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Posted on April 15th, 2008 by Cam.
Categories: Let's talk.

I have just returned home from the hospital in the last hour or so. A big day. The full procedure went ahead as scheduled and my marrow is officially dissolving. No turning back.

Things went mostly well. I was expecting the central line to be the biggest hurdle of the day, but it turned out bigger than we all expected. The procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes. They had great difficulty getting through my chest wall and after 4 or 5 attempts, two different Anesthetists and about 40 minutes, they decided it wasn’t going to happen. This whole time I reckon I could have cracked walnuts between my butt cheeks.

I was fine at first but I have a history of needing a high dose of anesthetics or sedatives in order for them to work. When I had my first hip biopsy, they used three times the usual amount because I was still carrying a conversation the whole time. Even then I still remember the whole thing. I fell asleep after I asked to see the sample that had come out. Today was quite similar. They were injecting local anesthetic constantly it seemed, and then it would wear off because it was taking so long, so they would inject more.

After about half and hour, I was just over it. I was exhausted. After the 40 mins, they whipped out the unsuccessful line in the chest and scrubbed down my neck. The senior Anesthetist took over once again and the line went in fairly easily. Apparently I had too much muscle in my chest wall. I know, I didn’t believe them either, but I was just happy that they got it in somewhere. To be honest, one of the most painful parts of the ordeal was the ripping off of the sticky gauze from the partially hairy chest. They should really knock you out for that part. It would only be fair.

So I was away for about three and a half hours all up, and therefore late for the actual chemo dose. This can be bad, because the expiry on the Melphalan is quite quick once it has been prepared. I was hooked up quick smart and the chemo went in 5 minutes before it reached its expiry time.

The chemo itself was an anticlimax. I didn’t realise I was actually hooked up and getting the dose until about 20 minutes into it, and then I didn’t realise it was all over until about 10 minutes the drip had come out. Then it just came down to picking up a vast array of new drugs from the chemist and a cup of ice to suck on the way home.

Only now am I beginning to feel a little tired. I haven’t eaten much all day though, and my body has been through a bit of stress, on top of the chemo itself. Going to rest tonight I think. No more handstands for a while, I am too scared an assortment of body fluids will leak out of one of the three tubes in my neck.

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10 comments.

cons

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

So thats the permanent tube????? I would be too freaked out to do handstands also. Or rollerskating. By the end though you will probably be so used to it you will twirl it around your finger whilst you are talking like its an earring. Good luck for your first night, have a good sleep. xx

Cam

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

Thankfully it is not permanent, maybe a matter of weeks or a month. Still, it may be better to leave it in if they have as much trouble taking it out as they did putting it in.

Toddy

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

Too much muscle? Some of us aren’t surprised… You hunk-a-spunk, you!

Oh – that unit of blood and a kidney is still ready for you if it’s needed.

Muffin Man's Revenge

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

Wow! You look great:) Love and prayers!

Don

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

Good to hear from you Cam. No prizes for wondering who’s been on our mind today! Ditto on getting a good sleep! You are on our minds, and in our prayers. If you ever need a distraction, please call.

Cuz Adam

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

Good to hear that things are underway without too many “major” dramas. You might want to find some projects that relax your muscles, like lying prone on a armchair playing x-box for 10 hours straight. Of course, when I say “relax” I of course mean “serious levels of atrophy”

Now where can I get some of this freshy squeezed walnut salad that you mentioned at the start of the blog?

Judy

Comment on April 15th, 2008.

The folks here at York continue to support you both in prayer.

I used to love walnut salad……..

sojourner

Comment on April 16th, 2008.

Eat alot even when you are not hungry. Do not eat your favorate foods too close to chemo treatments because any nausea or discomfort will become psychologically associated with your favorate foods. Then you won’t be able to use favorite foods as insentive to eat if you lose your appitite. Keep fighting until its time to stop! May I pray for you?

Lynda K

Comment on April 16th, 2008.

I too will never again look upon walnut salad in the same way. The visuals you conjure up in my mind are a little too real.
You always keep me smiling – and I hope that your amazing strength and dignity will carry you through the rough patches.

Beth

Comment on April 16th, 2008.

Is that Cam with an “I am not amused” look?
Some hospital days can be so gruelling, and rob you of your sense of control and dignity.

Your dignity in ANY circumstance is something that cannot be taken from you, but it feels a bit wobbly under those circumstances.

Bet you said “thank you”, anyway ….

(PS. Was a big day for us here, but remembered you too.)

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