Last Gamma Scan

Had the last of my gamma scans today. I have passed all my tests and been cleared to proceed with the radiation and transplant. The only possible hurdle I have left is to pass the HAMA blood test next week. This is a screening to see if I have a mouse antibody living in my system. I've had this test done a couple of weeks ago and it was negative, but they need to re-check to see if it's changed and make sure I don't test positive. Evidentially it has happened on a rare occassion that you can acquire this antibody as a result of the test dose of radiation I received last week. It's not very common so hopefully it won't become an issue. If it does, things will come to a stop and we'll have to determine another path for me to go down in place of this type of radiation therapy. We'll deal with that next week. For the meantime, I have a four day weekend with no medical visits!!

Thought we were done with the scheduling issues

Yet another gamma scan at UW to start off the day. Finished within a half hour today then it was off to SCCA for my clinic visit which was an hour later (at 10:30). We took our time and the scenic route and still arrived a half hour early. Marc made some calls and did some work from the car while we waited to enter the parking garage. Made our way to the 6th floor (transplant center) and was promptly handed a new schedule which had me hanging around there for a blood draw at 12:45pm. Needless to say this didn't make me too happy since my clinic visit would be over by 11:00am. I felt this was a good time to inform them that I only had a week left until I entered the hospital and my freedom would be extremely limited for the next several months. I had no intention of wasting almost two hours waiting around to draw my blood. My appointment was immediately changed to 11:15 :) The clinic visit went well and all they really did was change my dressing and go over all the same basic questions. Now we're in the countdown to my admit date next Wednesday. I think they will not miss me at SCCA.

More gamma scans

Woke up with yet more snow on the ground today. Luckily it wasn't on the roads so again we trekked up to UWMC for more gamma scans. They take four scans which takes about 40 minutes including the time it takes to place the machine in position. Since they never come and get you at your appointment time, this caused us to be slightly over an hour in the parking garage. Silly me - I would think that with the amount of money they collect for all these medical procedures and doctor visits, they might have pity on the finances of those who have to continuously have endless visits and have free parking. Obviously they don't share my opinion. SCCA is a deal as their parking maxes out at $4.00 for any time over two hours. UW is $7.00 for two hours or more. What a rip...

Faint Glow from Maple Valley

Last night I told Marc I didn't want to go tomorrow. After having the day off and enjoying some time with friends, I resented having to give up another day to battle this beast. But my better half took over and we trudged out before dawn for my 8am appointment - so much for trying to sleep in. Arrived at 8 am to receive my test dose of the radioactive antibody and a tracer element. Since it went through my Hickman, I didn't feel a thing. Usually there are no side effects from this and I haven't experienced any. The radioactive stuff was dispensed automatically through a unit which slowly depressed the syringe into my tube. I'd never seen anything like this before. After we finished there a patient in isolation agreed to let me visit see the isolation room where I will be. I didn't go in, just looked from the hallway. It looked just like the pictures I'd seen and about as big (not very) as I imagined. The man who was in there was being released from the room today so he was quite chipper! He said it wasn't too bad but he was definitely ready to rejoin the regular population. Next stop for me was down to radiation and more gamma scans. I don't mind these as they are completely painless and I just have to lie there. Today the tech turned down the lights and put on a little music - very relaxing!

Going to the U

Today was the first day at UW Medical Center. We went to Nuclear Medicine for a gamma scan. It was nothing too traumatic. They had me lie down on the "table" (like a CT scan slab) then lowered this piece of equipment that was about 16" square and flat down to within inches from my face. All I had to do was lie still for each test which lasted between 2 - 5 minutes each. The first test was done without solution to get my baseline. The following tests were done with different dyes to determine how much solution went into my vital organs (liver, kidney, heart and spleen - if I had one). This will determine how much of the radioactive antibody to give me without doing "too much" damage to the rest of me! If nothing comes up, I should have tomorrow off. Friday I get the actual test dose of the radiation. Today I started taking iodine drops which is supposed to protect my thyroid. Bizarre stuff - I take 5 drops in a small (1/4") amount of juice followed by water. It goes down so fast it really doesn't taste bad, but if I use the same glass for the water it leaves a very salty taste. They also warned me that this stuff stains - bad - so I have to be very careful. This said, they told me that this "should" protect it during the treatment but most likely it will burn out and I will have to take a pill everyday for the rest of my life to keep it working. Two weeks from today will be the day I go into the hospital for the party to begin - IF all goes as planned!

So Much For a Day Off....

Thought I was going to be SCCA free today - no such luck. As I got out of bed today we noticed some fresh blood around the Hickman entry site. Marc called down to SCCA and they said to get in immediately (as a precaution). Turns out when the nurse was observing yesterday she tried to clean a spot she thought was a clot at the entry site. Since it was disturbed and she didn't completely remove it, it became aggitated and bled under the scab. Thankfully no big deal but something that needed to be looked at. It's all good.

Another Lesson

Today was a recap on how to care for my Hickman port. Since we were a little distracted during the first lesson, I thought we should go over it again. Difference this time is that I asked if Marc could change the dressing under the nurses observation. With steady hands, he worked like a pro. If he got a few changes under his belt at home, he would have been great at it. As it turns out, because of it's location, the nurse has recommended that it be changed by the nurses to ensure it is completely sealed. We both agreed (although he did a fine job!). Off tomorrow!!