Port-A-Cath Installed This Morning!

Easiest thing I've done so far! A port-a-cath is a port installed just *under* the skin, and has a catheter that runs into my jugular. This is helpful for when I get blood draws, infusions, chemotherapy, etc. -- because it avoids the painful arm draws.

40 minutes before starting chemo, I put a numbing cream over the port site (on my skin), so that when then do stick the needle in, it doesn't hurt.

I was completely out for this one, only took about 30 minutes, and they kept me for an hour for observation afterward. They used a slightly different cocktail to put me under than the last 2 procedures, but I woke up pretty quickly after, with no meaningful side effects.

Tomorrow morning I start chemo (I'm actually pretty excited)! Chemo shrinks tumors, and this is probably going to be a 6-month course, getting new chemo treatments every 2 weeks over that time. If we can shrink my colorectal tumor, that creates more room for things to pass through, and that would be a very welcome development :)

[JillyBean]

I wish I could have been there with you just so you had someone there waiting. Bless you Dan.

[nursegirlsrock]

Thanks for sharing your experience with having your port-a-cath placed. I will have mine placed next week and start chemo 2 days later. You are doing amazing and inspiring others. Prayers for your continued success and strength!

[tom-drym]

I healed a week before starting treatment. My 1st. Chemo only side affectes. Was constipation gone now. An. Hiccups I think they may be gone. Been. 15 hrs. Have had them for 2 weeks. That's been it so far

[StinglikeaBea]

Dear Dr. Dan it's really strange that you are no longer here. As like the lady said i would of sat with you during your treatment. I hope you was aware of how much your Panda family love you. Good night sweet man. ❤😢

[whatsupw]

How long were you sore after the placement

[maryanncoan]

dr dan. u are in my orayers if that helps anything. hang tough .my exs colon burst and i was the first person who answer his frantic calls.. he lived to tell all his concerned family after 19 days in the vet icu. life is odd his best friend came to bring him pot.

[maritzagaines]

Hi, iam new here I was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer like 2 months ago no sighs of spread the doctor said it was stage 2. So iam getting the Porta cat installed on August 17. They want to heal so it can start chemo the 24 of August. I have a question what medications will I go home with?

[marlenegura]

What was the result of your liver biopsy??? Maybe I missed you telling us.

[johnstewart]

They didn't put me to sleep. I have stage 4 lung cancer and am doing radiation 5 days a week and chemo 1 day a week.