Port-A-Cath

Well, I had my port put in yesterday. A fairly simple procedure. It was done in the out patient surgery area at Regions. They didn't give me any "happy" drugs until they were almost ready for surgery, so I was a little nervous while they were prepping me in the surgery area. Because of the location of the port (upper right chest) my whole head had to be draped. My head was turned to the left and they had this arm thing attached to the bed to hold the drape off my face so I could see out a little. The nurses would bend over and stick their faces down there to check on me and see how I was doing. One guy told me to let him know if anything itches-- he said they are specially trained in nose itching--made me giggle! They finally gave me my IV drugs, and then the surgeon came in to start the procedure. I was awake for the whole thing--the nurse was surprised I didn't drift off at all. Every now and then the surgeon would tell me I'd feel a little stick, and that was the novacaine. Other than that all I felt was alot of pushing on my chest.
After surgery I thought I'd just get some juice and crackers, but she asked me what I wanted to drink (apple juice) and then brought me a tray with a small turkey sandwich, cup of pudding, banana, milk, and a small pack of Oreos. I let Rich have the milk and cookies :-).
We got home about 3 pm, and I took a nap. The site was very sore and any movement hurt. I could only take Tylenol, because of risk of bleeding from other pain meds. Didn't sleep to well. I can't sleep in one position all night, and it hurt to move around. I'm still sore now (its almost 11am), but not nearly as sore as I was when I first got up.
My advice for anyone getting a port: Plan on resting after the surgery, and don't plan anything for the next day--you'll be a little sore, and a lot tired! (I had to get up this morning to take my mom to the clinic--not a good plan!).
Well, I won't be doing much housework today-- I've started reading "At Home in Mitford", so I'll probalby read alot. And I'll be napping--very sleepy.
Next up--Thursday appt. with the radiation therapist in the morning, and a chemo class in the afternoon. Should be an interesting day. I'll find out what to expect during radiation, and how long I have to have it, and then I can get all my questions answered about chemo.
Tomorrow I am going to dinner with some friends-can't wait--should be alot of fun!
Take care everyone!
Love and blessings!!
Tina
ps. Thanks Karri for the comment (nice to hear from you!! Make sure you read Dee's comment after yours!) And thanks Karen for the phone call--I heard from both of you on the same day I think--maybe Keith had something to do with that?? Love to both of you!