However, this morning was different. It was the last chemo infusion we hope Toni will ever receive. To really understand this experience is to walk Toni's path today. So join us for "Portless in Seattle."
We pulled into the SCCA parking lot just before 7am.
Typically, we park on Level A on either side of this parking garage support.
Somehow, Toni woke up with a case of the sniffles and sneezes. She chose to wear a mask, just in case she had a cold to protect the other cancer patients. This elevator takes us to the next step in the routine... the weekly blood draw. The lab determines her various blood counts and sends to the pharmacy to ensure the correct dosage of chemo.
Both Toni and I have to fill out one of these forms. It is the SCCA's screening process for colds, flu, etc. You'll see what happens when you check, YES. Until this visit, we had always checked "NO." Part of my routine is to validate parking at the white sign on the counter behind Toni.
Once she has her port "accessed" or "hooked up" and her blood drawn, we head to the Infusion area located on the 5th floor.
This is the view from the 5th floor. Queen Anne Hill is to the left, and the Lake Union area and part of the Fred Hutchison/SCCA complex is seen in the foreground.
Toni seated in her infusion room with her chemo bear. Part of my routine is to get water and warm blankets. Today, I had to break from the routine as Toni was going into surgery to have her port removed, so no water or soda. But they always give her saline solution with her chemo prep drugs.
So you'll notice that Toni now does not have on a mask but the staff does. Remember, she signed "YES" on the screening form for sneezing... so the staff has to wear protection around her. Typically they don't have to wear the mask. This was Toni's CNA on most of our visits. She takes Toni's vitals prior to chemo.
Vicki, who has been Toni's nurse on most of the chemo Fridays was back today. We were so happy to see her. She is one of the most compassionate persons we know. From the very outset, she made the chemo process tolerable for Toni.
Vicki finishes Toni's chemo and removes the port access needle. You can see the port on Toni's left side.
And thus ends the 25th chemo treatment.
An emotional day for Toni. She stated she really did not feel like celebrating. The last year has been
hard, and the tears came for everyone. And one last time, Vicki and Toni share a cherished hug, and a laugh of relief. Vicki was awesome.
But, Toni was not done. She wanted the port out. So, off to the 2nd floor to have the port removed. Besides the areas where the cancer and lymph nodes were removed, the port was the most prominent reminder of her ongoing treatment. Toni checks in just shortly after 9am.
Toni readies for surgery.
Toni thinking positive thoughts and starts to relax before surgery.
Seriously... she was happy. What I did not get a picture of was the surgeon (Dr. Petty), Toni's surgical RN Carissa, and Toni sharing tears as the surgical process was reviewed. It was one of the most touching moments I have witnessed. Dr. Petty even mentioned that health care professionals are trained to distance themselves a bit to be able to deal with the situation themselves. Yet, he showed a level of compassion that I was so happy to see. Toni was really emotional, yet the surgical team's response was remarkably candid and beyond reproach. By the way, Dr. Petty was the same surgeon that put the port in. I knew she was going to be fine.
About an hour later, after a good nap, Toni enjoys some string cheese and juice. The tears still came, yet as Toni explained to me, she just could not believe it was finally over.
And there you go... the port is gone, replaced by a bandage. Toni was "Portless in Seattle."
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