Bryon had his first treatment on Monday, using his new port. He received a Power Port on the right side of his chest last Wednesday, it will be used to put medications into his body and to take out blood samples as needed. The theory behind it is that he will no longer have burnt veins from the chemo, or have to be poked several times with a needle to find the vein.
The treatment went very smoothly and Bryon is very pleased with how painless the process was. The nurses who administer his treatments were very relieved to see the port also. Believe it or not they don't LIKE to poke people with needles. If you have a medical professional who does like to poke you then get a new one. He still has about 8 stitches holding the port under the skin, but they will be taken out in the next couple of days.
The clinical trial doctor also took a look at the suspicious mole on Bryon's neck. She kind of chuckled and said it wasn't a priority since he was already on chemo. The only reason to have it biopsied is if it gets bigger, very quickly. Since Bryon sees a doctor every week, he does not feel like he is in any immediate danger. Overall, Bryon is a new man with high hopes for his, now, extended future. Even though he feels better mentally, the drugs keep him limited physically. He has missed a lot of work in the last week, but will be returning to Schreiber's this evening. Loaded with pain meds and anti nausea pills he should fair pretty well. Most healthy people need those just to survive 8 hours at their own place of employment.
Good job Bryon, and keep on trucking!
Congratulations Bryon! It is so great to hear good news. I am praying for you always. I will be in Dayton in June so if you guys need any help with the breakfast thing let me know. I am willing to do anything you guys need.
ReplyDeleteThere is a certain joy when you place a particularly difficult IV. I do not get happiness from the poke, rather the satisfaction of poking only once in the patient that stated "I'm a really hard stick---good luck." I am glad Bryon likes the port. I think they are fabulous. Modern medicine sure is swell.
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved by the port as well. It sounds like that will make your treatments much easier. I've read good things about the Powerport. Everybody's happy with it from you, the patient, to the nurses. It has a much better safety profile as well.
ReplyDeleteGood news!