1st Dose and Looking Like 2nd Dose before the day is through........

After a fairly straightforward insertion of Steves line this morning, his first dose of HD IL2 was given at 3:30pm.


Tom came and spoke to Steve this morning and explained how he was looking for Steve to have between 5 and 7 doses but most importantly that the doses take place over a prolonged period.

He went on to explain that if Steves blood pressure dropped and they couldn't give the next dose then he would rather wait 24 hours and try again rather than stop.

So it all depends on how Steves body reacts to the treatment and this will determine how often he has it!! Still following????

Tom has told the staff he wants to be called with a full run down of Steves notes before they give the next dose. So at 11:30pm tonight Tom will make the decision whether to go for the next dose or whether to wait until the morning.

Well it is normally 2 hours after the dose that Steve begins to shake and feel generally like crap but 2 hours came and went and Steve was feeling good which was such a relief as we thought it was going to be harder this time.

However at about 7:30, so about 4 hours after the dose, Steve started to get the shakes not as bad as they have been in the past but enough for him to be given pethadine and he was so sick that the little cardboard bowls simply were not enough!

Now Ive never seen anyone change a bed, sheets and all with someone in it! Yes know its not quite one of the wonders of the world but still an impressive feat!! 2 Nurses lately and Steve was in a clean bed without even getting out! Told him not to expect that at home!!!

The staff here continue to surprise me! One of the nursing assistances Winston, who goes out of his way to smile and chat with all of the patients and has the most amazing memory for names, as soon as he saw Steve he was so enthusiastic and happy to see him!! But then Steve does like to have a joke with the staff and think all of the staff warm to him.

Well since Steve has been sick, he has been sleeping, his blood pressure is remaining stable but his temperature has risend if he continues like this then the staff think Tom will give the go ahead for the 2nd dose at 11:30pm. If Steve has the next dose then I will stay with him, as he has been moved to a side room and so off in a minute to get my PJS!!