Just a quick update this time.
My wound is almost healed (it has only taken 3 months since the 2nd op!)
My Portacath is being fitted on Thursday afternoon (but they haven't told me whether it is a local or general anaesthetic they will be using!!!)
My chemo will start (probably) on Monday at 11am, possibly Tuesday but definitely next week!
They were going to start me this Friday but because that would mean I'd most likely be sick on the weekend when the kids are pretty full on and would most notice if I was not 100%, so at my request they have agreed to do it next week so I have some time to recover while the boys are at school for a good part of the day.
So.... I've booked in to have my head shaved on Friday morning!!!! There is only £120 in the sponsorship kitty so far... but something is better than nothing!
It is all becoming very real again... and just a little bit scary.... but it is great to be getting started.
Woohoo!!!!!
FormerMember
Oh it seems a long road when you start, then just before halfway you think " I'm fed up with this", and before you know it you are approaching the end. It seems like yesterday to me, but have finished chemo.
When I had my portacath it was done under a local, they did offer me some diazepam or something to relax me, which I accepted as I wasn't driving. I didn't feel a thing - honest.
What happened with me was, the anaesthetist scanned my neck to make check he had my jugular vein, then I had the mild sedative and they laid out all the gubbins, I had a green sheet over and around me so couldn't see a thing. I had the local, sharp scratch and a bit of a sting, then he inserted the portacath and the tube. Two small incisions, tiny one on my neck and about 1/2 inch on my chest, dissolving stitches and a dressing and done. I was sent for an x-ray to make sure it was where it was supposed to be, then back to the unit and they confirm you can go. I had a little bit of a bruise but no pain. No strenuous exercise for 48 hrs.
Hope it all goes well, and I think £120 is great, well done.
They have told me I might be there for 4 hours or so but did suggest not to drive (just in case) and so I have arranged for my husband to drop me off and pick me up. I'll be delighted if it is a local - although my last general was much better than the first, I'd prefer not to go through it again.
My fundraising aim high target is £500 but to be honest I'd be pretty chuffed with £300. Not many people know why I'm really doing this so I think they are waiting for the photographic proof that it is done!!! I'll need to make sure I hide any plasters from the op when the pics are taken but hopefully that won't be too hard to do.
Unfortunately I am not pretty with hair so I know being without is going to be dire.... but I have got a good wig - nick-named Suzy Syrup - so that should get me through and whilst part of me is dreading being bald (far more than the chemo!) I am also pretty curious about how it will be....
I'll be able to let you know how it feels on Friday afternoon...
