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Date Posted: 03:20:59 01/01/13 Tue
Author: GoodWillTalking
Subject: New Year's Eve Post

Update on New Year's Eve from RB:
Hey Guys, I made it through. Unable to sleep much because my Jugular hurts more than the area where the port was placed (I had no idea they go through there) and all the tape is itching so much I want to scratch my skin off, but at least it's over. The team that attended me was so incredibly sweet. The surgeon in Interventional radiology was a doll. I am severely allergic to most adhesives, but because of the location of these incisions, there was no real way to patch it up with Ace bandages and gauze (my stand by system). Praying I don't get an infection. We have been watching things and so far so good. We had to redress the wound already because it began to saturate the gauze and heavy duty tape they used. Luckily we have our own little surgical station set up on a table with lots of sterile gauze, Betadine, and the least problematic tape. We carefully cleaned the wound with distilled water and gauze only, then put fresh Betadine on top, fresh gauze, and better tape over both the Jugular wound and where the port was placed. Luckily, the bleeding has stopped and everything seems to be healing as it should (crossing fingers). The port will be accessed in only a few short days when I go in for my first chemo treatment on Thursday. I felt so dirty coming home from the hospital because that is not the kind of place you want to bring home with you, and they would not allow me to shower for three days (I had blood in my hair that had squirted around my head that was on my pillow when I awakened)! I wanted to wash this out so badly! Finally we gave in and John helped me get a shower just now (thank you God)! Washing all the bedding now!

Wrapped everything tightly in plastic wrap as they instructed me with heavy tape before showering, but what a joke that is. They told me the same thing after the Mastectomy, and trust me, no matter how well you wrap yourself, the damn thing gets soaking wet each time! We carefully removed everything after the shower, and again, used distilled water over the incision, closed with Betadine and fresh gauze and tape (very sterile-looks good). Feeling fresh and clean, and human again. Scared about Thursday, but I realize that's to be expected. At least one hurdle is done with. Ordered a wig because they were having a huge sale on one that I finally settled on, which was expensive. You find out that you can't just buy a wig once you go shopping around. You need a stand, shampoo and conditioner, which is especially used for synthetic hair, and special caps that will protect our skin once the hair falls out (and a special comb and brush). I found out that you can get a lot of skin problems that make wigs painful in some cases, so I got a soft scarf, liners and caps, and a soft sleep cap just in case (soft scarf liner too). I did speak to my insurance company, and if I send them the invoice for the wig, they said they will reimburse me up to a certain amount, but that's all they cover for supplies (happy to at least have help with one thing)! I have nausea and pain medication, so I am set to go. Just have to bring my courage with me on Thursday and get this thing started. One of two things is about to happen, either this chemo cocktail is going to work and buy me time, or it will send me home faster. Either way, I know that God has a plan for me. I'm in warrior mode. I'm ready. I love you guys and hope that you have the most beautiful New Year anyone could hope for! Happy New Year! XOXOXO! ♥

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Replies:

[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- Chris, 12:32:23 01/02/13 Wed [1]

HAPPY NEW YEAR RAVENBEAUTY!!!!


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[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- Praying for you, 13:47:45 01/02/13 Wed [1]

Raven,

Sending prayers and healing energy your way. I pray that the chemo works and you get the healing miracle that you so deserve. We all need you, love you, and are thinking about you with positive thoughts. Take care and let God's love embrace you and guide you through the difficult journey ahead. Sending prayers for John as well to provide him with strength as he cares for you so lovingly. Happy New Year to you both.

Thank you so much GoodWillTalking for always forwarding Raven's facebook posts!


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[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- rae, 21:03:20 01/02/13 Wed [1]

You are remarkable and inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing your difficult journey. I have lurkingly followed you for years - I hope that 2013 brings you the health, and the abundance of hope, success and wonderfulness that you and John so richly deserve and are courageously fighting for


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[> GoodWillTalking -- Anti ABC Fan, 02:17:09 01/03/13 Thu [1]

GoodWillTalking I just wanted to send you a huge thank you from all of us here without FB. The updates and posts you have been putting up for us mean the world. Thank you for keeping us informed and up to date with Raven. We love her so very much and are keeping her in our thoughts and prayers. I check in daily just to see if anything has changed. Please know that you are appreciated. Thank you again-
and much love to RB


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[> [> Re: GoodWillTalking -- MissB, 07:56:17 01/03/13 Thu [1]

Hi Raven! I have been following you for years but this is my first post. I had a PICC line put in years ago as well and found it difficult to shower and not get wet as well. But I found that the glad press and seal wrap worked pretty well-much better than plain plastic wrap. I had the port in my upper arm and I cut the top half of a man's clean large white tube sock and pulled that up my arm and placed it over the taped port area. I don't know if any of this would work for you but I wanted to let you know just in case! Many blessings to you! You are a beautiful soul-we are all out here on your side!!


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[> [> Re: GoodWillTalking -- GoodWillTalking, 14:19:44 01/03/13 Thu [1]

Thank you so much! I've spent many years following Raven's spoiler posts on this site. After All My Children was cancelled, I found myself coming here more to see how Raven was doing than anything else. I wasn't on Facebook, and as her illness became more critical, she didn't seem to have the time to post here, and folks were always inquiring if anyone who read her Facebook page could update those on this site who wanted to know how she was doing. I was one of those people, too. Then, I just decided to open a FB account, just so I could help Raven get the word out about her journey, since I knew it would get harder and harder for her to update to this site, as well as FB. I'm glad to hear people appreciate it, and I appreciate your nice comments.


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[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- Heather, 07:17:35 01/03/13 Thu [1]

Raven,
I have followed your story for awhile now and I have to say you are an amazing woman!! You are strong and beautiful. THis is my first time posting, I saw that you were having trouble with the tape and showers. You might have already been told this, but when I was taking care of my mother (she had a port in her chest) someone told us to use the Cling wrap, not saran wrap but cling wrap the one they show in commercials sealing around the food. We made sure she was very dry and then "sealed" it to her skin so to say, once we had it on then we taped the edges very well. This worked for her the best. Hope it helps you too! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!! xoxo


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[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- Hannah ((((healing hugs + love))) :)), 21:42:18 01/03/13 Thu [1]

(((Dearest Ravenbeauty)))

In spirit and in my heart, I'm walking beside you every step of the way until you are totally healed.

Next Christmas, I want so much to read all about how you & John prepare the same delicious feast you enjoyed so much a few weeks ago! :)

((((healing hugs and a lot of love))))
Hannah


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[> To GoodWillTalking -- Hannah ((((((Thank You)))) :)), 21:45:44 01/03/13 Thu [1]

(((Dear GoodWillTalking)))

Thank you so very much for posting updates on behalf of lovely Ravenbeauty!
(((May 2013 bring all the blessings life has to offer to you and all your loved ones)))

Love,
Hannah


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[> [> Re: To GoodWillTalking -- GoodWillTalking, 12:50:03 01/05/13 Sat [1]

You're very welcome, Hannah! It is my pleasure to be able to do this.


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[> Re: New Year's Eve Post -- Mistyme, 01:14:57 01/04/13 Fri [1]

Praying for you!!!


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