MEDICAL MATTERS

[Stanley]

All good. Keep it going that way.

[Wendyf]

It would be good if something went smoothly! Today there were 2 failed attempts to insert a PICC line into Col's arm, one this morning and one this afternoon. He hadn't been provided with any information about the procedure, so didn't know he should have been drinking as much fluid as possible for 24 hours beforehand, also the ultrasound machine was brand new and the nurses didn't know how to adjust it to get a clear picture. The plan now is to see if a radiologist is available to do it tomorrow afternoon, failing that he will need a Hickman Line inserting under anaesthetic. So the start of his chemo is temporarily delayed.
Not easy getting back and forth to Airedale either with roadworks causing hold ups everywhere, and he does NOT appreciate me driving!! He will just have to get used to that....

[Stanley]

Tell Col I say he should be grateful there is someone willing to put up with his bad temper. You can volunteer to drive me any time you like Wendy!

[Marilyn]

I would be absolutely livid if they had failed on two attempts to put a PICC line in...

[Marilyn]

Please be aware that Col may have a long journey. His veins are very precious, especially as his journey continues ( because he is relatively well at present). I have worked in Oncology ( Paediatrics) but veins must be respected!
One doesn’t stab a cancer patient’s vein unless they have a 99+% of success. They are not pin cushions....

[Wendyf]

Thanks Maz, but what can you do when you have put yourself in the hands of the oncology team and you are ignorant of what's going on. As far as Col knows they didn't actually find a vein suitable to get into.

[Marilyn]

Then they should have called for someone more experienced...like an Anaesthetist.

[Wendyf]

What's done is done, or not done as the case may be. Hopefully the radiologist will be able to fit him in today. What they really shouldn't have done was to use a brand new ultrasound scanner that was still in its wrappings when he arrived.

[Marilyn]

Best wishes, but you will both become protective of veins in your journey.

Good Luck with the vaccine! I really hope it is the answer the whole world needs. We could all do with good news.

[Marilyn]

Hope Col had a more successful day yesterday, Wendy.

[Wendyf]

Still waiting for the radiologist Maz.

[Marilyn]

Tapping your fingers then...

[Stanley]

Give Airedale their due. They have invited me in for another cystoscopy. I have refused it on the same grounds as last time. I am at more risk from Covid travelling to Airedale than I am of bladder cancer. The oncology team agreed with me then. There is also the fact that I am not taking up resources needed more by others who are at more risk than I am.

[Wendyf]

Col's PICC line was inserted this morning by the radiologist at Airedale with no problems. Back tomorrow for his first chemo session, at last things can progress.

[PanBiker]

That's good news Wendy, I was thinking of Col this morning and waiting for a report. You can crack on now and take on the beast.

[Wendyf]

When Colin went into the Oncology Unit this morning there was a woman in a lot of distress because the nurses had failed to get her line inserted. Not just him then!

[Stanley]

Good, that sounds like progress. Give my best to Col, I hope it goes well.

[Tizer]

This will become more significant as climate change progresses...
`Wildfire smoke may spread infectious disease' LINK

[Stanley]

Oh God Peter! Not yet another thing to worry about!

[Tizer]

But at least the findings mean we can learn how to avoid the problem!

[Stanley]

I used to enjoy the smell of a bonfire in autumn until it was pointed out to me that the smoke was laden with carcinogens! Same applies to barbecues and anything that's smoked... Some things we don't need to know!

[Stanley]

The surgery rang and offered me a vaccination tomorrow at Colne but I told them I couldn't travel and am quite happy to wait until after Xmas when hopefully the vaccines will be available in Barlick when we have a vaccine that is easier to transport and handle. Isolating has kept me safe so far, I will not go into a decline.

[Wendyf]

Col is 10 days into his first cycle of chemotherapy with the last of the self administered injections last night, so he has 4 days drug free till it all kicks off again on Monday. We had no idea what to expect, and are pleased that apart from one worrying issue and occasional nausea he is still standing! He has been advised by his Oncologist that the peripheral neuropathy causing his hands to go into spasm shouldn't be permanent, but they are reducing the dose of the drug that causes it for next time. The other problem is the dangerously high blood sugar levels caused by the huge dose of steroids given before and after the treatment. He his waiting to hear from his diabetic nurse today in case she has any suggestions.
If anyone is interested in the chemo he is receiving then have a look at this link: -

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf ... drugs/flot

[Big Kev]

Col is 10 days into his first cycle of chemotherapy with the last of the self administered injections last night, so he has 4 days drug free till it all kicks off again on Monday. We had no idea what to expect, and are pleased that apart from one worrying issue and occasional nausea he is still standing! He has been advised by his Oncologist that the peripheral neuropathy causing his hands to go into spasm shouldn't be permanent, but they are reducing the dose of the drug that causes it for next time. The other problem is the dangerously high blood sugar levels caused by the huge dose of steroids given before and after the treatment. He his waiting to hear from his diabetic nurse today in case she has any suggestions.
If anyone is interested in the chemo he is receiving then have a look at this link: -

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf ... drugs/flot

It sounds horrendous but the end result will be worth it. Will the short term high blood sugar be an issue?

[Marilyn]

Shouldn’t be. Col’s body is under attack ( hence the high blood sugar), but it should respond over the next few weeks.
Apart from drinking more, he maybe doesn’t notice the increased blood sugar? And if he cuts back on food, he may experience ketosis.
I couldn’t believe it when they tested my blood sugar and a ketotis test in the ambulance after I popped the spinal disc...Sugar was over 18, but I was in ketosis. It was a lot to process...I had been in Emergency Dept for about 14 hours before they transported me, with no food, just sips of water. Before that I had been in bed overnight, so hadn’t eaten for 24 hours+.