My First Chemo Session -- Reflections Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday April 8, 2014 was my first chemo session. I was there for 3 hours. I did quite well I think. I had no vomiting. My nerves were shot. I was weak. I was also tired when the chemo began. There was a four-cylinder plunger set sort of like what you see in the movies when they inject a death row inmate it was hooked to my PICC Line. As each plunger was being injected into my body the nurse explain to me this was the chemical that would take my hair make me sick make my urine turn red or orange, yet it also was vital in the long run to heal me. As the red chemical entered into my arm I began to have eye pressure as the actual chemo was injected my vision became blurred. I also began to have my first migraine in nine years.
I had been there for over 2 hours while Ms Margaret gave me anti-nausea injections and IV bags of nourishing stuff as well as nausea meds. Her kind words of encouragement went a long way. She was a light frail built woman. She is soft spoken, very pretty, very kind, and obviously enjoys her job. She explained to me everything she did. I tried very hard not to look so that I would not associate a visual concept with the basic information that way my mind would store the information differently. This is one way to alleviate fears when one has a TBI. A few minutes after the chemo was injected I was allowed to go home. I believe there were four red tubes, but there could have been five. They were in a tray. I only glanced so then I wouldn’t save the image.
April 9, 2014 @2:50
When I went in and to have my injection on Wednesday the ninth, I asked Ms. Heidi RN to speak with my Dr. and was told she was not available. I have a nurse that I have a hard time with. Her name is Ms. Heidi RN. We don’t get on well. She is often rude and disrespectful of my wishes. This episode I wanted to talk to Dr. O about pain medication for the migraine.
{I haven’t had a migraine in nine years. I believe it was in 2005 right after a tubal ligation. When I was taken off of my Norplant as well as having the Depovera shots ceased due to the tubal ligation - this was May of 2005. No more migraines beyond that point. }
1. Ms Heidi asked me why I wanted to see the Dr. and I explained to her I wanted to renew a script for Staydol or something for my migraine. (I can remember we went thru 6 or 8 meds before we found a med that worked back then) I explained to her I could not take some other meds. She explained to me: Dr.O was not there, and would not prescribe that; I needed to go to my primary care doctor. I was just there Friday. My migraine is from the issues with the chemo that is not his department. I then asked if there was a doctor on staff that could step in and evaluate to prescribe for the migraine. Heidi informs me they were obviously busy and would not see me. I believe that was a gross lack of concern, care, as well as prejustice. She also said she would contact Dr. O and tell her what I was “looking for” as IF I were a drug addict looking for a fix. 4/9/3:10pm I left. I wanted to address her about her commentary, but when I called her back – “Ms Heidi “ there was an obvious ignore as she kept walking out of the room – but she was also going to work with another client.
2. They changed the dressing on my PICC line on the eighth. (4/8/2014) When I seen the silicon I told her immediately to stop for even though it was laying on paper it would be easily melted through allowing the silicon to breach my skin thus causing an allergic reaction. She really was hurrying to finish it the more I told her to stop. With the clear cover the heat rises from the skin and of course it itches; so I am taking a little more Benedryl and praying it doesn’t get more serious.
My hope of course is that at some point I can reconcile these issues with this nurse and have a good relationship at some point. It is important to have a good working relationship with all of your medical staff.
I came across this today. I know your not going to see this as it is coming up on 6 yrs since you've been gone. I wanted to tell you I'm sorry I wasn't present in mind when you were around. I miss you so Fucking much but I do feel you around me always. I'm glad your not suffering any more. You are an amazing spirit!!! I will always cherish being your close friend. I miss you dearly my friend. I will see you someday! I love you like a sister!! Your birthday is coming up. It would be the last time I saw you alive. I'm glad that you were part of my life. I love you
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Magi Jean McBride
Things you need to consider as you move forward in your journey to wellness and fulfillment.