A New Entry Point

Tomorrow my mom will have minor surgery to remove the Hickman catheter that she's had since her first stay at HUP.

In its place, they will insert a "Port-A-Cath / Chest Port."

Having this Hickman replaced will help with reducing daily maintenance and care. Whenever my mom showers she has to keep it from getting wet. It also has to be flushed daily. My dad performed his last flushing duties Monday evening.

This change also helps us with some insurance complications we've experienced. Unfortunately, insurance isn't covering the cost of the supplies needed to flush the Hickman daily and it's been a little challenging to arrange for blood to be drawn from the Hickman twice a week.

The Chest Port will allow for easy access during treatments and transfusion times, but the entry point is under the skin so it won't be "in-the-way" when she's not undergoing treatment. It also requires flushing only once a month.

Please pray that the surgery goes without complication and that the Port-A-Cath will remain a good/clean entry point to help my mom during her continued treatment in the months to come.