Preparing for Chemo

Today was a big day in prepping for chemo. In the morning I received my port. This is a procedure done in interventional radiology under heavy sedation and local anesthesia. Although in Mary fashion I was awake and talking to the doctor (comfortable and in no pain) the entire time. I cannot remember most of what I said and praying it wasn’t inappropriate.

During the procedure, a small plastic disc was placed under my skin in the upper chest area and was attached to a catheter tube that was threaded into the jugular vein. This port will allow the chemotherapy to be delivered in the best manner to the bloodstream, while also reducing the number of arm pokes I have to get on a regular basis. The port will show as a slight lump in the skin, and as my soon-to-be sister-in-law Jenn says, “will serve as my warrior badge”. I like thinking of it that way.

After the sedation had a chance to wear off, Brian and I headed down to our chemo education and meeting with the social worker and financial counselor. It was a lot of information, but honestly, much of it was really reassuring as the chemo therapy I will receive often has pretty manageable side effects. Today was a testament that knowledge is power. And I was so impressed with the way that the team at Lemmen-Holton gave me so many tools today as well as the permission to advocate for myself.

Not knowing exactly how chemo will affect me is a little scary and unsettling, but I am feeling positive going into Friday and will just take it as it comes. In the meantime, I continue to be so thankful for all the prayers, well wishes, cards, texts, and goody bags. I have my “chemo bag” ready to go with reading material, ginger chews, blankets, cozy socks, and chap stick. I am feeling so much love, and that I almost don’t feel worthy. But I will accept it nonetheless.

XO – Mary