Update from Carolyn - Sept 8,2008

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In a Jugular Vein

Posted 2 hours ago

Yep! I got it in the neck, folks! They finally came and got me at 2:00 and I got back to my room about 3:30 (I think ,,,, I'm still a little punchy tonight). I'm not up to posting all the details tonight. Will do so tomorrow.

But, for now, I have a central port in my jugular vein (on the right side of my neck). I have gained a new and deep appreciation for the term " pain in the neck. "

I was permitted to eat a normal meal tonight -- Hallelujah!!!! but am NPO again after midnight in case...

Waiting ......

Posted 10 hours ago

Well, it's noon here, and still no sign of radiation to install the new line. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight because they were supposed to do this first thing this morning. Actually, we were told to be ready for them to come get me " Early. Very early! "

A few minutes ago we headed out for a stroll to the nurses' station to make inquiries. They called radiation and were told that it would probably be at least 3 more hours. Wonderful! (please note sarcasm here...

Any Storm in a Port!

Posted 1 day ago

Well .... they couldn't get a PICC line started, unfortunately, so now we wait until tomorrow morning when they will install a catheter port right beneath my collar bone (has to be done under sedation). Also, while I'm here, Dr. Idris feels it would be a good idea to go ahead and band those varices rather than wait and do them as an out-patient procedure. We agree!

One reason we came to St. Francis hospital instead of Memorial, is that the GI lab here is far better than the one at Memorial...