July 15: Treatment 5 over and making my way down. It feels great to know I only have 3 more to go! Yippee!!
I was on pins and needles going into treatment 5 because the Infusion Nurses had trouble drawing my blood from the port. She had difficulty getting the blood return. After 1 hour and many various contortions of my body, success! After all that, she told me she suspects my port is infected and that I should have it checked by Dr. Garg. He was my next appointment.
Dr. Garg reviewed my bloodwork and he said it was perfect. With no other signs of infection, ie: fever, feeling over the top lousy, he did not suspect the port was infected. However, he decided he wanted a second opinion from my Vascular Surgeon. So my chemo was put on hold. After spending 2 1/2 hours at the hospital I returned home and waited for the call. Within the hour, I was back in the car to the Vascular Surgeon's office. I saw another doctor in the
practice because mine was on vacation. Dr. John told me I am experiencing a rare, allergic skin reaction to the port. Why me? I keep breaking out in a bumpy, itchy rash that is very "angry" looking. He said this is not very common and with 4 treatments to go, "suck it up". Considering the condition of my veins in my right arm, I have no choice. He cleared me for Chemo.
Fortuntately, the Infusion Center was able to get me back on the schedule for Friday. I did not want a delay. My nurse told me that in 15 years, she has never seen a skin allergy to a port. I wish the black cloud over my head would go away!
My infusion took 5 hours and went well. They added prescription strength benedryl to my cocktail and it knocked me out. I was asleep within 20 minutes. The only side effect I need to watch for with this course is Neuropathy which is nerve pain in the hands and feet. This would be a very good time for that black cloud to disperse!
Every considered, I feel okay. I am very anxious to get my life back! I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it gets brighter every day!
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