Slowly we are getting more information about what will happen while we are in Seattle. We spoke to the Transplant coordinator today on the phone. Apparently all of John's treatments will be done on an outpatient basis. The only time that John will have to stay in the hospital is if he gets a fever or runs into some difficulty. When we first get to Seattle they will do blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, ultra sound of his heart, MRI etc. They will test David to make sure he does not carry any infectious diseases and that he is healthy. David gets to go home for a little while before they need him back. We stay. We go to classes. We have to take a food safe class. I am clapping my hands. John really needs a food safe class. Can't you see me smile? I have to take a class on how to run his I.V. We will meet with the team of professionals out there: Attending physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, our nurse who will rule our lives and social workers. I am sure that I am missing people. We were stunned that he would not have to stay in the hospital. It turns out that he will only have a very mild chemotherapy and a radiation treatment. They will not be hitting him hard like he had before. John is very happy about this. He was so dreading being so sick again. Not having to be in the hospital is a bonus. It is a bonus to me too. I won't have to spend days on end there as well. We are hoping to get into the Pete Gross house. All the people there are transplant patients. The coordinator said that it would be especially good for me as I can talk to other care givers who are going through the same things. We can walk to his appointments. They encourage that. Things are starting to sound better all the time. I am a little nervous about being his nurse though but I am sure that they will teach me well.
Monday, October 20, 2008
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3 comments:
That does sound so much better. Nothing like sitting at a hospital day after day being bored out of your minds. Do you get to have visitors at this 'house' you may be staying at? I imagine when we come, we could visit at our hotel room if we need to. We will have to get all the info of where you guys are at later. Thanks for the update.
@ Footsack: Pete Gross house rents small apartments so I am sure we can visit there. The transplant does not take place until December. He will still be very vulnerable at Christmas. It will probably depend on how far John is along with his treatment as to whether or not we can travel around and his immune system will be compromised so that will also have to be considered. Health of visitors will still be a major issue. I have to be very careful not to catch something and have to get my flu shot ASAP. Eating out will also be a no no. That does cramp our style but we will all have to endure and consider that it is not forever. We will not be able to go home until they let us go home.
This is very good news. As for looking after John, you will probably surprise yourself. You are a very strong woman, Chris.
Thanks for keeping us updated.
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