Normal Thursday???
Just a quick update. Started the day with the tornado sirens going off at 8:00 am. This is not the way to wake up. It did get however get better from there, but it took awhile.
The new fanny pack chemo doesn’t seem to affect Bob as negatively as the last chemo. Two days after starting he felt good enough to go to “work”. And everyone knows where that is. But before he ventured outside he had to take a shower, first time since the port is installed. Now I want you to read this and then close your eyes and try to picture what I have just written.
Shower rules: Cannot get the port (upper chest) wet. Cannot get the machine (chemo sabe) wet. Cannot let the water hit the chest.
We stuck Glad Press and Seal (suggested by chemo nurses) to Bob’s chest. I guess the good news is they shaved his chest when they put the port in. (I know Vicki and Bobby Cradit are now laughing) Anyway back to the wrapping. After pressing and sealing we then tried to tape the edges. Remember there is a tube coming out. That white adhesive claims its waterproof but no.
Moving on, we then, using the fanny pack belt, tied chemo sabe to the door handle of the shower stall. Again, tube hanging out, so door not shut, shower on, you get the picture. After all that we still failed. The port got a tad wet, the tape didn’t hold, then we had to rip off the taped press and seal without pulling everything out. I would have taken pictures but I don’t want to be arrested for porn! How many of you have saran wrap and press and seal wrap in your bathrooms??? Now close your eyes and get the picture!
The good news is when dressed and with a sweater on you can hardly see sabe and he looks normal. He doesn’t look like a f—ing tourist (Bob’s comments before today.) We also stopped at Walgreens and I bought 6 different types of tape so we should find something that works! Sponge baths are definitely out of the question.
That’s our Thursday, how was yours?
March 1st, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Maybe you should check the pool store. They have tape and all kinds of stuff that you might be able to use. I’m sure Uncle Bob knows ’some’ things about pools, right?? Love you both!!!
Dan
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:55 am
Skip, as a fisherman I’m sure you have a good rainsuit in your tacklebox. If you were to wear that while showering everything would be protected from the water, only your nose, toes, and mustache would get wet. Happy to help. willyb
March 2nd, 2007 at 8:53 am
I like the name “chemo sabe” that you have given the pump. I hope they make them smaller than the one Nancy had when she first started chemo. Hers was the size of a small boom box! I am glad you are feeling better with this than the Gemzar. Everybody reacts differently to these things and why are we surprised? We are differnt on the outside so why not on the inside too? I laughed when I read the description of your shower. Maybe you will find a way to make that go smoother too.
– Alan
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:40 am
Bob and Sue,
Sounds like Bob will only be showering once a week! I remember when I broke my ankle and had a cast up to my knee that I couldn’t get wet. We rigged up trash bags and towels and tape and it took forever because I couldn’t put any weight on that foot for twelve weeks. So I had to have the crutches or walker in the shower with me. Bridget used to take me shopping and I would ride in the little cart (the “Amigo” at Target) but one day forgot to unplug it from the wall before I took off! Needless to say, Bridget never took me again!
Glad you have been going to work and feeling pretty good…keep up the fight!
Mary Anne
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 am
Can’t imagine the shave took more than a second or two - tweezers would have have probably been more effective. Picturing you in your USA “athletic” suit with Chemo Sabe at your waist - “F!@##*$ Tourist” does come to mind - didn’t you used to carry a camera all the time.
Glad to hear that you’re feeling well with the new meds. Keep laughing (the rest of us our with your saran wrap story)!
Take care!
March 4th, 2007 at 9:33 am
What a waste of nursing staff 1 to hold the magnifing glass 1 to hold the hair upright 1 to cut the hair. beiing in sunny La. (80 degrees) home of the f%&*# tourist I can look around and almost picture you take care and keep on feelling better
March 5th, 2007 at 8:12 am
I have ascary visual of shower time……What I want to know is where did you work last Thursday? I was working at Harrah’s and failed miserably but had a good time.
i am glad that the side effects are minimal and hope they stay that way. Yes, everyone reacts differently and I am glad you are doing well.
I am doing well and keeping busy…..I will keep checking the blog and keep in touch. Love to you both Mary Beth
March 5th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I knew that Vicki and Bob wouldn’t be able to resist making a comment about shaving my chest. As far as you go Mr. Cradit, I think I have more hair on my head than you do, even though you thought I might have stood too close to a fire in my earlier years.
MB
The shower procedure is not something you want to try and picture. I prefer Amerister and rarely go to Harrahs.