Port weekend

Early Friday morning Mark dropped me off and I checked in to Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa. It was early for Mark but normal for me. Check in was at 6 am for a procedure at 8 am.

Prep stuff at home:

- fast after midninght (can have sips of water to take meds)

- no aspirin 5 days prior to procedure

- take a shower 🚿

- get a good night sleep (I had anxiety and had difficulty falling asleep)

Check in events:

- wear comfy clothes especially pants; you get to keep them on)

- I got an IV put in my left wrist for bloodwork & Michael Jackson sedatives later

- supposed to get skin prepped but I’m allergic to Chlorhexidine they looked for Betadine/Iodine (dura prep) couldn’t find any

- was kept warm and waited until I got wheeled away

- Anne the RN explained about the care of the port/incision after installation

- met a nurse that grew up in Encanto (he knew the SD hoods)

Surgery room events:

- met a few nurses - one administers the sedatives; one prepped my skin; one helped me get situated; they all entertained and kept me comfortable

- I was glad I took a shower 😉

- they showed me my port that will be inserted in me

- explained that I will be sedated but may be awake (I’m pretty sure I passed out)

- explained what the port will be helpful for

- explained what to do with after care for port/incision

- met the doctor that will insert the port and said he’s done thousands of them

- explained that the procedure will take about 15 minutes

- last thing I remember is talking to Stephen the sedative nurse about how fun his apron prints looked

Port is in:

- the surgery room team woke me up and prepped me back to a bed with wheels so I can go to the radiology recovery room

- I was hungry and they understood so I was offered food and beverage

- I opted for a sandwich and some water and apple juice

- note: I should’ve asked for crackers and jello. I was nauseous 🤢

- was given anti nausea goodness in my IV, took a lil nap

- woke up again feeling a lil more rested, less nauseous, and hungry again

- lesson learned: got crackers, jello and water

- My knight in the Edge gray armor picked me up

Home care:

- I rested A LOT!

- Ocean laid around with me

- my cousin’s family came for the weekend to help out

- I broke out in a rash around my neck area. Benadryl helped but also made me lathargic.

- I can’t shower for 2 days. Bird bath it was!

- Crystal helped wash my hair the next day (I had to on Sunday night)

- Monday morning I bravely took the Saran Wrap and gauze off the incisions

- Family came by with some yummy goodness. Momma with some really juicy oranges and pineapple slices; Uncle Joey with some malabon (Filipino noodle dish) and macaroni salad!

- great times with the family; the boys had a tailgate in the wind and rain and saw the San Diego Fleet play while we watched Aquaman (had our own wind and rain with a lil steam)

- Friends checking in and sending prayers and warrior inspirations and very thoughtful gifts in time for treatment

- QT with girlfriends that are stepping up to provide a helping hand

AGAIN I CAN’T SAY THIS ENOUGH TO ALL OF YOU - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! LOVE YOU ALL!!!