The anticipation of today's chemo treatment had me filled with dread. I came to the conclusion it was because of the ridiculous IV problems we've been having there. Today I tanked up on fluids as suggested--96 oz. by 2:00 and it seemed to help. I was also lucky enough to pull the wonderful Head Nurse at IMC chemo to do my labs. To her, I voiced my concerns. Together, we came to the oft-realized conclusion that "nice is different than good" (see Stephen Sondheim's Red Riding Hood in "Into The Woods") even at the hospital. Many nurses attempting to access sad old chemo veins are nice, but a few are really good and I want one of those--every time. The Headess and I made an arrangement that rivals the post-it note-on-chart alternative. Without offending anyone, I will simply ask the MA who takes my vitals to distribute my chart to the Headess ONLY...and she will make me her patient--every time. This is a breakthrough in anxiety relief for the newly hatched chicken heart I'm packing in my chest. I'm getting a whopper testimony of self-advocacy! I wonder at what point S.A crosses over into the realm of "obnoxious". PS. for Wanda--I broke down and sprayed Asea on every living thing today. Cross fingers!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Advocacy
The anticipation of today's chemo treatment had me filled with dread. I came to the conclusion it was because of the ridiculous IV problems we've been having there. Today I tanked up on fluids as suggested--96 oz. by 2:00 and it seemed to help. I was also lucky enough to pull the wonderful Head Nurse at IMC chemo to do my labs. To her, I voiced my concerns. Together, we came to the oft-realized conclusion that "nice is different than good" (see Stephen Sondheim's Red Riding Hood in "Into The Woods") even at the hospital. Many nurses attempting to access sad old chemo veins are nice, but a few are really good and I want one of those--every time. The Headess and I made an arrangement that rivals the post-it note-on-chart alternative. Without offending anyone, I will simply ask the MA who takes my vitals to distribute my chart to the Headess ONLY...and she will make me her patient--every time. This is a breakthrough in anxiety relief for the newly hatched chicken heart I'm packing in my chest. I'm getting a whopper testimony of self-advocacy! I wonder at what point S.A crosses over into the realm of "obnoxious". PS. for Wanda--I broke down and sprayed Asea on every living thing today. Cross fingers!
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5 comments:
Grateful, grateful, grateful!! Keep me posted love!
Look at you!!!! Good for you to find something that relieves the anxiety of which you don't need any extra of. Good luck back at school. I am going to enjoy the next three weeks as C track is gone as is all my classes that are on that track!!
MY HERO!!! Yay for our team! Good for you! And all that jazz! It makes me so happy to see someone self advocate like that, but so few do because they dare to assume they're getting the best of whatever is offered. Unfortunately that is seldom the case. All health care providers are NOT created equal. "Nice is different than good." SO so true. I love you, Gae.
Sher
Yay for taking charge of all of the questions and concerns you have. We are so glad that you did so you can be as healthy as can be. We love you!
Gae, I admire your strength so much. You are such an inspiration. I have had my own health struggles, but nothing compared to what you have had to go though and continue to. I am so glad that I have gotten to know you better through your blog and Facebook. I told Max what you said about him, made his whole day, thank you. Now kick this cancer in the butt, I know you can do it.
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