Well I had my 1st Port-a-Cath installed on Monday this week. I have been hoping for some time now to have my PICC line removed as it is quite annoying. I also got rashes and itchiness due to a reaction to the dressing used to cover it, nothing seemed to really help it. Having a port-a-cath will also provide me with so much more independence. With the PICC line I couldn't have a full bath and even had to have Michelle help me to cover it when showering. It will also mean that I will be able to go swimming too! Our pool opening is set for early May so I will be ready to go by them. For those of you wondering, a port-a-cath is an implanted device which allows for easy access to the veins: for taking blood samples, giving intravenous fluids and medications. Although I wish that I didn't need either, I am happy that this option was made available to me. This procedure provided short term pain for long term gain!
This week also means my 2nd biopsy in as many months. You might recall that I recently had a biopsy done. Newer samples are now needed for the study that I am on. Although a fairly non invasive procedure, it still means going under sedation and can have some complications.
For the record, I have been in three different Toronto hospitals all in one week! Toronto Western on Monday, Princess Margaret on Thursday and Toronto General on Friday. Amazing really. We are so fortunate and lucky to have a world class medical system right here in Ontario. That is why I am supporting both Southlake Hospital through Richard's Roadrunners Virtual Challenge and have supported Princess Margaret Hospital through the purchase of a few of their Home lottery tickets. Who knows, I may be the lucky winner of both excellent care and treatment as well as a win a new home, car or cottage!
Well believe it or not this week already marks my 3rd week of treatment in the new trial. So far so good! I had to spend another overnight stay in the hospital this week and will hopefully only need to do that one more time. I am pleased to say that I seem to be tolerating the treatment quite well with no immediate side effects to report. Another CT scan is now booked for the end of April. This is already starting to create some SCANxiety.
1st...2nd...3rd, sometimes it feels like it's three steps forward, and two steps back, but I hope through this journey, that I will at least be a step ahead of where I used to be.
Richard
