Cancer Week

It seems like cancer week around here. Today Layne went in (to Hunstman) to have the line on his port cleaned. They haven't been able to draw from it for awhile. They've just been doing the infusions with a needle in his arm. I guess I better make sure I explain... A port is used to draw blood and also available for infusions. Liquids are able to flow both in and out. It's placed during a surgery into the chest so the line is close to the heart. One way to test if it's working is to draw blood from it. If that doesn't happen - it needs to be 'flushed'. You know if nothing comes out there's a good chance nothing will be able to go in. You don't want the chemo just sitting by your heart or something bursting because of a build up. As a result, if blood is not able to be drawn then they don't use the port for intake. The only other option is to do an I.V. needle into the arm. Layne's arms/veins have taken more than they should have by now. All of the times we've been to MD Anderson for him to get chemo he's had to do the needle in the arm routine. Even before that when he had his colonoscopy and a couple of other procedures that require liquids to be run in he hasn't been able to use the port. It's more painful, less efficient, and ends up giving the veins more wear and tear then is good for them. So, having a port that works well is a very good thing.

Back to this week's schedule...

Today he went in to do the simple procedure of having the line checked and his port cleaned. They were able to get a little bit of blood, but not enough to feel confident that intake will be effective. So, he's scheduled for a more invasive procedure tomorrow. On Wednesday he flies to Houston. Then on Thursday he will get himself to the hospital first thing in the morning for labs and a CT Scan (and I'm not sure what else). Friday is a visit to the oncologist and infusion day. Saturday a bit of recovery and Sunday back home again. Fun week, right? I'm sure you're a little jealous. Anyone want to meet us in Houston? It'll be a party.