My Groshong

Sometimes it is easy to forget that I have cancer because many days I feel perfectly fine. The only constant reminder of Leukemia is my Groshong catheter. On the same day my biopsy results came back and confirmed that I had Leukemia (only my 3rd day in the hospital), I had surgery to get a line placed in my chest. The catheter is centrally placed, meaning the tip of the tube ends up in the Superior Vena Cava, which is the largest vein leading directly to the heart. As you can see in the picture, the tube is on the left side of my chest. A portion of the tube is under my skin in the vein which you can't see. The tube on the outside is actually attached to my skin with stitches. The round piece is an anti-bacterial foam that is placed on top of the incision. There is also a clear bandage around the area so that it does not get infected. It is very important to keep this area clean because any bacteria/foreign matter inside the tube would go straight to my heart.

I receive all of my chemo, antibiotics, blood transfusions and electrolytes through this tube. Most veins can't take the stress of all of the medication and fluids, but because this vein is so large, there is enough blood flow past the catheter to dilute the drugs. The nurse also draws my blood from the catheter for daily blood tests. I do not feel any pain when my catheter is being used, but the incision area still stings when I get my bandage changed once a week.

I have a love-hate relationship with my Groshong. On one hand, I avoid getting pricked with needles everyday, but, on the other hand, I have a 12 inch long tube sticking out of my chest 24/7. It is hard to find clothes that conceal the tube and I'm always paranoid that it will get ripped out, clogged, or infected. (I have had many nightmares about this) Fortunately, my Groshong has been quite cooperative and has good blood return. I heard that sometimes if you accidentally bump the area, the tube can shift inside the vein which can restrict the flow in the tube. How scary! This is why I am constantly shielding my left side with my arm and I am very cautious when people get too close to me.

The nurses say that once my chemo treatment is over, I'll get the tube removed. I hear the tube slips out of the vein fairly easily. I can't wait to start bear hugging people again!!!