Dr. Oncologist's nurse just called. Pick line will be placed in my arm today. This is an extra long catheter that gets threaded through a vein, all the way up my arm. They are doing this instead of a port (for now) because I am on blood thinners for my jugular clot. Perhaps in a few weeks, once the clot is gone, I will stop blood thinners and then we can put a port in.
My oldest daughter and I woke up with fevers. Because of this, Dr. Oncologist wants me to take antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. I HATE the principle of prophylactic antibiotics, but I suppose if ever there was a person who needed them it's the person who's about to start chemotherapy. She said that we will start chemotherapy tomorrow. That said, the "chemo on Friday" conversation occurred before the pick line conversation, so it's entirely possible that with the pick line in today I could start chemo today. I have no idea. They've been calling every 20 minutes with updates.
Also because of the fevers, Dr. Oncologist wants me to take the girls to see a pediatrician. Their symptoms are not the type that would normally inspire a doctor's visit, but again because of my impending immunocompromised state she wants me to make sure that the kids aren't sicker than they appear.
I've already called in the troops. My dad and my mother-in-law are both on their way over. She will take the kids to their appointment, he will come with me to mine. Normal things that are supposed to also happen today is kindergarten registration for my youngest, and gymnastics for both girls. Ian will rock out the normal things.
This is really happening.
"Pick line" is an expression we use in the waste management industry to describe the laborers stationed along the recycling plant conveyor belt that pull contaminants out of the recyclable stream. I have no doubts that your pick line will prove to be just as effective at reducing contamination levels!
ReplyDeleteIt IS really happening. But you have the love and support of SO many. Don't hesitate to reach out to ANY of us
ReplyDeleteWe're here for you! Glad your dad is there
Btw, you are a brilliant writer!
ReplyDeleteThe sooner you start, the sooner you can be done. Right? Right.
ReplyDeleteRight.
I find it interesting that my first thought is...here "we" go. interesting that I am, in any way, going through any of what you are beginning. but of course I realize it means this: "we" are all with you. "we" are all coming along with your unbelievably informative, humorous, frank and awesome posts...so "we" are in for this ride in a small, but I suspect meaningful way for "you." YOU are the hero. the fighter! WE sit here in awe and anticipation of your updates and, ultimately, your victory. so yes....here "we" go! thinking of you doll. <3
ReplyDeleteLove you!! Thinking about you, Ian, and the girls! Cheering you on from Texas, GO GET EM!!! <3
ReplyDeleteTime to get serious...kick some ass, Heather! Sending you love from Montana :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! Brother, thank you for always making me laugh. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a day among too many whatadays of late. I love your arm poem. It's an arm poem after my own heart. Love you.
ReplyDelete