We both had some concern about the day's procedure. Having a tube tunneled under the skin in your chest and then inserted into a vein and pushed down near your heart didn't sound like anything to look forward to.
We'd had a good long discussion about the procedure with Lynn's daughter, aka Dr. Kassie. As part of her interventional radiology rotation, she had installed several of these types of devices. "It's really not a big deal, they even let Residents do them". But I suppose that's all a matter of perspective and which side of the "pointy end" you are on.
When checking in this morning the receptionist asked what procedure we were there for.
"I'm having a triple-lumen installed".
For some reason the receptionist thought that was really funny, "Installed? Like a muffler?" Then she started in with the car repair comparisons.
"Would you like us to do a tune up while you're in today? Maybe rotate your spare tire?"
"Hey, we will even vacuum your seats." ha....ha....ha
Always, quick with a come back,
"Ok but if you find any dried out french fries while your vacuuming you can just keep 'em".
That lightened the mood but it didn't help when the IV placement didn't go well and actually bled all over. Then it was time for the quick "poke" and "sting" of the lidocaine shot. Why don't they just say it like it is...."It's going to feel like shish kabob then a branding iron". Maybe that much honesty would scare the patients. By the time they took him away for the procedure he was really, really ready for it to be over.
Everything went well with the installation and he was back about 20 minutes later. A little worse for the wear, but whew it was over (and he had a freshly vacuumed seat too ;). We got a chance to try out the new central line at the infusion room a little later. It was time for a Zometa bone strengthener that is normally fed through an IV. But not this time. No more "kabob/branding iron" the central line was used, no needle required. He was pretty excited about his new installation!
There were two more pokey shots to administer the drug that will release the stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood stream. For some reason that medication has to be injected, do the nurses just have a shot quota to fill??? We'll be back on Saturday and Sunday for more shots, then hopefully by Monday he will be ready to start the collection.
If Tony Stark, better know as Iron Man, can handle a medically necessary device in the chest so can my Iron Man. Over the next three months this device will be the medium to generate new energy and give Jay a new lease on life....way cooler than Iron Man.
Maybe you didn't start out wanting to be a good patient today, but Babe you were perfect!
Step by step we'll get there,
Jay & Lynn
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