Mom has been able to take 7 of 7 treatments (of a potential 14) so far which is great news. The 3 pm dose was a bit in doubt due to her low sodium levels but those stabilized enough in the morning for her to be able to receive it. They’ll check her electrolytes again at 9 to see if she’s able to take the 11 pm treatment. Also her blood pressure, though falling quite a bit, is still staying in a doable range which is also a victory.
Many of the rest of the side effects are hitting with a vengeance however, and medication isn’t quite able to keep them under control. It’s amazing how each appears just like predicted…
Actually, the fact that the staff is so knowledgeable about them and educated us on them so thoroughly at the beginning and are right on top of them managing them is a great comfort and gives us a lot of confidence. We really can’t say enough about the nurses and other caregivers here. They’re attentive and empathetic and totally on the ball when it comes to managing the course of IL-2 treatment. We’re very thankful that Mom ended up in a center with this much experience in the area.
In many hospitals she’d have to be in CCU/ICU with all of the visitor restrictions and sterile gowns etc that come with it. Instead she is able to be in her own (wood-paneled, lovely-green painted, well-lit) room, with friends and family in attendance at all times (and who themselves are set up nicely in an alcove in the room or in the family lounge and sleeping rooms on the floor) in her own pajamas. It just makes one feel much more human (or as human as one can feel chained to a bed suffering a super flu complete with digestive issues and plunging blood pressure) J
Hopefully Mom is able to take the 11 pm does and has a better night than last night. Then only 2 days to go!
Becca
Keep up the good work, Molly! I just found a recipe for mac and cheese SOUP - Probably doesn't sound too great now, but it might taste good next week??? Lots of hugs coming your way! Susie
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