Battle Hymns of a Hot Mess Mom

I wasn’t vigilant and didn’t notice or was too tired to notice that I didn’t get flushed after the pulled blood from my line this morning. So now one of my lines is clogged because blood was left in the line and I wasn’t flushed. This exact reason is why I am so anxious with new nurses and nurses who aren’t oncology nurses. Because if this doesn’t get unclogged I could be forced to have the picc removed which complicates it that much more since the plan once the GVHD calms down was to have my next DLI at the end of the month or early next month.

Dressing change was killer. My skin is so raw it’s melting off of me. The resource nurse suggested to reposition the line to let the raw skin heal. It’s been in the side position since July so I agreed it was a good idea to move it and let the skin heal and take a break. This is actually the way the picc is “suppose” to be but because it’s literally in the nook of your arm it’s annoying and gets in the way sometimes. I have had the luxury of having it to the side for a very long time. My eyes and nose are super dry but since I can’t bring “meds” in I have to use my eyes drops and saline nose spray on the DL like I’m some junky. I’m sneaking it when no one is around.

The view is breathtaking but I’d rather be home. Dr. Vora says that if they can see the treatment (IV steroids and tacrolimus) is lowering the liver levels converting to outpatient is very easy. The best views are still my kids as they rush up the stairs and tell me about their day. Their happy faces to spill the tea about who did what to who today. Sometimes their stories don’t quite make sense but I have learned to roll with it and appreciate the story for what it is.

I have to pee but I’m so exhausted that I don’t want to get up. Low point.

3E decided I was best to be transferred to 8W oncology and not have to deal with me anymore. I’m so good with that. I’ll take a small room with no view over nurses that just don’t understand oncology piccs. My nurse angel E worked her magic on the line and we got it to move. It’s still sluggish and will need a few more rounds of flushes and hep to really get it back but it’s moving and there is blood return. She did call me out though lol first thing she said was “ You know better! When you’re not on 8W you have to check your line and you have to protect your line!” 100% E you’re right! I fucked up. I should noticed it earlier and I should’ve watched them like a hawk. Yes it’s not my job to watch nurses do their job but I’ve been at this for a year and I know after multiple stays on different floors…every specialty does things differently, and I should’ve known better And I should’ve done my due diligence. E got me lol.

10/10 Better deal!!!!