Phase II Placement of Hickman Line

Thursday, October 18

     Long day, but I did okay! My parents are here and we drove over to UWMC at 7am. Again, the fear and hype of getting the Hickman Line was far worse than the reality. I think the repetitive explanations of the procedure and risks (and pictures-yikes!) are what get me anxious.

     This was the first time I have seen an operating room, not on TV, and it was pretty impressive. They explained things again and then finally started dripping in my cocktail for sedation. Very soon after, a spotlight came on and I saw my name in lights!  I was ready to sing! Just kidding, it wasn't that glamorous, it was an extra-large monitor with my full name in bold and all my medical stats flashing. But, I did feel like I was on stage. Clearly, the cocktail the nurse mixed up was a success! 

     Before I knew it, they raised the curtain and the show was over.  Then, I went to recovery and was released by 1pm. I had been fasting since the night before and was so hungry. The pharmacy wait at the hospital was a disaster so I took the pain prescription with me to fill later. However, as soon as we got in the car, I realized I needed something for the pain right away. We made a quick detour for Advil before we got to a great wood-fired pizza place in University Village.

     By the time we got back to the SCAA, the Advil had worn off and I really began to feel the pain. It is very tender and sore, mainly at the entry point above my collarbone. SCAA gave me some Tylenol with Codeine and things are better now.

     I am back in my room, taking it easy because tomorrow is going to be another very long day.  I'm really tired, but a little nervous to lie down and sleep with the two tubes coming out of my chest. . .the other patients I've talked to say that they are not as delicate as they look and I will get used to them in no time.

      Tomorrow, my day starts at 6:15am with labs and then a high-dose of chemotherapy until 9pm.  The doctor says this first treatment will be a good indicator of how I do next month when I have the 7-day round of chemo inpatient. So, thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

     And a HUGE thank-you and best wishes to my parents who will be with me on their 55th wedding anniversary!!