Got a Smart Port put in

Finding a vein for drawing blood or inserting an IV has proven to be a demoralizing quest for many a nurse. My veins are not easy to find, and probably 75% of the time, nurses and lab technicians miss on the first try, which frustrates me since it means more poking and pain. With all the upcoming therapy and blood to be drawn for labs, I was a perfect candidate for an implanted port catheter. A "Smart Port" power-injectable port was implanted under my skin yesterday. I was slightly sedated, although awake and talking, while the doctor did his thing. My face was shielded from view with a blue tent, which I was grateful. 

The port itself is a small metal disc about the size of a nickel, and has a raised rubber injection site called the septum. Attached to the base of the port is a narrow flexible tube that was inserted into a major artery underneath my chest.  The port can stay inside the body for long periods of time, and after the incisions heal, it doesn't limit most activities. The procedure was done in less than an hour, and I was able to get up and walk out while still feeling some of the effects of the sedation. 

Robo-man after port implant

I'm feeling like a robo-man this morning. Steve Austin. Note to self - create an app so you can read your own blood and vitals from your smartphone. Now I am ready for the chemo and weekly labs. 

On a delicious side note, our avocado tree is delivering gorgeous green treasures right now. Got to enjoy these while the taste buds are at full strength.

The missing half is on my toast

The Fuerte has a decent amount of fruit, and the quality of the avocados is remarkable. All the drip watering and the last wet winter has made a difference. Plus Julia pounds on its trunk with a rock to shock it. Time to pick.