Day -3. This day has been looked forward to for a very long time, because the patients will be having a PICC line placed, which is a catheter in their chest today. This line will be used to harvest the stem cells, provide chemotherapy and then return the stem cells to reboot the immune system. I must say though, even when you know something is good for you, it is hard not to fear it as well. That was obvious to me when Doug was up at least every 2 hours last night. He was nervous!
We got up at 6:00 a.m. even though I know Doug was ready to get up at about 5:00. The nurse was scheduled to arrive sometime between 7 and 7:30 and so we needed to be ready to leave for the hospital by 7:00. Unfortunately the nurse was running late and was not able to get to our apartment until almost 8:00. We were due at the hospital at 8:00. The poor dear was so concerned and stressed by the time she got to us. We were not too worried, we knew they could not start without us. And so a few minutes after 8:00 we left for the hospital with our whole group.
We arrived at Puebla Hospital around 8:30 ready to to have the PICC line put in each of the patients. There was some wonder in what it would be like to have a procedure in a Mexican hospital. No one knew exactly what to expect. But I can tell you the whole process went like clockwork. Upon arrival our liaison, Melanie from Clinical Ruiz took each of our passports and one by one checked us in. We signed the releases very similar to American hospitals. Then one by one we were taken upstairs and each of the patients were given a hospital room.
We arrived in Doug's room about 9:00. By 9:30 we signed more release papers, met the doctor who is in charge of the floor, had his vitals checked, and changed into a hospital gown. Then they arrived with a bed to take him to pre-op. It is certainly interesting doing all this with people who speak little English and we who speak little Spanish. Melanie told me Doug would be in pre-op for about 30 minutes, the procedure would take about 30 minutes and then after about 45 minutes in recovery he would return to the room. And that was exactly what happened.
While Doug was in surgery I went down to the cafe and had a lovely breakfast. I then went back upstairs and found the rest of the carers and Angel in a sitting area, where you can order from a menu and eat if you like to. I did not know this when I went downstairs. As each of the patients went to surgery the carers would make their way to the group. Once again I was so thankful for going through this with others in the same situation. We supported and cheered on each of the patients. It turns out all of the patients were worried about this procedure.
Doug got back to the room at 11:30, very alert and doing well. He was hungry and ready to eat. The hospital first gave each of them jello, tea and apple juice. If they were able to handle this they could order from a menu and have lunch delivered from the cafe. Doug did well and then ordered a hamburger, french fries and a coke. A typical American meal! They then took x-rays in the room to make sure the PICC line was placed correctly. After eating, they took his vitals again and then he was able to get dressed. By 2:00 we were ready to leave the hospital. A young orderly escorted us to the waiting room and we waited for each of the other patients to make their way down. It turns out Doug was doing very well. Some of the others in our group were having some pain in their chest or back, nausea and dizziness. We waited for the vans to arrive to take us home. We arrived home about 3:30.
We were thinking that the stems cells were going to be harvested today as well, but we were wrong. That will happen tomorrow in the morning and then chemotherapy in the afternoon. We are told this will be a really big day. We can expect not to return home until 9:00 tomorrow night.
After returning home, Lorenzo our driver today, agreed to take us shopping at Walmart. We had 30 minutes to get our family member settled before leaving. This was an important trip, We all need to start preparing for when we will be in isolation for 7 to 10 days while the patients are regrowing their immune system. The next few days will be very busy and we don't know when we will have time to stock up. My big concerns are having enough drinking water for Doug during chemo. He needs to drink 3 liters each day. And secondly, to assure that we have enough disinfectant towels and spray. Doug's big concern is that we have Milky Way bars and breakfast pastries. :) We have somewhat different priorities here. He was just delighted when I go home and brought with me Oreos. Walmart pretty much has anything we have at home. :)
As for me (and him too) I feel pretty exhausted right now. I think the wind just went out of my sails. I told Doug we are heading to bed early tonight. We need to prepare for the next few days.
And so we pray:
Holy one, over and over again you tell us to "fear not". We are reminded that you go before us always. As we prepare for the next few days strengthen our resolve, bolster our courage and gently remind us that we are not choosing all this of our own will, but with you. And thank you for the skilled hands of our nurses and physicians and for all who did their part today to make this treatment successful. In your name we ask it. Amen
May God hold you all close to him during these next 10 days or so. Again, thank you for allowing us to walk this journey with you. You both continue to be in my daily prayers. God Bless you all. Love the pictures too. Thank You!
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