Nurse Maria using my newly installed PowerPort for the first time.
OK, I admit it: at heart, I’m a total techno-junkie. I’m all about any new hardware that takes care of the tedious, repetitive tasks taking up so much of life. If it’s latest and greatest, I probably own one…particularly if it has an Apple logo on it.
Before Wednesday, all my chemo was being administered via needle-stuck-in-my-hand. Unfortunately, the drugs used for chemo scar the walls of the veins, narrowing and possibly collapsing them over time. Enter the PowerPort, a device that routes drugs directly into the big vein going to my heart. It can also be used for dye-injection in upcoming CT scans, and for the mandatory blood-draw prior to chemotherapy.
Unlike the PIC line I wore earlier this year, the PowerPort involves no dangling tubes and little risk of infection. Once the small incisions made to insert the device have healed, I’ll be back to boogie boarding, long bubble-baths, and all the other summery sports involving beach and sand I’ve been enjoying this season.
Long live technology! Now, if only Apple made these things, it’d probably have on-board video AND allow me to phone home. Mr Jobs…could this be your Next Big Thing?
Hi Joyce,
Only you could manage to look so glamorous during that power port procedure! I think KP should use you as their poster grrl for power ports…
I hope this helps improve the chemo process for you. Glad you’ll be back to sand castle making, etc. in no time.
love,
Kathleen
Two days this week at Kaiser, Wednesday for insertion of the Power Port and Friday for Chemo.
You are so brave and upbeat for all this, I am so proud of you.
I love you my little redhead, maybe you will have some hair for the holiday season.
Love, Cupcake Woman
Amazing device. Even though, Joyce, as you point out, if Apple made it, it would be even better.
Dear Joyce, So glad to hear from you–and I agree with your friend Kathleen–You look glamorous and even cheerful!–in what seems such an unlikely circumstance. All the best to you and to Joan always, Kevin circumstance. , x J
You really are amazing! Thought so before and even more so now!
Time to buy stock in the PowerPort company…you look like you’re being tickled by that nurse! (Joan???)…great blog entry Joyce!! You ARE an inspiration!!….love, Tony
Hey, PowerPort is good but not great. For great, you need look no further than:
PowerJoyce!