Saying Farewell

This possibly could be one of the most boring posts with pictures possible, so just know that you have been warned.

In just a few short days we will be saying farewell to Brynlee's beloved central line named Broviac. Actually Broviac is the brand of line or the technique or something, but it just occurred to me that we should have given the thing a name months ago.

The Broviac is a wonderful thing and a not-so-wonderful thing at the same time. It is wonderful in that it has saved Brynlee probably 100 pokes by a needle. Well, maybe not 100, but without this line she would have had to get a needle stuck in her a lot more than she did. Every time she had to have a blood draw or chemo or a blood transfusion, they used this line. So convenient, so easy, and not painful. However, this line is kind of a pain to take care of as well as a stress because the line goes directly into the atrium of her heart. Being careful to keep it clean and sterile and not infected is an understatement. A lot of kiddos get infections in their line or the skin gets irritated from the dressing or the line sometimes will break or get clogged. We were very blessed over the last 8 months to not have issues with any of this (knock on wood, there are still a few days left).

Taking care of the Broviac was a daily necessity. Every morning usually between 7 - 8 a.m. I would flush both of the lumens with saline. First we scrub with alcohol and let dry.

And then it is time to flush.

We also have to change the caps or claves on the end of each lumen once a week (no picture), and we have to change the dressing on the Broviac at least once a week. We usually gave Brynlee a bath immediately before changing the dressing because very rarely were we able to give a bath without getting the dressing wet. Here is Brynlee getting ready for what will hopefully be the last bath with her Broviac. We put the AquaGuard on to help keep it dry, but it didn't always work so well.

Now here is Brynlee all clean and ready to have the dressing changed. We usually use her blanket to hold down her arms and keep them out of the way. By the way, she rarely cried when having her dressing changed. She is a champ!

The dressing change kit. Some of the items we don't use. 

The old dressing is off. 

Must wear a mask. I should have been a doctor, but I would have never made it because I have decided that you have to be cold-hearted and insensitive sometimes to be a doctor. Ouch! That might have been a little bit mean. Just blame it on my bitter feelings towards neurologists. You definitely have to be a jerk to be one. 

Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide. What's that? Yep, socks and sandals. Don't judge me, but I do occasionally sport the socks and sandals when around the house. Whut, whut, whut! Bringin back socks and sandals. (Thanks So Random!). Sometimes Brynlee's doctor sports the socks and sandals look too. 

Time to clean with betadine. 

Drying off some of that betadine. 

Applying the skin prep. 

And finally, the Tegaderm that you hope and pray can be taped and kept intact for a week. 

Thanks to K for being the photographer for what we hope was our final dressing change.

Farewell Broviac! We hope and pray to never see you or your relatives again!