After the full-on surgery it took to put the port it, it's amazing how non-serious the removal was. I simply went into Dr. Pollack's office, changed into a gown, and got up on the table. In came Dr. P and her nurse, and we were ready to go.
The worst part was at first, when they shot up the area with a big needle full of lidocaine. I stung and burned a little, but nothing terrible. I was under the impression that I would have to wait a bit for the drug to take effect--maybe because I have to wait for the lidocaine cream I used before chemo to work for an hour. I guess that just shows the difference in potency. There was no wait time. Dr. P turned around to put down the needle and came back with a scalpel.
It was such a strange experience, lying there and watching the whole procedure. I couldn't feel any pain, but could feel pressure and tugging. I could see a little blood every now and then and just tried to stay completely still. At first, Dr. P had to search a little for the port. The nurse joked about how, "well, we know it's in there!" Once it was located, she began to remove it. She pulled and pulled, and finally the nurse said, "It's out!" {I kept thinking of so many references to some kind of alien creature busting out of my body.}
After a little pressure and blood stoppage, Dr. P stitched me up, and I was ready to go. Months and months of this contraption under my skin and 20 minutes to get it out. {I've had teeth removed that took longer.} I'm free!
Dr. Pollack was the first specialist I saw on the day I found out about my diagnosis. I've come a long way since that day!
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