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FGM and Rags
 
January 02 at 21:23
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To the Mattresses
Last Tuesday was the beginning of Chemical Warfare. I was ready, and I knew I had lots of people all around the world praying for me, not to mention, all the terrior warriors who were psyched for the fight and prepared to attack all Bad Boys and take the remains to the curb!
We arrived at Loyola at 10:30 in the morning and planned on spending 3 or 4 hours there. However, plans are sometimes forgotten, and on occassion a day takes on it's own agenda, and what should have been a short day turned into 13 hours!
Now, here is what happened, and it had nothing to do with the chemo, which was dripping peacefully into my veins.
The good FGF mentioned to the chemo nurse that we had been having trouble the last few days getting my meds and liquid food to go into my feeding tube. You see, under my shirt, I have a plastic tube that dangles down about a foot and a half, anchored just below my bra, and used for quick access to my tummy. It also looks like I could clean and syphon a fish tank at a moments notice, but, that is not the purpose. The FGF has rather large syringes that he fills will liquid meds and then fills me up several times a day. This was necessary when we first came home from surgery, when my throat was swollen shut, and will be needed again in a few weeks when the radiation has burned my throat. But in order to keep it open, you must use it for something everyday, so I get my meds and also breakfast. My breakfast comes in 2 little cans, and they are full of vitamins and minerals and by the way, cost $46. a can. Yes, you read that right, and of course, I feel obligated to tip the FGF for such good service, so breakfast at my house costs about a HUNDRED dollars a day. Soon I will be adding lunch and dinner. If you would like to come and eat with me, bring a lot of money! The stuff doesn't even smell good, nor is it chocolate, it is just beige colored liquid. The traveling health providers delivered 9 cases (24 cans to a case) to our house, and although I didn't do the math, I think I could have bought a car!
Back to the story. So the nurses in the chemo clinic started to fool around with me tube, and not much happened. First they tried to flush diet coke down the tube, telling us it has great cleaning properties. So, take note diet coke drinkers, take about cleaning your clock! Well, it didn't work, then hot water, also to no avail. Next, they tried paging the doctor that put the tube in, and of course, he was on vacation. So down the list they went, and nobody was there to address my problem. Finally, they got a hold of a nurse who specializes in feeding tubes. She was convinced that it was off track, and not just clogged, so she was very worried about leaving it in and having the holes in my stomach close up, So,since she couldn't find a doctor to order cat scans, she said I would have to go to the ER and have a doctor there check it out, and possibly do some surgery that night to get things in place.
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FGM and Rags
January 02 at 21:46
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Re: To the Mattresses
This is where the day turned from okay to BAD! The nurse wheeled us down to the ER and that is where we saw all the people ahead of us. The clientele here was certainly not what we were used to in the other parts of the hospital. Remember, we are in the Chicago area, and the people we were waiting with made the patients in the TV version of ER look rather mild. Yes, we were with all the Homies, and Hoochie Mamas, and crack heads and drunks and , well you get the picture. I kept telling the receptionist that I just had chemo and I didn't think I should be in the same waiting room with the others. She agreed, but there was no other place. FGF said at least there should be a waiting room for the infectious, and one for the non. I thought there should be a room just for the scary looking people, and another room for the people who were scared, like me!
Finally, after 4 hours, we were called to the back and put in a little cubby, separated by only a curtain from the next patient, so it is easy to hear what is going on all around. There was a rather large man in the stall next to us, along with his wife, and from their conversation with the doctor, we knew they were up from Florida for the holiday. The poor man was in terrific pain with what they called a peri-anal cyst, or a boil in his butt. The doctor told him he would have to have it lansed and expressed, and that it was rather large. I looked up from my little cart, and saw that there was a big space at the top of the curtain, and I was now worried about projectile puss. So much for privacy. Our rather young doctor appeared and FGF told him the story of the tube, and what had been done so far. The first step was to have an xray, using contrast dye in my tube, to see what we could see. He started jamming that dye into my tube, when the pressure blew the other end open and the dye flew all over, but mostly on FGF's leather jacket. Imagine that mess. On to get a picture, and the little doctor thinks that the tube is feeding into my tummy and must just be clogged. His solution? Hot black coffee! While he was out brewing, the procedure started next door, with every slice, the big guy screamed bloody murder, his wife proclaimed her love for him and the doctor apoligized. This went on for quite awhile, and luckily, he kept his infection to his side of the curtain. What a vacation, right?
Now my doctor appears with his pot of hot coffee, he says it is decaf, so I won't be up all night. Reminding him of what happened with the dye, I asked him to at least cover me up, I didn't want any hot coffee shooting into my eyes or mouth, since I much prefer tea.
So he pushed and shoved and got all that hot coffee into my gut. He said we would just leave it there for the night and see if it breaks the clog up tomorrow.
So, 13 hours later, we are now heading for home. I had nothing to eat all day, and we were both totally exhausted.
Oh Geez, I forgot about the command for the terrier
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FGM and Rags
January 02 at 21:51
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Re: To the Mattresses
warriors. There they all were, going after the Bad Boys and then the R Gang was waiting by the door to bring those creeps to the curb. Next time I will clarify the directions.
Now, back home, thank goodness. My bed never looked so good. I got my jammies on and crawled right in. By 2 in the morning I was awoken by rumbling, my whole body was percolating and I made a mad dash to the bathroom. I was brewing coffee like nobody's business, and kept on that 2 hour schedule all night!
Now, did it work? Was my tube working again? Stay tuned for the next chapter...............
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Sandi
 
