Checking in on Amy

I had my first PICC line removed on May 20th. Yesterday, on September 22nd, I did it again! I had my second Herceptin-only infusion yesterday and they used my PICC for the last time. After this, I will need to have a regular IV started for these infusions which I am a-okay with if it means my arm can be free. I had my first 'freedom shower' this morning and it was great. Right now I look a little beat up without a shirt on. I am swollen and still sore and have lots of bruises. Most of the bruising and swelling is hidden in this picture, but it gives you some idea of the marks cancer is leaving on this body of mine... ...AND, then I put on a shirt I haven't been able to wear in a while (arms were too narrow for the PICC) and all of the physical trauma is hidden. Like magic, right? My new blue nails are courtesy a trip to the spa Wednesday morning. I had a gift certificate to spend. It was one of three I have received in the last several months from colleagues and loved ones....

Yesterday I had an appointment to have my new port checked out. Apparently I am a good healer and the port is ready to go for chemo next week. As a bonus, while I was there they removed my picc line, so I have reclaimed my arm and will be able to shower without putting on my silly 'water wing' device. I am absolutely thrilled by this development, as it also means I no longer need to go to weekly 'picc maintenance' appointments. I didn't even feel the picc line coming out - they just pull it out through the hole and then put some gauze on it, same as if you were getting bloodwork done or giving blood. The tube was thin and white with a mark every cm along its length so they can make sure they get the whole thing. It was 42 or 43 cm long (I forget which). So weird that it's so easy to pull out. Here I am, 5 minutes before picc removal. Obviously smiling! Both 'devices' visible.' Here I am at home, enjoying my newfound arm freedom. :) Here you can see m...

Well, we've made it to chemo eve! I had my shiny new PICC line installed this morning. The PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a thin tube that goes into a vein in my upper arm and is threaded through all the way to my heart. Where it leaves my body there is an insanely sticky bandaid over the tube so that it won't move or come out. The outside end of the tube is soft and flexible; it sort of folds over on itself and I can cover it with a fabric sleeve to keep it out of the way. Every week the dressing will be changed and the line flushed to make sure it stays clean and functional. I will have this in my arm for just 5-6 weeks at which time I will become EVEN MORE bionic. More on that later. My big job this afternoon is to pack my bag for chemo! I will be there for 4 hours or so. I've got LOTS of things to bring and do (knitting, embroidery, reading, podcasts, etc.) and I also need to pack snacks and probably some layers. Rick will drop me off at RVH early for ...