There once was a tube, a tube where there had been other tubes, it went inside through my skin and represented the highway that drugs, blood, and even Stem Cells from my Dad, would travel as they entered and exited my body. This tube was a great source of comfort as it saved me from thousands and thousands of needle stabs (my estimate of course) for blood tests and IV’s, it made so many elements of my treatment so easy for me, everything from my contact with “Mo” (chemo) to getting hydrated when my body fluids were low or having my regular blood tests done, that little magical tube in my chest I referred to as “Hickman” was a great friend.
I joked with my Nurses today as “my Friend” was coming out, that I’ll be lonely without him, no one to talk to in the middle of the night when I roll over and am awakened by some sharp plastic object sticking into my ribs – my Hickman -. Truth is my Hickmans, all 3 that I’ve had in the past 3 ½ years, have been such a great help that I can’t imagine having the treatments I have had without them.
But as they say, too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing. And with my previous 2 Hickmans the most always “good thing” turned into a very “bad thing”.
My 1st Hickman, got infected after 9 months in my chest, which is the major drawback of Hickmans, that happened in July 99 a little over 3 months after my first Transplant. That infection lead to a month in ICU in a coma and many of the most serious health and physical Challenges of my life, but I recovered, slowly but surely, one step at a time.
My 2nd Hickman, also got infected after just 9 days in my chest, that happened in July 01 just 2 days after finishing my first round of chemo on my new Journey. That infection lead to 17 days of fevers and some of the toughest time I have had after a round of chemo, but I recovered, slowly but surely, one step at a time.
My 3rd Hickman… removed prior to infection!! My 3rd Hickman went in almost exactly 6 months ago, September 28th, just a couple of days before I headed to Ottawa for Transplant. And now it is in a jar like my other Hickman’s, I have a couple of stitches in my chest and a bandage there, a few more scars to accompany the many others there from insertion and removal of Hickmans past.
With the exit of my Hickman, a major source of potential problems has been removed, and although I’ll have to be stabbed for my blood tests now, that is a sacrifice I’m extremely happy to be in a position to make. My blood levels continue to be good with the exception of my liver functions, and in response to those I will increase my Prednisone dose which will hopefully get them under control. I’m still feeling well, finding renewed pains and soreness as I continue to do more and more. I have learned how tiring speaking is for me, while it is quite energizing, it does tire me out so this week I have been recharging, sleeping well and lots, and continuing the Challenge of rebuilding my body.
One step at a time I’m progressing, and today was a big step in a comfortable and Positive direction. I’ll be sleeping on my stomach tonight, just because I can! Have a good one and I’ll be back soon.
Always…
Live Life. Love Life.
Geoff
