The port in my storm

I now have a "port" implanted below my collarbone. It connects via a long catheter into a large vein that will be able to handle the chemotherapy drugs better than the veins in my arms could.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I have to admit that  I was freaked out by the anticipation of the surgery. It did not help that they had me come to the hospital at 10 on Monday, but the surgery was not scheduled until one.

After the ramadulla of inserting an IV—one of the things I truly hate—taking blood pressure and blood samples, I was resigned to waiting around in my cubicle, clad in my stunning hospital gown and bright-green non-slip socks.

However, after I talked to the surgeon, he decided to take me to surgery earlier. 

What a weird place an operating room is! I felt I had been abducted by aliens and taken into the mother ship to be subjected to strange experiments. Although each person in the room was very nice, very positive, and introduced him/herself and what role each would play, I was still really scared.

The injection of Lidocaine into the first incision site did nothing to decrease my anxiety, so the surgical team increased the sedation being administered via the IV. This was a very good idea.

I conked out, and woke up back in my cubicle with a big bandage on my chest. I had no nausea and was hungry, having had no food or water since 6:40 a.m., so a very nice nurse rustled up a tuna-salad sandwich for me. And then: escape!

I have been pretty sore at the incision sites and now have a lump where the port is placed under my skin, but I have been staying home the past couple of days, resting, catching up on my reading ... and even getting some work done Wednesday.

Next comes my first chemotherapy on the 24th. It's rather sobering to realize that everything I have been through so far is only preparation for the actual treatment of the cancer.