Second Consolidation, Day 1 ( Tuesday 4/7)

Back in the saddle again...

Monday's Doctor Visit

So, on Monday, 4/6 I saw my doctor again. Labs were drawn in her office and everything looked like it was on the right track--that is all my blood was recovering nicely.

Which means its time once again to knock it all back down.

The plan is to get chemo for five days and then go on the outpatient-until-you-get-a-fever program. I should be able to go home Easter Sunday.

Smooth and Efficient

I was to check in on Tuesday, April 7th. Now, if you have been following this at all--check in is hardly smooth. One time, I waited 5 hours after checking in just to get a room and even then waited a day before anything happened.

But this was different. They called me at 9 in the morning and said they were ready for me to check in. I checked in quickly, but in the past they then had to call a transporter to take me to my destination. (one time that was around the corner--I waited 15 minutes to go around the corner.) 

But this time they said I could walk. So--I went up to the 10th floor, where the rooms are dated and dull and had a great surprise!

New Room 

The last time I stayed here I got perhaps the worst room ever. Nothing worked and parts of cabinetry was broken. It was the pits. However, I knew that the area where I first stayed, lo the many weeks ago, had been redone. I was optimistic that I would get one of the redone rooms.

And I did!

The re-done rooms were opened yesterday, and in fact I am the inaugural patient.

But, the room I got, was the same room I had when I checked in the first time. It was so much nicer redone, but it was still tiny.  With five other rooms open, it did seem a bit weird I was put in the smallest.

Thankfully Jen encouraged me to ask about the other rooms. I joked with the nurses about cashing in my frequent stay reward points for a room upgrade. They offered me the biggest room (which is REALLY big) but I felt that was a little greedy. I went with a nice sized room (for the hospital) which is perfect for me.  Its great--it overlooks the same lake as the Bone Marrow Transplant floor, but now from 7 floors higher. Great views, freshly painted and redone room--I'm really lucky to have it.  

Jen got me some coffee and a muffin as I settled in.

A Needle in Every Port

My nurse accessed my port--still weird to have someone press a needle into your chest.

I figure you all are due a picture, so here I am in my new room with my port accessed...

The Pelvic Bone is connected to the Pain Bone

Before getting my chemo I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy.

Owwww!

The Lab doctor came up to give it. Basically they stick a needle into your pelvic bone just to the left and down from the small of your back.  The doctor said for some it hurts more and others less, mainly based on how strong the bones are. For an old woman, with soft bones, she might not react.

I am however middle aged man with strong bones, and maybe a bit of a pain-wimp (she said my reaction was not unusual and to next time ask my main doctor for some pain medication first). Wow did it hurt.  First they numb the area with something that really hurts--they do that three times--and it hurts each time. Then they drive a needle into your pelvic bone while you are gripping the bed with all your might and screaming into your pillow as a nurse rubs your arm and says take long slow breaths. And then they keep saying "go to a happy place," and "I'm sorry I'm causing you discomfort," and "Its almost over." (That seems like the kind of thing you shouldn't need to say so many times if it really is almost over.)

Glad that's over.

(Apparently one patient bit a nurse during this.)

The rest of Tuesday...

Well--there will be more to report from Tuesday as I should start my chemo later. But I will update you all in another post.