January 02 at 23:35
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Re: To the Mattresses
OH Barb...Bless your heart. What an ordeal! I so admire your courage. And, with everything you are going through, you still have that wonderful humorous side of your delightful personality.
Take care and God Bless. You are always in my thoughts nd prayers. And, MacGuyver is ever ready to go to battle for you.
love and hugs,
Sandi
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Fran and R-gang
January 02 at 23:58
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Re: To the Mattresses
We R sure glad you R here with your report. we've been worried. what an adventure. coffee & cola uncloggers? guess I'm squeeky clean then. lol Fred serves up a spendy brekkie. Better make that tip a big one!
we'll be thinking of you tomorrow for round 2. R gang have practiced 'c and destroy' and will be there. dont you worry one bit...TC warriors R... "Marching to Loyola"!
kISSES
Fran & R gang
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The Oregon Girlies...
January 03 at 00:08
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Re: To the Mattresses
What an ordeal. The chemo was enough without all the extras. We are hoping the next session will go a lot easier for you. The Girlies are ready to do battle, and the Little Woogie has volunteered to keep your back warm. I can attest to the fact that she is very good at it, she is the best snuggler ever.
May God bless you Barb as you go forward, Our hearts are with you always.
xxxxBetty and the Girlies...
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Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
 
January 03 at 06:47
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Re: To the Mattresses
You portray a fantastic mental picture Barb of the ER department! What an experience that must of been.
I know about the little cans of food, we have them here in the UK too and the flavours aren't particularly appetising either! Asparagus, Mushroom, Chicken etc. Guess the Chocolate doesn't taste like Chocolate at all but if they help make you get better then I guess that's the main thing.
We are thinking of you and hope the next session is better.
Samuel is standing on ceremonial duty awaiting your command.
Jewels xx
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Cathy and Thistle
 
January 03 at 07:08
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb I am totally in awe of your sense of humour through all this. You needed it in ER, we are right here beside you today, and Thistle is in hunt mode and not to be messed with. If anyone can find bugs it is her, she is a terrific bug catcher, so we will do our bit. Hang in there, it has to get better. hugs to you both.
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Roo & Mom
January 03 at 07:33
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Re: To the Mattresses
Dearest FGM, We are on alert for you -- Mom says it's more than OK for me to head to Loyola tomorrow, so that is where I will be -- right by your side, all the way!
I might be a cuddler at times (which is good if you get chilly or scared) but the rest of the time, I'm Terrier-Roo-Rific, ready to do battle for my FGM!!!
OK, Gang -- I''m firing up Westie Air -- will pick up anyone who wants to come along!
Love,
Roo
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Lily, Sir William & Boomer
January 03 at 07:49
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb,
Your writing paints perfect pictures and we're right there with you...what a mess for you! Sure hope today goes better for you..
Linda & Allen
And Roo..we're not to far from you, so could you pick us up? We'll be ready and waiting and love a good chase!
Lily, Sir William & Boomer
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Sambuca & Isabella Martini
 
