Rob & I went into MSK yesterday for the juicing ceremony. They did it on the 4th floor, which is the regular chemo unit rather that the 7th floor where the study drugs are done. I had a new nurse and we had some discussion about the protocol so she could understand what was going on. Luckily, the physician’s assistant who handles the paperwork for the study came by to see me about signing a release form and he confirmed the dosing chart for her. The study documents are pretty detailed, so it’s not necessarily obvious to a new nurse where to start.
This nurse was a “traveling nurse” – a job I’ve never heard of before. She’s from Boston but spends 3 to 6 months in various other hospitals in other states filling in as a temp. She always temps in chemo wards. I had a good time teasing her about her strong Boston accent and we had a “wicked good” conversation.
I get unhooked on January 1 – something we are hoping Rob can do without us having to go back in. The temp chemo nurse said it would be better to go in and have Rob do it while being watched by a regular nurse. I think it’s straightforward enough that if Rob feel’s comfortable (she’s been shown how, took notes and has all the equipment), I think we’ll just do it. If we screw it up, we can shoot over to Morristown hospital in 5 minutes. Also, we have some friends who are nurses who might be willing to supervise.
Oh, and for those of you keeping notes for the big drug test - here’s some Percocet info for you. I learned that Percocet is actually a combination of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. So, the dosage is given as two dosages. For example, I asked for the weakest dose which is 5mg Oxy/ 325mg Acetaminophen. You can get other scripts such as 10/500, etc if you need more. I wonder which sells the best on the black market? Probably the stongest version.
And now for the good news – when I was in the ER a few days ago for the cramps problem, I had a CT scan. The report came back and – besides showing no big issues – it stated that the mets in my liver are improving! This means the chemo is working!! Yeeehaa!!!
This nurse was a “traveling nurse” – a job I’ve never heard of before. She’s from Boston but spends 3 to 6 months in various other hospitals in other states filling in as a temp. She always temps in chemo wards. I had a good time teasing her about her strong Boston accent and we had a “wicked good” conversation.
I get unhooked on January 1 – something we are hoping Rob can do without us having to go back in. The temp chemo nurse said it would be better to go in and have Rob do it while being watched by a regular nurse. I think it’s straightforward enough that if Rob feel’s comfortable (she’s been shown how, took notes and has all the equipment), I think we’ll just do it. If we screw it up, we can shoot over to Morristown hospital in 5 minutes. Also, we have some friends who are nurses who might be willing to supervise.
Oh, and for those of you keeping notes for the big drug test - here’s some Percocet info for you. I learned that Percocet is actually a combination of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. So, the dosage is given as two dosages. For example, I asked for the weakest dose which is 5mg Oxy/ 325mg Acetaminophen. You can get other scripts such as 10/500, etc if you need more. I wonder which sells the best on the black market? Probably the stongest version.
And now for the good news – when I was in the ER a few days ago for the cramps problem, I had a CT scan. The report came back and – besides showing no big issues – it stated that the mets in my liver are improving! This means the chemo is working!! Yeeehaa!!!
So I'm rolling on Round 4 - bring it on, baby!!
Happy New Year to you All!! BB
5 comments:
What a great way to start a new year - proof that what your going through is producing positive results is AWESOME news!!!!!
Keep it going bud....
Our thoughts and prayers are still with you.
Incidentally, can you keep comments about the snow to a minimum....some of us "Southern Folk" miss it almost as much as we miss you!!!!
Love ya bud
Once again, you've put a huge smile on my face - but I'm sure the one on your face was much bigger after the scan results. Happy New Year indeed!!
You didn't mention the other side effect of the emergency room timing - I bet Robbie just zipped in and out of the city. No traffic at those hours.
Hi Brian,
Congrats on the good news. Your hard work is producing good results. Keep it up! You're in our thoughts all the time. Best wishes for a HEALTHY new year.
Love, Carolyn
What great news! I'm so happy for you - keep up the great work and the great attitude.
Take Care - Rita
Great start to the New Year! I'm so glad to hear your hard work is paying off.
I just loved your description of NYC during the holidays. It almost enticed me to get on a train and visit the city. as I said - almost...
You're in my thoughts and prayers all the time.
Linda
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