Hello,
Nick's port has been removed. It has been 2 years and 3 months since Nick's port was surgically placed in his chest. The port has been used many times for Chemo, blood transfusions, antibiotics, sleepy medicine, blood draws/counts and IVIG. The port is an amazing medical device that has helped ease the pain of being 'poked' with an IV. Nick was not comfortable with it in the beginning and cried when he was accessed. Nick is so strong he learned to deal with it and soon enough, it did not bother him anymore. We also had the help of the emla cream, which numbed his skin before accessing. The procedure was simple yesterday and Greg & I felt calm. We brought Colby and Joey with us to the appt. They were able to hang out with Nick prior to going into surgery and then saw him briefly in recovery. I was able to stay with Nick until the 'bubble gum' gas made him fall asleep. I was with him in recovery when he woke up. The first thing he said was: "do I have a needle in my arm? It was not there when I fell asleep'. Nick was able to fall asleep in my arms and then the nurse inserted an IV into him. This is a precaution in case he needed any medicine during or after surgery. Nick felt a little groggy waking up and Greg carried him out. He felt great last night and was eating up a storm. We decided to keep him home today because he was feeling sore where the incision was and the doctor said no physical activity for a few days.
The middle of the port feels like gel and is where the needle would enter. There was also a tub attached to the port (where it looks like a needle sticking out) which was connected to a major vein for drawing blood and giving medicine. We were able to take the port home, after being sterilized. (Actual picture above) Nick has not yet decided what he wants to do with it, but he is thinking of something. Nick said to us before going to bed: "I am actually glad I have my port out. It feels good." Colby has asked to bring it to school and show his friends. He thinks it is cool. I am not sure how kids would react to such a device and really understand it. For now, we are just enjoying the kids being kids.
4 comments:
Good buy to the PORT, what good news...Now the dilemma of what to do with the port :). I so happy for all of you, lets pray continued good health for everyone in 2011.
Yay! Mollie's friends loved seeing her port even though they had no idea what it was really for. They just knew she had surgery to take it out... that was cool enough for first graders!
Wishing you the happiest 2011!
We are the so proud of Nick for what you endured in teh past 2 years. You have shown how strong you are. The Love family is very happy for you and your family in getting thru everything. Lots of love!
Hi Nicholas,
Although you only met me and my family once, you have planted a seed deep in our hearts. The courage, strength, faith, and endurance you and your family have experienced the past two years have changed, shaped and guided you towards a new path in life. I will never understand why things happen the way they do, but I do know that you have been chosen for something special. I believe that this experience will give you a positive perspective on life and all the gifts we are given. You will not only see all the good in the people around you, but will bring the good out of them. Your light will shine and touch everyone within your reach. You've already touched mine and my family's. Thank you. Much love and happiness in your journeys ahead and know that we are always praying for you. Love, The Eagan (Dawn, Jamie, Cooper, Kate and Padraig)
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