Typical day at clinic

Here's what happens at a typical visit to the MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (aka Clinic).

We prepare at home by applying EMLA numbing cream to Nicholas's port (he gets chemo through his port, which is in his chest). Sounds easy enough, right?  LOL  He HATES this part. Completing this seemingly simple task alone is a major accomplishment.  That little guy is a strong, fierce fighter!  Anyway, after that's done we are off! 

First, we drop off the car with the valet (nice, huh?). Then it's to the hospital front desk for a badge. We must testify, under oath ;) that we have no cold or flu symptoms. Then we go upstairs to clinic to check-in. We must confirm, yet again, that we have no cold or flu symptoms. Finally, Nicholas gets a bracelet and we move to the waiting area.

Next he gets his vitals checked: pulse and oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature, weight and height. He often gets a sticker, sometimes a little present or a Dum-Dum. Score! 

Whichever friend accompanies Nicholas gets a blood pressure check, too. Every. Time.
This day is was Chloe, the daddy meerkat.
Yes, a female name for the Daddy. We have Katherine to thank for that. :)

Temperature check under his "tickler."

A quick moment to play in the waiting room.

Then we're escorted to an exam room, where we wait.  This means that the TV gets turned on to a "little kids' show."  Kudos to those who can occupy their child with only games and crafts! 

He loves to have rooms with beds, rather than just exam tables.
Oma is along for the ride this visit.

Once we're settled a nurse two nurses, with the help of Mom or Dad, access Nick's port. This involves wiping off the numbing cream, cleaning the area with alcohol (an infection would be dangerous), drying it, then sticking in the needle. Fun!  Not. It's still a struggle after three months.  Luckily he holds his torso still, even though he tries to pull down his shirt and kick whoever is at the end of the bed/table.

Then we wait for our "provider," who checks his lungs, eyes, ears, tummy, etc. and we talk about any concerns, up-coming chemotherapies, etc. On spinal tap (lumbar puncture) days we go up to the procedure floor, but that's a "whole nother story!"  Finally, Nicholas gets his chemo. Sometimes it's a quick push, other times an infusion via pump. Lately he's gotten a 24 hour dose of Zofran (an anti-nausea medication). This takes 30 minutes, but it's worth it!  No vomiting so far!!!  (Ugh, I hope I haven't jinxed him.)

Chillaxin' during the infusion

Chemo du jour (during March): Methotrexate, a lovely shade of bright and cheery yellow.
The Dox he's getting this month is bright red. Freaky.

Then he's "deaccessed," which he LOVES. Not! The tape over the port needle is removed with alcohol pads, to loosen the adhesive. This should not hurt, but alas, he puts up a big fuss every time. He gets a tiny band-aid and we are done! The shortest visit we've had has been a bit over two hours.  The longest, about six hours.

Nick's favorite part of the day:
pushing the elevator buttons.