Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Port is coming out

So, today is the day.  My port is being removed.  I'm so happy to get rid of this thing! Change of plans though. Poor Claudia's car broke down yesterday, so CB is going with me til my procedure and then Todd is picking me up.  It is a day long process.  I'm checking in at 9:30 and the procedure is scheduled for 11:30.  The port removal should take about an hour and then I'll have an hour of recovery at the hospital before I can go home, so I'll be there til around 2:30 today. Can't wait for the day to be over and be port free!!  Also can't wait to drink something and eat something.  I have to fast and I'm SO thirsty and hungry.  Ugh!  Anyway, I'll let you all how it goes.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

New Derm & Port Removal

I went and saw a new dermatologist on Monday.  I found them on a friend's facebook page and then found out that Todd is working on their website - is that a sign or what!  Anyway, I really like her.  She is much more thorough than my other derm.  The new derm uses a "magnifying glass" and looked at every mole. I had 3 I wanted her to take a look at and we removed those.  She also diagramed them and took pictures of 9, 7 of which we will watch.  I'm going back in 2 weeks to have 2 more removed.  I'm not worried about those we have removed or the 2 we will remove.  I guess I am at peace and feel that no matter what I'll be fine.

My nurse called to tell me that she scheduled my port to be removed Wednesday, April 20th! I can't wait!  It'll be outpatient at Scottsdale Shea Hospital at 9:30am.  I will not be put under, but will not be able to drive home. Claudia got up before the sun rose to drive me down to Tucson for the port placement and she'll be there with me for the removal.  How awesome is that! Thanks SO much my friend!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Monthly Doc Visit

I met with Dr. Wonderful (Gordon) on Monday, March 27th for another all is good chat. I have known I am in great hands, but during this visit we were talking about the approval of Yervoy and I mentioned something about staying on my current treatment and not changing and he said "over my dead body will you change" (& then discussed the reasons why). This is the bed side manner that I want from my doc. Personal and not sterile. I want him to have passion about me and not view me as another patient to experiment with, which is how I felt about my Tucson doc. His entire practice is full of positive energy and I can feel it as soon as I enter the building. During this visit I met a woman (70 something) and she was telling me her story. She has lung cancer and has been coming to the practice for 6 years for treatment. She is not NED, but what is left of her crazies have not been growing. Simply amazing! I"m telling you this as she was saying how wonderful and positive the doctors and nurses are at the practice. I have met quite a few paitients since December and all of them have been positive and optimistic. This atmosphere is so great for patients as it is a place of hope and that in itself is a treatment.

Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot.  I asked if I could get my port removed. He seemed a little hesitant, but there isn't a need for it, so he said yes. Nothing has been scheduled yet, but I am so excited to have this thing out!!  I'm just so tired of looking at it. It is a reminder of the awful IL-2 treatment that didn't work and I don't need that negative energy flowing.  One of my nurses mentioned to me that even when their treatment is finished some patients don't like to get their port removed as they view it as a positive thing. My reply was that I got mine for a treatment that didn't work for me.  The treatment made my cancer grow and spread.  Get rid of the thing!  Also it is such an eye sore! Sorry, but vanity does play a role. Cute summer dresses, tank tops and swim suits are upon us and I don't feel comfortable wearing any of them with a lump sticking out of my chest.  My body is so full of scars and now bruises from the blood thinner shots, I just don't need an unnecessary eye sore to add to the mix.