So now that I have this port installed and the chemotherapy "drip" is attached to me, it takes a little something to take a shower. See, in case you haven't had a port attached to your body before, let me explain. Although the port is under my skin, the chemo "drip" mechanism that I carry with me everywhere I go has a line that runs from it to a needle that goes through my skin and into the port. And the port, I will remind you, has a line that runs into an artery. So, by having a port, I have a doorway for potential infection at the needles point of entry.The point of entry is therefore covered with a clear piece of adhesive about 4" x 4". However, that is not enough when one wants to shower. It is apparently necessary to cover the area with...well...we were advised to use Glad Cling Wrap.
Now it may seem like it's not a very big deal. However...
...Friday morning, Daniela and I were in the process of wrapping me with Glad Cling Wrap, when I noticed the blinds were open. So to get straight to the point, I didn't get a good look at the neighbor who walked by and "happened" to glance in at just the right time. So, if you "happened" to be that neighbor who just "happened" to glance in the window and saw my wife wrapping me in Glad Cling Wrap, what do you say we consider it our little secret and just keep that little incident between the three of us.
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Glad Cling Wrap is some amazing stuff. Did you know you could put it on an bowl, turn the bowl upside down, and have the stuff stay in the bowl. This works great with red wine while standing on a whit carpet. Try it, it will absolutely amaze people.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. All us Bert-Blog readers will keep your glad wrap secret. (you're a hoot!)
ReplyDeleteL
Rain
I'm with madcup on this one... The stuff is great! Bert, after Daniela wraps you up can we turn you over to see if you leak? We can fill you with red wine first... and I'm betting the neighbor will help!
ReplyDeleteLet me know.
Jim, Gail, and the girls
Blog owner approval??? This is censorship... No? Madcup... I blame you, and your warm water enemas post!
ReplyDeleteJim
Wow, a port sounds so permanently medical.
ReplyDeleteI hated having a pik line in my arm when I was in for my last Interleukin-2 treatment, but at least it came out after a week.
How does the port work for you. Does it mean that you don't have to get pricked by any other needles?
reply to JB aka JayBee:
ReplyDeleteThe port is under my skin on my chest and has a line that runs directly into an artery. It can be used to draw blood or to inject something into my system. A needle is still required to go through the skin and into the port, but I have been told it can make the said procedures easier, requiring less piercing of my veins.
Bert, do you have a perscription for Embla(sp?)cream? Its a numbing agent. You rub a small amount over the place where the needle goes in, about a half hour before. It numbs the skin so you will only feel a tiny bit of pressure, if even that. You mentioned that they spray a numbing agent on the site, but you may want to get this stuff too, in case it needs to be accessed and they neglect to use the spray.
ReplyDeleteL
Rain
I had a PICC for the past month due to receiving IV interferon every day. I found that Glad Press 'n Seal works better than cling wrap to keep the water out!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog and you and your family are in my prayers.
reply to anonymous/rain:
ReplyDeleteI will ask about the emla cream. thanks.
Aluminum Foil might work in a pinch, but Was Paper will be pretty much useless for this task.
ReplyDeleteBert, you said the needle still goes through the SKIN? That is not how I envision this thing working. How big is the port? What does it liook like, a big bump that they just stick the needle into? Post a picture if you dont mind.
Never mind, I did a little research on my own. I got too impatient sitting here waiting for you answer.
ReplyDeleteDid you know you can go swimming with that thing?
reply to madcup:
ReplyDeleteI imagine I could go swimming with it as long as I have no needlse poking through my skin.