First day of ECP infusion

Today was my first day of ECP infusions.

Cathy and I got there for the 7AM start and things went pretty well.

We didn't actually get the infusion process started until about 8ish due to delays in getting a good line in.

I almost felt bad for the nurse.

It took another nurse and heating the arm before we were able to make any headway.

Things were relatively boring once the process started but it was nice to be able to log into work and keep busy.

Infusion finished at about 10:30 and there were thankfully no real side effects.

I was a bit sensitive to light but I have some special issue sun glasses to deal with the problem.

Orders are to avoid even indirect light from a window if possible for a day or so after treatment.

I also get to wear a bandage all day to control bleeding due to the heparin.

All in all, lots of fun.

News on ECP transfusions

I went to the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center this morning to have my veins evaluated.

They are good which means I get to avoid having a line put in.

Treatments start next week, Monday and  Tuesday.

I was provided a schedule running all the way into next April but this is likely not accurate.

When I go to my next visit at Dana Farber on 01/21/2014, they will evaluate my progress and adjust accordingly.

The plan for Monday, since it is my first treatment, is to go in and then work from home for the remainder of the day.

I should have an idea of how the treatment will impact me at that point.

Side effects of this process are largely minor.

- Tiredness because the infusion process makes  the heart run faster than normal
- Sensitivity to light. This is not a huge deal in the winter but will become something to be aware of in the summer. I was given a nice set of wrap around sunglasses for this. Standard sunglasses wont do.
- Larger chance of bleeding around  the days of treatment. This is not from the treatment itself but from the anti-coagulants added.

I was brought into the infusion area and it is kind of small.

Kind of reminds me of  a pre-surgery  waiting area.

No frills. I wasnt expecting  a spa but it is a pretty bland  area to be stuck in for several hours at a pop.

At least there is internet so it wont be completely boring.