What's a Central venous catheter a.k.a. a Port?

Pascale's Port got installed April 27th. (central venous catheter)

A Port in oncological terms it is a permenant catheter. A need stuck into the arm and ment to stay there for the next 4 months.

There's a special solution needed to keep it clean.

She's blue about it.

Think how happy would you be about this. You've lost your hair, your body is subject to the random effects of strong medecine, now you get an upper arm semi-permenant mainline into the basilic vien.

The circulatory system image is from Mr. Cottle's Class

A New Mendhi and it's healing power

Pace has not liked wearing a wig. They're hot and uncomfortable. Every woman that has had chemo tells me this.

They are especially annoying when the chemotherapy triggers a "hot flash."

Pace went for another Mendhi deign from Luma R. Brieuc This girl is quite the artist, she does the designs freehand. As a guy who has challenges drawing stick people I am in awe of artists who can create such stylistic designs of life.

I am hearing a story every cople of weeks about someone else with cancer that has opted for a mendhi design to reduce the shine of baldness. Pace is on the cutting edge of a trend.

• There are now 3 women who get chemo at the same clinic as Pace that have gotten their head done as well.
• The sister of a waitress at the Windsor Arms has started wearing mendhi
• My god daughter Kelly was telling me about a cancer support group in Brampton that has decided against permanant tattoos and gone with the henna.
• Rethink Breast Cancer was threatening to post a picture on their website of Pace's dome covered with mendhi or include it in an e-newsletter. However I haven't seen anything yet. Hey MJ do you want some copy and more pics?

Mendhi has been an empowering act for Pace as she exerts a form of control over breast cancer and the effects of chemotherapy. I'm so proud of her! She has been brave enough to help other women improve their self image while her own has been challenged by this disease.

"Rethink Breast Cancer" what a cool organization

Rethink Breast Cancer is the most interesting approach that I have seen in the Cancer Charities, IMHO.

It's a positive and fun organization, focused on helping young people who are concerned about breast cancer or whose lives are affected by it, as well as educating those who haven't thought about it.

They first came to my attention through the groundbreaking "Breast Cam" TV ad. I've used that spot as an example of great advertising in my branding class. They are also the folks behind the fashionable "Target" Tee Shirts available at Roots.

Pace and I slated to take part in their new program to "Support for New Moms with Breast Cancer" (and their husbands). If there was a family that fits the bill, we're it.

They're educating women about breast cancer, self exams and lots more through a combination of fashion, fun and shopping. That's what young women are into. Can you think of a better way to communicate a message to that group? (No focus group required!)

Check them out, get a tee, support them or volunteer your time to help them in their bold approach to breast cancer education, research and support programs.

The Last Treatment of Round One

Pace had her last Abraxane treatment Friday April 14. It was emotionally charged for us. We knew that they were going to try to make sure that she did not have another allergic reaction to the Abraxane. However, the element of doubt is still in the sub conscious and conscious mind. Pace kept a brave face as we had brunch before the treatment.

The hospital was so quiet; most of the clinics were cancelled because it was Good Friday. However, for the patients that have chemotherapy weekly, the oncology treatment room was open. Pace and about five others were getting their treatments in the comfortable chairs, like on the left, visitors get the card table chairs and a numb bum.

Pace took her place in a one of the padded chairs and put out her arm for the catheter. She’s told me she has fragile veins. The nurse says the real term (in French) is hyper-sensitive veins. Most of the times the nurse seems to take at least two to four attempts to put in the Catheter to deliver the chemotherapy; one time it took six tries to get the IV in.

The nurse got the catheter into a vein in her forearm and as she started the drip the vein collapsed. The nurse used another vein in her upper arm and proceeded with the treatment. Did I tell you that Pace doesn’t like needles…

They started with a saline drip, and then added an high powered antihistamine, Decadron to the drip to prevent another allergic reaction to the Abraxane, that took about 40 minutes. Then she hooked up the abraxane and they carried on the treatment. This time all was uneventful.

Pace's Allergic Reaction to the Chemotherapy Drip

The chemotherapy session did not go so well today. Pace had a reaction to the Abraxane mid way through treatment.

They stopped the drip, shot her full of Decadron to stop the reaction and bring down any inflamation, then fed her a perscription level Benedril that made her feel instantly drunk and unable to maintain her equalibrium. "Quite the buzz" Pace remarked as she started to come back to normal.

Once everything was back under control, they carried on the treatment. Home we went and straight to bed for Pace. She slept for a good 6 hours straight.

More Party Pics

More Friday night fun!