The Port is Out

Today, Max had his port removed. What a wonderful day. The doctor feels confident enough that Max won't need more transfusions any times soon. It really feels like the end of a very, very long year. Even Max was happy about it. When we walked in to the recovery area, Max's first words to us were "Mommy and Daddy! It's gone!" I have been trying not to make a big deal about the surgery, because I know he doesn't like anesthesia, but I did want to prepare him to have it taken out, because he had grown rather fond of it. I am glad that I did that. Plus, when the head nurse asked him if he knew what they were doing today, he knew the answer.

Everything went as well as it could have, though we did have a rough start this morning. Josh's alarm didn't' go off and I woke with a migraine. We left the house 45 minutes later than my absolute latest to get there on time time. We were supposed to be at pedi hem/onc at 9 for a blood draw and over to the same day surgical unit by 9:45. We didn't arrive at the hospital until 9:40. So, I send Josh and Max up to pedi hem/onc and I went over to surgery to get the paperwork started. It worked out pretty well. Amazingly enough, surgery was actually running ahead of schedule. They were ready for him to get gowned up before he even got there. I only sat for maybe 5 minutes. Last time, it was a good hour. Everyone was very nice as always, and Max was in great spirit, especially because they allowed him to pick a toy from the treasure box at the clinic. He got a big, stuffed superman, which I think was pretty appropriate for today. We had the same prep nurse as we had last year. What a difference it was from last year, though. First of all, the gown jammies that were huge on him last year were way too small for him. He had bright red cheeks and lips, instead of being so pale. We were all in good spirits. The clinic left his port accessed which was wonderful because they were able to administer the original anesthesia through the port instead of using the mask. Max hates the mask. He was very relieved when he was told he didn't need to use it. They inserted an IV under anesthesia.

Max didn't exactly relax before they put him under, instead preferring to look at everything, and we couldn't get him to lie down, so I held him when they put him under, and gently lay him down after he fell asleep. It was peaceful. Then, Josh and I left the room and I went downstairs and got a flu shot (handy, as I was supposed to get one anyway. Max is still considered at high risk, so the whole family needed to get vaccinated again this year. Of course, I had made sure Josh and Lauren were done, but not myself) and grabbed a bite to eat, while Josh stayed upstairs. It was supposed to be a very short surgery, so we didn't want to go too far, and Max likes Daddy when he wakes from surgery, so Josh stayed. I ran into Reverend Ann when I was going to the cafe, and was able to tell her how much her company and counsel had meant to me when Max was hospitalized. It was so nice to see her again. Then, I went back upstairs just in time to see the surgeon, who said the surgery went very well. Then, we waited about an hour as Max slept off the anesthesia. He was due a nap, anyway. He woke up in good humor, though glad to see Dad. Josh held him for a while as he drank some juice and ate some crackers. He was anxious to go home, so as soon as we could, we got him dressed, put him in a carrier on my back to avoid any falling down (the nurses were amazed that I could carry him like that, and in awe of my lovely Buckle Tie.. note in the picture how happy mommy is and how drowsy Max looks. :)), and headed to the car. He chatted the whole way. Honestly, if you hadn't' know it or noticed the bandaid on his hand, you would never have known that he had anything done today.

We bought Max a special movie (Backyardigans Super Secret Superspy) and let him eat a "pie lunch" when we got home, and he is relaxing on the comfy chair. He says he hurts a little bit, but not enough to complain about it. I think I am whining more about my achy shot arm. He is such an amazing boy.

Oh, the icing on the cake? Max's lab numbers. His WBC was down slightly from last time, but still in a comfortable range, and his platelets were higher than they have been since this whole thing started.

We go back in two weeks for a follow-up. We are going to take it easy the next few days, if I can convince Max to do so, at least. Hopefully, he will heal quickly.

Labs:
WBC: 5.3
HCT: 35.8
HGB: 13.1
PLT: 147
ANC: >1900 (they didn't do the math for me, so I don't know the exact number. There were a bunch of Neuts and some monos. :) )