of the strongest woman I know! Hugs to you and the family! M.
Go Girl Hey Lisa, it just seems like yesterday that this journey began. I am so happy for you and all that you have done. My aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I will be doing the walk again for both of you. I have told her about you several times. We are going to the beach next week for a reunion so I will have my laptop and find some free WiFi and let her read your logs. I still think you have the right to play your BC card and use your "Cancer Sucks" motto anytime. Don't worry, I will be up at GMS for some good laughs before school starts next Aug. Take care.
Bravo! Bravo, Lisa!!! And you have enriched our lives throughout. Thank you and stay well. Love, J.
Here is to you! And congratulations on another milestone. Your attitude throughout has been remarkable, your insights enlightening. I am so happy this is behind you, your port removal being the last step. Onward! love, K. N.
Dear Lisa Bravo and Hurrah! The port being removed is a tremendous step and your courage has been enlightening. I'm so proud of you and how you've endured and handled this darn cancer throughout the entire period. It is time for you to celebrate and enjoy your life, family and your future. May you have some time off from work and just enjoy. Love you, D.
You go girl! So glad to hear the good news. Your determination has paid off. With affection, B. and N.
Congratulations! I know getting that port out is a HUGE milestone! You are an inspiration to me.