Today was relatively quiet, no visitors (yet). I was busy on the phone and computer with Kristin, Mom, Dad, and the girls calling.
Got a great card from Henry Roder, it actually came snail mail -- and got here in time!
At this point, I can walk about for short periods without my "tree of life" following me. I have to wear a mask and gloves, so I don't catch anything from the great unwashed public. It is nice to walk around without the constant irritation of tubes and low level clicking and humming. This pleasure will probably cease at by the weekend, as the doctors expect my blood counts to crash, necessitating me to be hooked up and primed with antibiotics, anti fungal, and anti viral drugs.
There was the fire alarm going off, kinda messed up my nap time. Someone was over zealous with the popcorn, scorched it, and set off the alarm.
Well, I am going to walk a bit (while I can).
jc
Day Zero
Well, I have my stem cells back. Actually, only half of the 9.1 million, the rest in reserve.
They gave me some pre-meds for nausea, antibacterial and anti fungal treatments. Gotta keep those buggers down now.
The actual treatment was pretty low key. They just hooked me up to another drip
on my pump tree, pushed it in me, and it was done in 25 minutes.It feels good that this is such a routine procedure, that there was no hitches, complications, or panicky calls for a doctor.
Cold! The cells were frozen, so they defrosted them (no microwaves here!) just enough to get them flowing. The cold slush travels through the plastic tubing, into my catheter, up my jugular, and through the heart -- and hopefully on to recharging the destroyed bone marrow.
Afterward, I just took a hour and a half nap.
Pretty quiet day, though ultimately the most vital day of my adult life.
jc
Last day of chemo, all OK
Kristin and my parents visited today, and I walked down the hall.
Exciting.
Actually, I enjoy the company, it just does not last long enough.
It could be worse, luckily I have the computer to keep me occupied, as TV just doesn't cut it. Radio is ranting about the bail out plan -- BORING.
It is depressing to think that the idiots who got us into this mess are now "saving" us. As if.
Sigh, it's time for bed.
jc
Exciting.
Actually, I enjoy the company, it just does not last long enough.
It could be worse, luckily I have the computer to keep me occupied, as TV just doesn't cut it. Radio is ranting about the bail out plan -- BORING.
It is depressing to think that the idiots who got us into this mess are now "saving" us. As if.
Sigh, it's time for bed.
jc
The first full day at the City of Hope
Well, the highlight was Kristin coming and watching "Blazing Saddles" with me.
The first round of chemo seems to have gone through without a hitch. No dizziness, nausea or other side effect -- yet. I suppose that tomorrow they crank it up to 11 and zap me hard. Or not.
Dinner was adequate, pasta with potatoes and tapioca pudding.
If this keeps up, I will go crazy!
Nurse is changing my caps, bye
jc
The first round of chemo seems to have gone through without a hitch. No dizziness, nausea or other side effect -- yet. I suppose that tomorrow they crank it up to 11 and zap me hard. Or not.
Dinner was adequate, pasta with potatoes and tapioca pudding.
If this keeps up, I will go crazy!
Nurse is changing my caps, bye
jc
Impressions of my first night
Well, the first night is over, and I have a few observations.
First, I miss my bed, pillow, and open window. The sterile vinyl bed, non absorbent pillow, and locked and sealed for my safety windows put a cramp in my style.
The constant click-click-click of the four IV pumps are not enough to come to the forefront of my consciousness, but click-click-clicks away at my subconscious. They also beep. Quie
tly at first. Then if ignored, they get really pissed off and go BEEP BEEP BEEP! Usually this happens just after you get back to sleep after your midnight blood draw (11 vials yesterday, 5 today ).
I forgot how skinny they make beds. I always said, the best marital aide is a King sized bed. While it is sort of cool to have it pop up and down, it is still a plastic vinyl (not even naugahyde ) mattress. I discovered that I sweat at night. Not major puddles, but just enough to "get sticky". Not very conducive to restful sleep.
The food isn't bad, once you figure out the system. I foolishly ordered steak with a side of corn, and a slice of chocolate cake. I have eaten bigger slices of beef jerky than this steak. Corn was good, but it's tricky when you are in bed (they roll off the spoon). Not quite enough for the night, so I ordered popcorn and apple pie before the kitchen shut down.
Breakfast and lunch today were actually good. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, biscuits and gravy... Yum! For lunch I had the chef's special, BBQ burger with cheese and fries.
They gave me my first chemo today. Looked like about a 1/4 cup of clear fluid. They prepped me with several anti nausea, anti this, and anti that potions, so I don't feel bad at all.
One last observation, in this hospital everyone entering the rooms must be gloved and masked. I am having difficulty dealing with people without the visual feedback of their face. I crack a joke, no smile (that I can see). It is like dealing with passive aggressive people, you just don't know. Makes communication difficult.
Gotta nap!
jc
First, I miss my bed, pillow, and open window. The sterile vinyl bed, non absorbent pillow, and locked and sealed for my safety windows put a cramp in my style.
The constant click-click-click of the four IV pumps are not enough to come to the forefront of my consciousness, but click-click-clicks away at my subconscious. They also beep. Quie
tly at first. Then if ignored, they get really pissed off and go BEEP BEEP BEEP! Usually this happens just after you get back to sleep after your midnight blood draw (11 vials yesterday, 5 today ).I forgot how skinny they make beds. I always said, the best marital aide is a King sized bed. While it is sort of cool to have it pop up and down, it is still a plastic vinyl (not even naugahyde ) mattress. I discovered that I sweat at night. Not major puddles, but just enough to "get sticky". Not very conducive to restful sleep.
The food isn't bad, once you figure out the system. I foolishly ordered steak with a side of corn, and a slice of chocolate cake. I have eaten bigger slices of beef jerky than this steak. Corn was good, but it's tricky when you are in bed (they roll off the spoon). Not quite enough for the night, so I ordered popcorn and apple pie before the kitchen shut down.
Breakfast and lunch today were actually good. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, biscuits and gravy... Yum! For lunch I had the chef's special, BBQ burger with cheese and fries.
They gave me my first chemo today. Looked like about a 1/4 cup of clear fluid. They prepped me with several anti nausea, anti this, and anti that potions, so I don't feel bad at all.
One last observation, in this hospital everyone entering the rooms must be gloved and masked. I am having difficulty dealing with people without the visual feedback of their face. I crack a joke, no smile (that I can see). It is like dealing with passive aggressive people, you just don't know. Makes communication difficult.
Gotta nap!
jc
I'm in the zone now...
I was scheduald for an 11:00 appointment, but yesterday they called and told me I was to be "on call".
They called at noon asking where I was.
Got to COH at 12:50, checked in, and waited.
And waited.
got into the room after 3:30.
Nice room. Cable, DSL, a view of the 605. The pidgens hang out and tap on the window when they want attention. Nurses come in to draw blood (11 so far today), and I have a good sized menu to order dinner from.
It definately could be worse.
Tomorow is the start of treatment, so I shoud get some rest -- I also get to watch the Angels on FSW without kids interupting.
jc
Oh, my room is 6125. Phone is 626-359-8111, but it is better to call me on the cell phone. Skype is also up and running ( jim.is.ill ).
Esh, holding pattern again...
Once again, the time table changes. Hopefully, they will have a bed for me tomorrow, until then, I am in a holding pattern.
We need someone to get those other sickies up and out of their beds!
jc
We need someone to get those other sickies up and out of their beds!
jc
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