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.