January 03 at 08:48
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, what a day you had in the ER. OH MY!!!! Thoughts and Prayers are with you today, hope you have a better time of it.
Roo, can we come with you too, Mom's gotta go to work!
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Petey and the Wigglebutts
January 03 at 09:01
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Re: To the Mattresses
OMG, Barb...we know about those feeding tubes. Never knew about hot coffee or diet coke...hmmmmmm...and we know about those cans of food...you should let me know what you are using...I have some here that I could donate to you. Angela isn't using them as much as you have to.
My poor FGM...what an ordeal you have to go through. I can just imagine the characters that you saw. That would be a book in itself.
The Wigglebutts have had a good night's sleep and are up and ready for duty!!!!!! Just give the orders and they will fly into action!!!!!!!
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john / irene Maxwell
January 03 at 09:34
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Re: To the Mattresses
What an ordeal Barb We are glad you have kept your spirits up Bless you we are still right with you
john / irene Maxwell
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Benny
January 03 at 10:43
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Re: To the Mattresses
WOW! You should not have to go through all this. Maybe just a little adjustment of the tube would have removed a possible kink.
Benny
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ED
January 03 at 11:11
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Re: To the Mattresses
That's why they're called Emergency Rooms. Most of the walking wounded will eventually get better if left to their own devices, however, when young doctors get involved -- all bets are off!
Hang in there, baby. A good sense of humor is the best medicine. And based on this entry, I'd say your sense of humor is in fine form.
This will be all over eventually, and you'll be back to eating delicious stuff with lotsa calories. If I can do it, I'll have dollface save some high bush cranberry syrup for you. Her sister in Alaska makes it from berries that escaped bears but didn't escape Robyn (her sister). It was supposed to be jelly, but it didn't work. Anyway, it's wonderful.
I'm sitting in a sunbeam right now, building up strength and power to come to your aid at a moment's notice. We'll be there at the next treatment. Watch where you put your feet -- we terrier warriors will be all around you!
Prayers coming your way from SC.
ED and mary alice
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Buckeye Mom
January 03 at 11:30
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, you are giving us the education of a lifetime. I have seen emergency rooms and their "visitors," but have never heard them described quite this way before. If a sense of humor is truly a good medicine, then you have it made. The Buckeye Boys promise to be right there with your other terrier warriors to fight with you. Hope the next sessions are a lot easier.
Sue D. and the Buckeye Boys
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Ruth & The Mississippi Girls
January 03 at 13:46
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, so sorry for the pain you are going through. You are in my prayers.
Be strong, much love coming your way. 2 Mississippi girls stand ready
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BOB
January 07 at 15:30
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Re: To the Mattresses
Hi Barbs keep writing when you can, we are here waiting for the next instalment. I found chocolate took the horrible taste away that you get with chemo, even though the chocolate didn't taste like chocolate, in fact no food tastes the same on chemo.
Good luck.
HUGS JANET XX
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Lynda and the Minkies
January 07 at 16:01
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Re: To the Mattresses
I hadn't known that, Janet !
XXX.
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Betsy and Wick
January 03 at 14:58
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Re: To the Mattresses
What an ordeal that must have been Barb! So sorry to hear that you had to go through all of that mess. We hope the next round of chemo goes much smoother. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and I'm already anxiously awaiting the next mattress installment. :)
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Lynda and the Minkies
January 03 at 15:22
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Re: To the Mattresses
What a hellish time you had, Bob...and it's pretty disorganised there from the sound of things. Hard to believe nobody could sort your tube out satisfactorily...
I was chuckling about your "coffee-maker" as I got one for Christmas-hehehe !!
And that stuff is pricey, isn't it ? I hope it's doing you a lot of good. Please say hi to Fred for us too....poor bugger getting covered !!
XXX.
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Jeanie, Jolly & Hattie
January 03 at 16:11
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Re: To the Mattresses
Oh, Barb.....your sense of humor amazes me. I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this. We are thinking of you and wishing you a much easier time with the next treatment.
Hugs and kissies,
Jeanie, Jolly & Hattie
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Paula & Xander
January 03 at 17:02
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Re: To the Mattresses
Oh Barb, You are going through such an ordeal it is hard to imagine that you are keeping a sense of Humour. It just proves what an inspirational woman you are.
Our Prayers are being sent to you all the way from Australia to hope that you second session of Chemo is less dramatic for you and problem free.
Take Care we are with you all the way.
Love
Paula and Xander
xxxx
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Scruffy and Ruby Tuesday
January 03 at 21:41
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Re: To the Mattresses
Oh, Barb, you are so right in how you describe the ER...I have seen it from both sides, as a nurse, and as a chemo patient...I want you to know that I am thinking of you, and I am right there with you in spirit. I want to give you a big hug, and let you know that even though you can't see me, I'm right there in your corner. Ruby T and Scruffy are ready and in Top Bark Form. xoxox Robyn and the Prairie Dawgs
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Annie & E Gang
January 04 at 16:28
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb,So sorry we are late getting to read this and we send lots of prayers that by now you will be feeling much better and what a huge 13 hrs you had ..we will keeplooking for further updates and you are constantly in our thoughts each day.
Love and kisses from us all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Casey and Cedric
January 04 at 23:53
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, I admire you so much for being able to keep your sense of humor while undergoing all of this.
Your description of the ER made me laugh while also making me wonder where their heads were at to put you in such surroundings with a compromised immune system. I howled though on reading about the fellow with the cyst... most men are such woosies when it comes to pain, they should have given him a bullit to bite LOL Meanwhile, here you are next to him, quietly holding you own against something so much more serious.
The boys are at the ready, and will be right there the minute you need them. Big hugs from me and lots of westie kisses from Casey and Sir Cedric xox
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