I get a port, you get a port…everyone gets a port!

I continue to recover from the perforated esophagus and small intestine connection.

Yesterday, at the request of my lead surgeon, Interventional Radiology – the surgical specialty the uses x-rays, CT scans, and ultra sounds to complete procedures – place another drainage port in my abdomen to get a collection of suspicious gunk collecting between my surgical site and my liver.

After an hour-long, very painful procedure where I was only partially sedated, success!

Within a short time after the port was placed, I had expelled a couple cups drainage fluid.

I was so exhausted by this last procedure, last night I slept the most I have been able in the past 2 weeks.

I still needed to be awaken a number of times for testing my vitals and draw blood. My vitals came back great time and again, however, it was near impossible to draw anymore blood. My veins just collapsed pick after poke.

A touch count has me at a combined 18 IV and blood draws in the past week.

A young Medical Tech got out an Ultra Sound machine to assist in finding a vein to get blood for lab work. His two attempts with the machine where unsuccessful and I have two quarter-sized bruises as the result.

Fortunately, I had one good IV port that could be used for a blood draw.

But I don’t have to worry too much more and blood draws and IV placements as this morning I had a PICC Line – something very similar to my chemo port – placed in my upper left arm which allows the docs to feed me intravenously, while also administering IVs and blood draws.

Progress continues and I know each day makes me better…even if at time the pain seems unbearable. I am doing my best and know that others are doing their best to the point that I am receiving blessings and support beyond measure.