I had my infusion today.
My treatment is fairly simple as far as cancer treatments go, but I can count on a full morning of activity on infusion days. Today:
I signed in and waited in the first waiting room.
A phlebotomist drew my blood to test my fitness for receiving the treatment.
I waited some more in the same waiting room for the blood panels (CBC, CMP, LDH, TSH) to be ready for the doctor to look at.
A nurse called me to the exam room for measurements: weight, blood pressure, pulse ox, temperature. The nurse asked me to rate my pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and appetite.
The oncologist entered with his assistant who silently took notes. Depending on the visit, we might discuss future scans or past scan results and how the treatment is progressing. Today we talked at length about how Aetna interrupted my treatment last month for no medical reason. He used the word “vicious” to describe big insurance. It was incredibly validating to hear him talk about our system that puts profits ahead of patient care. I have renewed strength to push for what I need and not be shy about sharing my experiences.
After the visit with the doctor, I sat down with the scheduler to set dates for an infusion in February and a CT scan and infusion in March.
I moved to the infusion room waiting area.
When they were ready for me, the infusion area nurse told me where to sit — Bay F. I am thrilled to report that the nurse put in the IV easily. That’s not always the case anymore since I have scar tissue built up on top of my veins. My dose of Nivolumab takes 30 minutes to flow into my vein. With respect to cancer treatment, I have it lucky. Some patients are in the infusion room for hours at a time. Some multiple times a week.
Friend and neighbor Bev commented on my previous post about my sense of humor. I love to laugh and will continue to poke fun at this experience whenever I can. I am fortunate to live with a great spoofer.
That’s a triumphant photo of Ella. Was she wearing a cape?
Big insurance companies deserve some class action lawsuits, at least. Would that even be a thing, though?