Wow! These Doctors don't mess around!
I met with my Oncologist on Tuesday. He introduced me to Danny, his Patient Advocate, who basically makes sure we don't get hosed by our insurance, among other things like getting me involved in support groups, yoga (nope...), and other cool things. There's even a fly fishing three day retreat in early June. I doubt I'll be able to go, but it's nice knowing they have a great support program at the Utah Cancer Specialists!
By the end of my appointment, my Dr. had me scheduled for a minor surgery to insert a "power port" and a PET Scan, all within a few days of leaving his office.
I have to say that I'm increasingly amazed at how our Heavely Father, Universe, or whatever you want to call it, puts us in positions for success, if only we're looking for it and prepared to capitalize on their offerings. I was blessed to meet my team of doctors, just when I thought I couldn't be in a darker place...
So, I have a Power Port. What's a Power Port you ask? It's an easy way for the nurses, doctors, and technicians to administer my medicines to me without poking my arm every time.
Out of the box, the Power Port looks like a small bottle cap, with some sort of silicone top. A thin tube comes off one side of it. After getting sedated, the surgeon places one end of the tube into my jugular vein, and the other end he threads back down my chest about 6 inches, where he makes about a 2 inch incision and puts the Port under the skin, and attaches the tube. I got sewn back up, and released within a couple of hours.
Don't be jealous of the chest hair...
The idea is that round after round of chemo can destroy your veins in your arms. This will also allow for quick access for those trained to use the Port to extract blood for labs and quickly give doses of medication if needed.
It makes me feel like a super human!
Two days after my Port install, I had my first PET scan. A PET scan is a much more in depth CT scan. I laid under the machine for about 20 minutes while it took pictures. It should be noted that I did have to get some type of radiation injected into me prior to the PET scan. Enough where no one else could be within 6 feet of me for 45 minutes.
The PET scan will measure the tumors on my liver so we can see how well I'm responding about 3 months into my treatment by taking another PET scan and comparing it to my first scan.
The PET scan will also allow us to see if there is any cancer in any other part of my body, from my eyebrows to my kneecaps.
Honestly, I'm getting a little nervous for Tuesday (first day of chemo), but I know this is what is best for me, right now.
I appreciate all the support I've received. Everyone I've talked to says "let me know how I can help", which is awesome! I wish I had something for everyone to do. If anything, please keep my family in your prayers and thoughts. Please send good vibes our way. Believe me, it helps.
I'll updat after this first round... wish me luck!
You have a gift for explaining things, bro. So glad you're moving into the chemo phase to wipe this out of your system once and for all. Love you
ReplyDelete