Port Free!

Today Catherine had her port removed in a very simple 20 minute procedure where they go in through the original incision and just take it out. The surgeon who placed it was the one who took it out which is how they like to do it up at Yale. When I scheduled the surgery, the hospital asked me who placed it. I laughed and asked them if anyone ever remembers and she laughed back and said no. He was a very nice man and I'm glad that he was the doctor willing to come in on that early Saturday morning of President's Day Weekend (normally there are no surgeries on weekends). The surgeon, all the nurses, and the anesthesiologist all congratulated us on getting to this point and I have to admit that I got teary when she was in the recovery room. Tears of joy of course and utter amazement at how far we have come. The last time we were in pediatric surgery section was at Catherine's one month bone marrow aspirate back in March of 2006. Our first time of course was when they put in the port and I will never forget just seeing a bunch of doctors (a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, an oncologist, a nurse, and some residents) all in their scrubs and masks wheeling my daughter away for what would be her first day of treatment. Today I walked out with a little girl whose hair is all one length again (she got her haircut into a bob yesterday so it doesn't look like hair that has been growing in) and she is port free. Now when she gets a fever, I don't have to drive 40 minutes away to the hospital!! As much as I love Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, I hope to never step foot inside those doors again!

By the way, I was indeed shocked to see Dave's post. I have to add that Catherine also got an excellent report card where she exceeded grade level in everything. She can read and write and do simple math in her head. It is absolutely amazing what they learn in kindergarten. Her energy level has increased dramatically and we are just enjoying life off treatment and looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer.