punching bag

The oncology office said they wanted to get a punching bag for parents because of days like Friday.  Friday was frustrating - beyond frustrating, actually.  Remember how I said the second port surgery seemed to go really well - ummmm... that thought lasted about one day.  Our chemo appointment on Friday was supposed to be "quick" (as in like 2-3 hours) because Zoe was only getting the Vincristine this week.  Since I was expecting a quickie, I didn't even pack supplies - food, blanket, pillow, yada yada.  It turned out to be our longest appointment yet... 6+ hours at the office. 

Here is the rundown of what happened...  Zoe was already "accessed" when we got to the office - meaning that they left the needle & tubing inserted from the surgery so they wouldn't have to poke her port again because she was really sore.  When they tried to draw Zoe's blood, her port was blocked/clotted.  Not sure if this was the result of a new clot that formed in the past 24 hours or not - the first clot was still there, but we were told by the surgeon this new catheter was inserted deeper into the vein and would not be impacted by the original clot.  So.... this was the beginning of the frustration for me, the nurses, and Z's doctor.  They gave her a dose of the anti-clotting meds, which they have had to do every week.  You have to wait an hour and then try to draw blood again.  Try # 2 - same result.  At this point, I am ready to go ballistic.  Another dose of anti-clotting meds and wait another hour.  On try #3 they had Zoe sit/stand/lay in several different positions, raise her arms, take deep breaths, and FINALLY they got some blood.  Not quite sure what we're going to do if this port mess is a recurring issue... again.....

Now to even better news... we have to give Zoe blood-thinning shots at home twice a day.  I'm the designated shot-giver and Sean is the holder.  Actually, now that the weekend is over, we have to recruit help with the morning shot since Sean is already gone for work by the time I have to give it.  So, a dear friend came this morning to join in the fun - something I am truly grateful for...  It's horrible.  Zoe screams and cries.  I try not to cry.  She gets restrained, jabbed, and then bribed.  Makes me sick... The amazing thing is that five minutes later she loves us like nothing ever happened - she's amazing.

          **We are so thankful for Ms. Margy and Ms. Gretchen - such wonderful, caring women!**