23 May 2023
The closer the time gets for the port and the infusions, the more questions I seem to have. I called Katherine (Breast Health Navigator) with a list. The port insertion will be done on Thursday the 25th of May with a local anesthetic (Damn! I wanted the good stuff to put me under!). They may give me something that is a mild sedative but that will be it. Lidocaine rules. The procedure will last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
My concern about the first infusion occurring the day after the port insertion was unfounded. Apparently, that is fairly common, but I still feel more comfortable knowing I’m giving the surgery time to heal with my first infusion scheduled for 5 June.
Right now they have scheduled me for four infusions. Here are the dates along with consultation and echocardiogram.
24 May Chemo consultation 10:15 am
Echocardiogram 1:45 pm
25 May Port insertion 9 am
5 Jun First infusion 7:45 am
6 Jun Injection in fatty tissue back of arm – for immunity boost
26 Jun Second infusion 7:45 am
27 Jun Injection for immunity boost
17 Jul Third infusion 7:45 am
18 Jul Injection for immunity boost
7 Aug Fourth infusion 7:45 am
8 Aug Injection for immunity boost
There will be two more infusions in September that have not been scheduled as of yet. Katherine says the greatest complaint from people is fatigue, not nausea. Apparently the new anti-nausea drugs are significantly better than years ago.
My friend Tom will take me to Holy Cross for the port insertion and I have had several requests from other friends that want to drive me to and from infusions. I suspect I’ll need their help for the first few, in any case. I also suspect I’ll be able to handle the injections for immunity boosts on my own. People really want to help and I really appreciate the offers.
I’ll post again tomorrow after I learn what I need to know with the consultation and probably scare you with photos of the port placement.
Stay tuned!
