Round 2 of IL2, Day 1

This round we at least know what to expect, assuming we can expect the same results as the first round of treatment.  The new section in the Cancer center is opened and was "introduced" publicly in the news, but not quite ready as far as the nursing is concerned.  However, the "plan" is to be moved from the current Bone Marrow Transplant unit to the new cancer unit on Wednesday.

With the first round, Tim had to first have surgery to have the port inserted, so he was not allowed to eat after midnight.  That was not an issue this time, so Tim wanted to get a Big Breakfast from McDonalds this morning before going to the hospital.  That was about 8 a.m.  We headed over here to the hospital after that to meed the Oncologist Coordinator, Nurse Robin, by 9 a.m. in the admissions area.  We were probably in the room by 9 a.m.

Got a call from the Business office stating that the NC Medicaid told her we did not go "far enough" to complete our application on line, so they have not done anything with our application.  WHAT???  Then, why did they give us a confirmation number at the end of the application???  Government paperwork!  So, I'm going to have to make a trip to the Medicaid office to get it taken care of!  GRRR!!

Anyway...........here's the first pictures from today's hospital admittance.

This room is not in the corner, so there seems to be more room, but it is probably just the shape of it.

The view is a bit better, but still not an ocean view!  :D

Ready to get this show on the road!

Here's the port that will be accessed for the fluids and the IL2 infusions.

TONS of this sort of paraphernalia will be used this week. 

Finding the spots to insert the needles.

Inserting the medial line.

It's in.

Inserting the second line.

Flushing the lines.

Adding the sterile pads.

Waterproof dressing added.

The  2 nurses to the left in the picture are the ones inserting the lines into the port.  The nurse to the far left is being trained for this unit.  She was in the trauma unit.  The nurse on the right is Tim's assigned nurse for the day, working on getting all the IV fluids set up.

First dose scheduled for 4 p.m. and every 8 hours thereafter.  Beginning weight, 187.2 (84.9kg).  Beginning BP, 138/98.  Tim is off his BP meds for the week.  He began the tylenol and zantac last night and they continue giving that to him throughout the week.  Dr. Stewart has been in, the intern has been in.  Now we just wait!  It's 12:30 p.m.