We arrived at HMC at 8:45 Am.
Called in for blood work by 9: AM. The nurse there was the first to access the port that is implanted in my chest. She had a little bit of a problem getting blood to flow through the port.
However I was not the first with this issue and she had a few tricks up her sleeve. She reclined my chair, had me turn my head to the left and raise my right hand over my head. She got blood.
We saw an oncologist by 9:15 AM - nothing new there except a couple of prescriptions for anti nausea medications, which we had filled at the pharmacy right there in the Physicians building.
We headed to the infusion center where I was hooked up to an IV, once again through the chest port. Received two of the chemo drugs there and we left at 3:15 PM. It took so long because one of the drugs (cisplatin) can affect the kidneys, so there were hours of receiving glucose and saline to flush my kidneys both before and after receiving chemo.
The third drug (5-FU (fluorouracil) is being administered through a pump attached to the port.
This was hooked up by a nurse working for Horizon Home Care. She also used to work at the infusion center at HMC. She had a bit of a problem with seeing blood through the port, also, so we explained what we did in the morning and she added that I take deep breaths. She got blood.
Then she introduced us to my new friend that will be attached 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The only time it isn't hooked up is once a week when the nurse comes to the house to replace the drug cartridge and the needle in the port.
Here is a picture of my little friend;
It has a belt loop and a loop that can be put over your shoulder (man bag style) or put around your waist (fanny pack style). The jury is still out on how it will be worn.
I would like to say here that ALL of the employees (nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc..) at HMC and now Horizon have been WONDERFUL. They are all pleasant, genuine and they care about you as an individual.
Peace and Love to all
Dan
1 comment:
Hey Dan...glad that you have started your therapy - and have a new friend! Personally, I'd recommend wearing it "man style" as fanny packs make you look fat! :o)
You and your family are in our prayers daily...I think of you often and wish you calming and healing thoughts!
Nancy DelSanto
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