Interventions

It’s been three weeks, and here we are at another infusion day.

Two weeks ago, I noticed that my port had migrated about an inch down from its original location to a somewhat more uncomfortable spot. That migration might have been caused by the severe coughing attacks I’ve had from whatever allergen is in the Oklahoma air right now. Port migration is unusual but not unheard of. The port study I had recommended a new port be installed because my current port tends to fail at blood draws.

Earlier this week, I saw a lymphedema specialist. She recommended medical equipment for me: daily wear compression sleeves and a mechanical compression sleeve with a vest, which I will be using an hour a day. Besides confirming the lymphedema in my arm, she noticed that I very likely have ascites (extra fluid) in my belly. The compression vest will help move that out. When she mentioned it looked like about twenty pounds of fluid, my inner reaction was “Hallelujah! I’m not as fat as I thought!”

Day before yesterday, I finally got around to getting a flu shot, extra strength for seniors. Surprisingly, my arm did not hurt after the injection, but within an hour or so I had a headache and muscle aches that were just as bad as my usual reaction to my cancer treatment. This was the first time I have ever had any reaction to a flu shot. I imagine my body is pretty stressed all the time from my cancer regimen, and the vaccine was one invasion too many.

Now I am waiting on a call from the medical supplier to come out and do my measurements for the compression stuff, and for a call from Tulsa St. John to schedule my port replacement.

In the meantime, my current port was cooperative yesterday for the blood draws, and my appointment with one of Dr. Moussa’s nurses (filling in for another nurse) was helpful. She was concerned about my coughing because one of the potential side effects from Trodelvy is lung inflammation. So, I had a last-minute CT scan. No signs of lung inflammation, so it’s infusion day as usual today. However, the scan noted a small nodule on my thyroid—she assured me that nodules are usually benign—so an order will be put in for an ultrasound of my thyroid to investigate it more closely.

I never imagined I would look forward to compression for my arm, but I am. My poor right arm with all its compromised functionality from injuries many years ago (ulnar nerve displacement and a shoulder dislocation) is complaining from the fluid buildup as well. And all the while I am so very grateful for Medicare, which makes all these medical interventions possible.

 Later in the day: treatment room was quiet with only a few patients. Accessing my port was a bit challenging because it has shifted some more, with its side on the top and the top facing down.

I received two calls from Ascension St. John to set up appointments next week. On November 5, I will have an ultrasound of my thyroid. The next day, I will have my old port removed and a new port placed. I always appreciate how quickly OCSRI acts to make referrals, and, in this case, Ascension St. John has responded.