PORT NOW HAS A NEW MEANING

HOW I WISH that when I mention my port I were speaking of dusty kegs of fortified wine kept romantically in a damp cellar. But, that’s not the case. Instead I refer to a plastic central venous access inserted in my chest. For about sixty percent of cancer patients, a port is just one more indication of a life changed by disease. Countless blood draws, and, in some cases, infusions of healing medications (chemo) take their toll until an artificial means becomes necessary. That day arrived for me on February 15th of this year.

SURGERY IS NEEDED to insert a port. In my case I was sore, although not bruised, for nearly a month. Today I’m still aware of it, but I’m no longer dealing with it.

DEALING WITH IT is the right phrase. For me, the port seemed a major defeat. It was as though I’d finally succumbed to the cancer monster that took up residence in my body five years ago. I fought the idea, which had been suggested many times, until no other options were available.

LOOKING BACK, I really don’t understand my reluctance. Blood draws had become a painful process. Routinely I was stuck several times. Waiting made no sense.

BUT, THERE COMES A TIME in dealing with this crazy disease when logic, at least for me, doesn’t work. I’m not always capable of a rational decision. So I waited until the last possible moment.

HAVE I BEEN HAPPY with a port? Of course not. I’d rather not have my blood drawn with my arm over my head and my feet in the air. I’d rather avoid having the port cleaned every few weeks in a process that takes about two hours and can never be planned for. Oh, and did I mention there’s no money-back guarantee?

ACTUALLY, I’M FORTUNATE. The port can’t be seen (unless someone knows what to look for). I no long have the inner elbows of an addict. A lot of pain has been eliminated from my life. In short, I’ve been spared much of what was the norm for a cancer patient ten years ago.

MEDICAL SCIENCE has made great strides. God is working, as He so often does, through mankind, and I am privileged to enjoy the benefit. And you can be sure I know exactly where to lay the credit. Halleluiah.

You’re blessed. Be a blessing!