BMT: Admission (Day -10)

This morning Clark, Patrick and I arrived at UCSF to start the BMT process. We arrived shortly before noon.  Today, the order of events are all about making sure Clark is prepared for the start of chemo tomorrow.

Before even entering our treatment room, Clark needed to have a chest X-ray to make sure his broviac was placed correctly. Next we were taught how to scrub our hands up to the elbow with a sponge brush. We need to do this once a day before entering the room, or any time we leave the hospital and return. After scrubbing we were allowed to enter the “anteroom“.

The anteroom is a small room the connects the hospital hallway to Clark’s treatment room.  It serves as a staging area where we can wash up and store anything considered “unsanitary”. Everything that enters Clark’s room needs to be disinfected.  This is also the space where Patrick and I eat our meals.

The first thing I noticed when first entering Clark’s treatment room, was the wall of windows looking over the city.  The room has a very nice view.  It is also a decent size. Enough room for a single bed, Clark’s crib, a computer desk, wardrobe closet and medical equipment. We also have our own private bathroom! But we can’t use the shower, unfortunately.  Since the risk of infection is so great, no one is allowed to shower in the room.  Since Clark is still in diapers thankfully, I am allowed to use the toilet and the sink in the room.

One of the big things we learned today was that every procedure, large or small, has very specific rules.  Take his bath, for instance… Clark will receive a bath every single day, but not a normal bath, a chloral-hexadine bath (or as Patrick likes to call it, a chemical bath). This uses 4 sterile wipes that kills off any germs that may be living on Clark’s skin. We were also given special instructions on how to “brush” Clark’s teeth, change his diaper and how often to change his bed sheets.

The rest of the day was followed by A LOT of blood draws (CBC, cultures and factor levels) and medications. The blood draws and medications are all given through his broviac. Even though Clark only has 2 lines, they are able to hook up 2-3 IV lines to each broviac line (6 lines total). This way Clark can receive multiple medications or fluids on each line. He doesn’t start the chemo drugs until tomorrow, but today he started his anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-nausea medications (just to describe a few).  All of these drugs are given to cushion the blow from the chemo drugs that are coming (fludarabine, campath, and cytoxan).

Overall, Clark actually had a fun day! I was a little worried about having him be in a hospital crib during our stay, but so far it has turned out great! The crib rails can go up quite high, or drop as low as we’d like. Plus, there is a clear plastic cover that we have the option to drop down for maximum protection. This way I am able to leave the room for a minute (even just to use the washroom) without worrying about Clark falling out of bed.  Clark likes his new environment as well.  He has been standing, jumping, dancing and playing in the crib all day.  He is also loving the attention he is getting from his nurses. :)

Tomorrow is a big day for us, so time to head to bed.