Yesterday, as per the results of the portogram, I underwent port replacement surgery. Out with the old, and in with the new. The day was a bit nostalgic because the port being removed had been with me so far during my cancer journey. It vastly improved my ability to handle the lengthy chemo sessions because the port allowed the drip to run faster without blowing up on me due to my small veins. The surgeon who installed it was like a kid with a brand-new toy; he was so excited about it. But it had been in much longer than expected, and it's time to move on.
In many ways, this is drawing a line between the past and the present. New port, new treatment protocol, new oncologist, and new circumstances. On the one hand, I have a lump—but I'm in a much better state than before. I've had several years to build up resources this time, so I feel stronger as I face the battle ahead than I have in the past. The test results so far have been good in a way. Yes, the lump is a little aggressive monster that needs to be slayed, but the leukemia side of things is in abeyance. So, the battle is localized vs. systemic and that gives me hope. This won't be the old battle … not that it will be easy … but a new battle using a protocol designed to wheedle into the cancer cells and choke them to death. I can get behind that visualization. 🙂
The surgery went well. The old port came out with no problem. I guess the new one took a little longer to install, but it wouldn't be me if it were easy. 😎 The staff were fantastic. I have truly enjoyed all the staff I've worked with so far. They are knowledgeable, attentive, caring, concerned … everything you want in your care team. I have two gashes on my chest, so now my scarring will be even, and one on my neck. The post-operative pain has been minimal and for the most part it only hurts when I first lie down. Otherwise, I feel like I have a bit of a stiff neck and occasionally feel some tightness around the chest wounds, which are glued together instead of stitched. Whatever works.
The picture for this post is depicting the hope a new day brings. Shedding new light on the path ahead. That's it for now. Tomorrow, I have the final tests done to see whether I have additional lumps lurking that need to be slayed.