New Medication Schedule

Mom's transfusion on Thursday went well. I learned more about the process because a new nurse was being trained to work in the ATC (Ambulatory Treatment Center). All vital signs are taken prior to the patient being prepped for the transfusion. If everything is normal, the transfusion proceeds. Since Mom has a heart condition the new blood can't be given too quickly or else it will put a strain on her heart, the rate for her is 3 hours per unit. Mom's blood pressure was not continually monitored but dissolved oxygen in her blood was. Since she was getting 2 units of red blood cells plus saline, at the end of the 1st unit they check her blood pressure and administer furosemide if it is too high. (It was, they did.) During the 2nd unit they monitored her blood pressure every 15 minutes. Then at the end of the transfusion they again take all vital signs. We were there for 7 & 1/2 hours.

Mom's appointment on Friday with Dr. Pham also went well. Based on the blood pressure data I provided, Dr. Pham decided to keep Mom off the lisinopril as long as her blood pressure is not constantly 140 or higher. She also said to only give Mom the furosemide if she gains weight rapidly. So I will be monitoring Mom's blood pressure a couple times a day and weighing her each morning. Dr. Pham wished Mom lots of luck in Las Vegas! We see Dr. Chan (Mom's oncologist) next Tuesday.

Here's this evening's sunset as seen from my bedroom window. I have the hottest room in the house - its in the southwest corner. I can't stay in it after about 12 noon because it gets too hot for me. And I have a fan on all night so it cools down enough that I can sleep comfortably. Needless to say, my fibromyalgia is loving the lack of cold!


Here's Chibi enjoying the bean bag chair. She's also trying to cool off. All the cat's have their special places to sleep to keep cool. Most of the time they are on the linoleum portions of the floor.


Happy Birthday to Marcie, Vener, and Andrew! Happy Belated Birthday to Claudia! Happy Belated Anniversary to Joan & Gary, Monava & Bruce, and Pierce Sensei & Mrs. Pierce!