Saturday, April 26, 2008

Updates with Pictures


I thought I would first show the picture of me with my hair and then with my "chemo" cut. The picture with the yellow shirt was taken the day before my Breast Surgery which was March 17th. The other picture was taken at 4:30 in the morning the day I went to have my Port A Cath put in and start my chemo which was April 25th. I called my hair style the chemo cut because I had all of my hair cut off so when it started falling out it wouldn't be so messy. I actually like it and it is so easy to take care of. Maybe when it grows back after the chemo I will have a hairstyle like this.
My ordeal yesterday went like this. I got up at 4:00 am to shower and go to the hospital to get the Port A Cath put in. My DH and I left the house at 4:35 and was at the hospital about 5:10. We got there a little early and they took me on back to prep me. I was prepped and ready about 6:15. My surgery was to start at 7:30. My doctor came in about 7:20 and did the markings on my left side to do the cath and I was on my way to surgery at 7:25. They surgery was to take about 40 minutes and ended up being 2 1/2 hours. They couldn't get the cath to go in the left side so they had to switch to the right side and still had some problems. Here is a picture of what it looks like. The bruises don't look as bad in the pictures as it does in real life but you can see how it bruised. They had to cut the throat area too as you can see the line of the bruise how it goes in the artery and down to the catheter. You can also see on the left side where they couldn't get it in. It is not as painful as it looks...thank goodness.
Needless to say I didn't make my 9:15 dr. appt. to start the chemo. They called looking for me and said to come as soon as I was done. I woke up in recovery at 10:30. I looked at the clock and asked the nurse if it was right and she said yes. I told her my DH had an appt. at a different hospital for a test at 11:00. She called him in the waiting room to make sure he canceled it and he had. I ended up at my Oncologist for my dr. visit and my chemo at 1:00. it was a long day but we got it all done.
I haven't felt real bad. I went to bed with a headache and woke up every hour. When the nurse called today I explained that to her and she said it is the Steroid injection they gave me yesterday and also the ones I took today. I have two more days of those so I know what I am facing with that. I felt pretty good otherwise until about 4:30 and then I go really nauseated. I took my nausea medication and laid down. I finally got up and ate some crackers and drank som diet Dr. Pepper. They both helped as the crackers settled down the nausea and the Dr. Pepper made my burp. I guess we will see what tomorrow brings. Everyone have a great weekend...what is left of it.

7 comments:

Mrs. Nancy G said...

You are very brave. I appreciate you willingness to share such a personal journey. YOU are still in my prayers.

Hugs,
~Nancy Grant
Angel #2661

Karen Lindsay said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. ;)

Hugs,

Karen

Sonja said...

Rita,
You are in our prayers...keep your spirits up, trust in God and you will come through this.

Unknown said...

Hey there Ms. Rita,

I love your Chemo cut I think you look darling. I am sorry that you have to go through all of this, if I could take it away I would. But remember what you go through makes you strong, stronger then you are. You are a true blessing to us all for sharing your personal adventure with us.

I pray for you and your husband, I pray for strength and rest, I pray that you will be over this soon and be on the mend.

May God Bless you and Keep you in his hands and help you during this walk in your life. Picture yourself in God's hands while he carries you to the end of this battle.

Inky Huggz,

Missy Olson
Angel #1754
Team Leader of the
Hot 'n Flashy Angelettes
North Branch, MN

Percy said...

My thoughts are with you :)

Hugs,

Percy

Angela K said...

Keeping you in my heart Rita. So sorry it did not go smoothly .

Aimee said...

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. your strength and courage is an inspiration.