I was a pretty happy camper last night after meeting the new onc covering the inpatient service. She's a lovely lady from the south who's willing to do whatever is needed for Adrienne and to work with Dr. O, who will be back from Berlin today. They are planning a call this afternoon and we hope that Adrienne can get chemo Wednesday or Thursday. Her WBC came up just a little bit today and her monocytes are way up, indicating that everything else will follow. We all understand that whatever we do has a lot of risks but doing nothing is even more risky. I get it. I don't need anyone to tell me how risky this whole thing is.
So, I wake up this morning to see yet another new nurse, after I specifically requested that Adrienne get the same nurses, those that know her and who will work with me since she only responds to my voice. Not only was this a new nurse but a nurse we refer to as Nurse Ratchet. Why? Because she stops you if you bring food or drink (usually coffee for me) into the unit. The other nurses don't say a word even though it's posted that you can't bring anything in. After I got the sleep out of my eyes, I had a little talk with the charge nurse and now Adrienne has a nurse who's taken care of her before. So, we're working on this issue again with the help of Rose, who's the chief chemo nurse and who comes to see Adrienne everyday even though she works on a different floor.
The trach will be put in this afternoon. I waited for ENT for a long time last night, but of course, as soon as I stepped out, he came in and then I missed his call. He left a long message saying this is a "low risk" procedure, not once, not twice, but three times. Okay, I believe him. I know that Dr. T asked for this doc specifically because he has a lot of experience with radiated patients. I'm sure we'll talk before the procedure but I left a detailed list of her radiation treatments to the trach area so he has that. She got platelets this morning (platelets were at 8) and she'll get more 2 hours before the procedure to make sure they're over 70. She gets special platelets (single donor, irradiated) so it often takes time to get them but they're preordered already.
Curt was driving behind a guy this morning who's license plate said "HI CURT". Must be a good omen but we wish he had a camera.
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11 comments:
Poo on nasty nurse - Like you need peripheral annoyances on top of everything you're going through? Good for you, Alison, having a chat. I can picture it, and it makes me smile.
Adrienne's such a little firecracker. Keep fighting, girlie. Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!
Love,
Lisa
Hi Alison,
I don't think the general public understands the communication nightmare it is when you have multiple specialists working for you.
I earn a living as a project manager, yet communication with the huge number of specialists assigned to Eric was a non-stop job.
I really worry what happens to the patient who is not fortunate enough to have an advocate/communicator like you.
You sound good - I know the relief of having a plan to work towards.
hugs,
K
Sending may prayers and blessings that todays procedure will go as the doc plans. Wish I could be sitting next to you while you wait for the sx to be over. Hang in their Adrienne...feel the power of our love and prayers.
((HUGS))
Susan
Hi Alison,
thank you for all the updates. I check it all the time to see how you guys are doing.
xoxoxo
deb
Alison - I love that amidst this chaos, you and Curt still find the world an interesting place! :0) How strong are you all?? Amazing!
Glad that there's so many positives in your post today - this truly is one hell of a roller coaster ride........hoping everything goes smoothly with the trach.........give that beautiful girl of yours a gentle hug from us and take one for yourself too....<3
This sounds a little encouraging, hope the counts keep coming up. Yeah for you Alison speaking your mind about those nurses. I just don't understand why they can be so mean, if they don;t like their job, get out! Patients and families going through this need supportive nurses. Ok enough vent, God bless you, take care.'
Hugs Sharon
Hi Alison,
I guess we're all feeling better now. Sunday and Sunday night were pretty grim. I only made it to 4AM Monday morning. "Nurse Ratchet" is the best leadin you've had, even better than the "Herding Cats" one. Anyway, glad to hear you got rid of Ms. Ratchet. She took on the wrong nut to crack, to coin a phrase.
Love,
Mom and Ed
I am just so sorry that Adrienne, you and the rest of the family are in this situation. I can't imagine how hard it must be. Know that prayers are with you from around the world. Your strength is amazing. Remember to pamper yourself when possible. Stick that cup of coffee inside your coat and take it in.
Heers to hope! May tomorrow be a much better day.
Judy_smile
Good for you Alison! Nurse ratchet didn't know who she was dealing with. Glad you straightened her out. Keeping all digits crossed that the procedure goes smoothly this afternoon.
((HUGS))
Carol (mom20)
OK Alison, you just gave me something to do . Like lots of others thinking constantly about Adrienne and you and your family, you just wish there was something you could do. This is only very small but I am going to go and give blood/platelets today ... you and Adrienne have inspired me. I encourage everyone who can to do likewise. Wishing Adrienne the best for the upcoming procedures. Love P
I thought that Judysmile was going to say to stick the cup of coffee up Nurse Rathchet's @**!#, but her suggestion was just as appropriate (though perhaps less satisfying to your cheering squad over here). lots of prayers for progressive health for Adrienne!
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