Lump & Bump

I lost another part of me Friday. I decided to have my port removed. It was a difficult decision for a number of reasons. The first being "what if the cancer returns and I would have to have another one reinstalled". The second was odd because the port had become a part of me. I often found myself reaching to touch it just to make sure it and I were still here. We had both gone through a long journey and my port was the link to reaching my cancer (and it eventual destruction). On the other hand, its presence meant that every month I needed to return to the doctor to have it flushed so it would remain clean and clear. That was an inconvenience but oddly enough I will miss my regular visits to the Cancer Center. The center was often as much a source of comfort as it was a place of treatment. I always gained perspective when surrounded by others who were travelling similar journeys. Dr. Dubovsky said "take it out". It is plastic and when not used can only create problems. I know that some people have kept theirs in for as long as ten years. In the end I decided it was time to remove the foreign body from my domestic body. So I went to the St. Joseph's "Lump and Bump" room and my old friend, Dr. Daneker, removed my port of call. It was a procedure that was performed with a local shot and involved a scalpel, an electronic caulderizer (sp?), stitches, and super glue. I also had a patch attached to me that led to a machine that literally grounded me so I would not be electrocuted by the caulderizer. Removing the patch was the most painful part.

I saved the port as a souvenir of my travels. I am hoping it does not become part of a collection. Maybe Cat will include it in one of her pieces. Dr. Daneker said if she does he wants proper credit for assembling the port.


So I am now portless and for the next two years I am on a six month schedule for scans and visits. In April I will celebrate my two year anniversary since my diagnosis and surgery. So in the words of Batman's nemesis "Riddle me this": What sounds like an instrument of torture but in the right hands is a life saving solution? ....................................................... A Whipple! And I had one.

A New Year's Note

I cannot believe it has been almost a year since I last posted. What a year it has been. Cat and I have made up for lost time by travelling all over. From NC to Connecticut to England and Scotland. The New Year was welcomed in during our last visit to the Mountains of Western Carolina. We actually entertained a happy group of 13 while we were there. One of my best New Years ever. My major resolution was to continue living. To get it off to a good start I had my first six month scan yesterday and just got my results an hour ago. The great three letters that I now love NED- No Evidence of Disease. Ned has never been one of my favorite names but it is now.

I also am going to make a concerted effort to get back into The P Train. I like my view from here. Thanks to all who continue to provide friendship, support and love. A hearty, happy and healthy new years to you all.