First off, I had an incredible time in Patagonia and I do plan on writing about it in the near future, but treatment has taken priority. But my one piece of advice…go to Patagonia! It is stunning with great food and wine. It also helps I was with a wonderful group and had a great guide.
I got back early on Sunday morning to the prediction of massive snow starting on Monday. Might as well keep my medical treatments more interesting by adding snow. The surgery to install the port was scheduled for Tuesday morning (right at the peak of the snow). Mom drove in on Sunday to avoid the snow and still be able to be here for the surgery.
Honestly, I didn’t know much about this surgery. I knew it was pretty simple and that was about it. Tuesday morning I got up around 5am to get out and shovel the driveway so we could get out. We got to the hospital super early to ensure we could make it. I am about a mile from the hospital so I figured I would walk if it was really bad. Thankfully the roads were drivable.
The surgery was pretty simple. I was under general anesthesia and woke up to just some soreness. The port is on the right side of my chest. This will allow them to draw blood and give the chemo through the port instead of destroying my veins in my arms. I have been told it is so much easier this way.
I felt great the rest of the day, but I was exhausted and sore the next two days. I even went to bed around 7:30 each night because I was just so tired. I also couldn’t sleep on my right side (which is my preferred side) because it was very sore. Thankfully by Friday, I started to feel better. I am still restricted a little as it heals, but overall, I am feeling way better.
Step 1- Port put in place- Done!
Step 2- Start Chemo
Step 3- Finish Chemo
Step 4- Mastectomy
Step 5- Bye cancer!