Well sometimes I do get lucky. I went for the chest port consult today, and after I told her what has been going on, she said absolutely no port! I went through the whole story of how the port incision never healed and I went on antibiotics, and then it got hot and infected again last week. After hearing that it was removed, that was all she needed to hear. She said that because I only have two more infusions, a PICC line would be just fine.
She looked into the Cedars system- pretty cool that all of my doctors are connected and can see my entire history and appointments on any computer- and saw the results from the port cultures. Turns out that I had a pretty gnarly infection with some rare bacteria. Only me right? There would be no way that I could even have had a procedure like this because you are risking even more infection by putting another foreign object inside your body. Bacteria LOVE foreign objects and just flock to it. BTW, infections are common with ports. They are accessed so often that they are at risk for infection, so it isn’t entirely uncommon.
While talking with us, my surgeon who I just love came in also. She also agreed to no port. Love when they all agree with me. So a PICC line it is, and that can stay in for up to 3 months. It is risky for infection also, but I just have to be extra cautious and tell all nurses to wash their hands very well and use purell. I am so close to the finish, I don’t need a third infection to take me down!
I go in next Wednesday to get it, the day before #5. To say that I am relieved is a total understatement. I feel awesome that I finally got something right and can really see the light at the end of the tunnel. After next week I will have 3 weeks left, surreal to say the least.
Lastly, I found a nanny so that can be crossed off too! Ahh, things are finally coming together. It is such a change to have so much good in such a short time! I could get used to this.
xo,
Jessie