We had an interesting call yesterday – from a nurse at the oncologists office. She said that the doctor wanted to prescribe Yervoy (Ipilimumab) & Opdivo (Nivolumab). In order to do this, mom would need to apply to the Access to Hope program, which would allow her access to these medications possibly for free. This is the…
OK, I know my title is a mixed metaphor – but really the story is just as unexpectedly mixed. Friday’s infusion was smooth sailing. We arrived at 11:20 for an 11:30 appointment. By 11:25 mom was in the infusion chair with an IV hooked up and the phosphate drip started. The drips took a little…
This week, one of our challenges has been getting a medication for low phosphate. Mom’s blood tests from Monday came back with low phosphate levels. Then we went through the following steps: The doctor sent in a prescription to the pharmacy (which is done by fax). The pharmacist said that the prescription was no longer…
It is interesting how the way we call things has a direct effect on our emotions. Yesterday it was the term ‘hospital bed’. Mom is having trouble getting into and out of bed. Mostly it is painful for her. The occupational therapist recommended a hospital bed because it would provide side rails that would make…
We had our first visit with the oncologist yesterday. He did give us some good news – as far as the CT scans show, there are no signs of bone mets. There was nothing wrong with the visit. The oncologist was nice enough. He provided the information we were looking for, and he was patient…
It was odd being the one in the chair meant for family members – rather than being the one in the hospital bed. Looking at my mother, I could vividly recall the feeling of warm blankets being stacked on my cold body as I awoke after my various procedures. The smells in the hospital also…
It is amazing the difference good pain control makes. Mom is now on a steroid and made an amazing transition. She went from being in unbearable pain to being able to move around a lot more steady on her feet and with a lot more energy. It is like she is suddenly a different person…
Love it, hate it, love it. That is an expression that a friend told me about being the family expert on cancer. Because I’ve been through it, I’m the one that understanding what is happening. I’m the one that knows what questions to ask, and which doctor to ask. I’m also the one that can…
Yesterday we had the first home visit from the nurse. When I set it up, I was led to believe that the nurse could immediate help with pain management. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The first visit was mostly paperwork. The nurse did put in a referral to the pain doctor – who is expected…
For those just joining me – I’m not talking about me in this post – rather I’m talking about what I am hearing regarding my mother’s health. Today we had an appointment with the urologist. He is the doctor that told my mother she had cancer. I wanted an appointment so that he could go…
