Friday Chemo

One down and three more to go!

I was phoned to arrive at 11:00 to get the PICC (peripheral intravenous central catheter) inserted. Quite the nifty procedure. Rhonda was working the camera and getting the details captured on film :) The nurse was personality plus missy Renee. She was a hoot and extremely good at what she does!

Renee took her time, explained every step, and the results were fabulous!

Here Renee is working her magic!

After Renee was finished, I was sent for an x-ray to ensure the catheter was placed in the right spot and at the right tempering. I then ate a bite of lunch -egg salad sandwiches were on the menu. Those of you who know me, know that I would marry the egg salad sangy if I could. I was in heaven!

Then it was time to plug in . . . here is Ava getting the goods ready with Della.

Then the Ativan kicked in. ("How do quit you ativan"?) Bad move. Rhonda and Norm went to plug their meters at the same time (2:00'ish) and when they returned, I was out - until 4:00pm. I missed all the visiting. Shelley came by and so did mom. I could only hear the mockery as I was waking. :)

We went to pick up Jordyn and Ethan. Jordyn was lucky enough to spend the day with her best friend Isabel and their family. She came home with a nifty rhinestone studded ball cap. Very hip. Thank you Allison . . . and thank for sending the lovley note cards. Very thoughtful and very appreciated.

So now -here I am. I really don't feel anything except a little hungry. Ideally I am to take my next dose of anti-nausea drugs at around 8:00pm. So far, so good. (knock on wood)

Overall, the gals working today made this a 10/10 experience. Dr. Gelmon and Bev have raved about our chemo ward , and so I was pleased to experience what they mean. BTW, Bev called the chemo ward from Denman Island to send her love. Ahhhhh that little Bevvy! She brought tears to my little eyes. xo

CHEMO IS ON TODAY!

THE PG CHEMO EXPERT TEACHERS!

(l) Della and Ava (r)

backrow - me :)

Okay gang . . . Della just called and I will be having the PIC inserted at 11:30am. I need to go in at 11:00 to have my arm warmed up and away I go . . .

CHEMO SCHOOL IN PG

Chemo teach in PG - just enjoying an info video

Today @ 2:00 pm Rhonda and I head to PG chemo school. It is mostly to make sure that I have the right drugs and that I am taking them when needed. The anti-nausea drug started this morning. I remembered to take it from my last chemo teach in Vancouver and mentioned this the other day when I returned to the cancer ward to book my teaching session. The pharmacist came out and did a full run through and was delighted that I had remembered that. Whew . . .

I'll complete this entry tonight when I have completed the chitty-chat with the chemo teacher.

Okay - back from the teach. Two excellent little nurses, Della and Ava, had a great session with Rhonda and I. However, we still may have a delay folks. Because of the lymph node involvement on my left side and the achy nerve sensation that throbs from armpit to wrist just about every night in both arms- the chemo will not be put into my arm veins. This is to prevent lymphedema. Instead, they would like to insert a PIC (peripheral intravenous catheter). This will run from arm to chest. Drugs will be intertered through this port. The nurse who is trained in inserting these pics will be asked to do this in the morning. If she cannot, I will have another free weekend! Monday will be the day.

A DATE TO START

Here's the word . . .
Chemo teach on Thursday @ 2:00pm
1st Chemo on Friday @ 9:00am

Yee-haw! Go and have a drink of celebration for me
on the weekend please.

CHEMO START

STILL NO DATE TO START. I saw Dr. Bishop today. I did the usual history interview, physical check up, and chitty chat. He said the nurses would call me tomorrow to give me a date. He is anticipating this week. I will believe it when I hear it.

SUNDAY BBQ!

Sunday was a great bbq at mom and dad's. We celebrated Rhonda's graduation: Master of Ed. Leadership from Gonzaga University. Her husband, Chris and their son, Ethan were proud.

Bocce was in full swing. Ethan was hanging out with the men and giving them pointers.

Jordyn had a good time too. She had a bit of a melt down, at one point. I think she has heard enough questions about cancer and would like a cancer free day. Just one day when no one asks or talks about it. The day will come; we just have ride this out.

A good time was had by all . . . :)

MY CHEMO RECOVERY ROOM!

Yesterday I had a team of 3 handsome gentlemen come over and create my chemo space. Dad, Norm, and Griffin sweltered in the heat and got the job done. Here's the team at work:

And here's the result:

Now I just need to add the final touches. All under 5 pds of course :)