Day of Review and Teaching

Today was the last day of Dave's palifermin, so that is behind us for now. He will receive that drug again after his TBI and chemotherapy. It's been a busy day with lab at 8:45, PT (physical therapy) at 9, infusion of palifermin at 11, chemo teaching 2 p.m., & CADD Prizm VIP pump class at 3 p.m. (Dave didn't attend the pump class, but I did). The pump will be used to infuse hydration and/or medication. Hydration will be administered each day of TBI (total body irridation) through Dave's Hickman catheter (port in his chest). He will be on the pump for approx. 10 hrs. each time. This is done here at the hotel, and I will be the one in charge of giving him his hydration! Talk about trust!! We will be fine as long as he doesn't try to tell me how to do it!!! Once a "chief" always a "chief"! I also will take charge of all his meds, which consist of 15 different meds on a scheduled basis, and 9 different meds on a PRN (as needed) basis. That is going to be a challenge in itself. Tomorrow we will walk to the SCCA to catch the shuttle at 11:15 a.m. to the Univ. of WA Hospital, TBI is at noon and should take approx. 30 min. We will then catch the shuttle back to SCCA for an appointment with the pharmacist and lab draw at 1:15. Our next appointment is at 2 p.m. meeting with our "team". We the have a break until another walk up to SCCA, catch the shuttle to the hospital for 2nd TBI at 6 p.m. followed by a shuttle ride back to SCCA and walk back to our hotel where I will administer his hydration. If Dave doesn't feel well, the hotel shuttle will come and pick us up. This goes on for the next 4 days with a few changes in the schedule. I apologize if this is boring, but it sure helps me sort out the day by recording it. Dave came back from physical therapy today with positive news; his neuropathy is getting better in his feet!!! His movement is improved and his numbness is less. It's nice getting positive results!