PMP Pals Share Solutions for Coping with Folfox Chemotherapy
Conversations in the Pals’ Chemo Resource & Support Group include a wide variety of issues relative to GI/Colorectal cancer and PSM patients. Recent Pal conversations have focuses on combatting the side effects of systemic chemotherapy.
Our Pal, Karen, USA, is experiencing challenges with digestive distress (nausea, vomiting and dehydration) as side effects from Folfox. Her Pal Mentors offer the following suggestions:
Pal Mentor, Andy, from the USA suggests:
I was on Folfox for over 25 rounds and experienced manageable side effects that included change of taste and smell, loss of appetite (for the first 4/5 days after treatment), nosebleeds (that’s the Avastin at work!) and general fatigue.
All of this seemed to dissipate over a week’s time until I had my next treatment (treatments were scheduled two weeks apart).
Nothing to avoid, in general, other than foods that don’t taste well!
The Folfox worked tremendously on eradicating the PMP and bringing down my tumor markers for a while. Eventually, the markers creeped up again and I have since been on a regimen of Folfiri, which has its own side effects – but they are manageable!
It’s all how you look at it. Every time I visit the hospital for a treatment, I’m thinking about how much this is helping me and getting rid of all that should not be inside me!
Joanne from the USA suggests:
I received my chemotherapy treatments from Wednesdays through Fridays and didn’t feel nauseated until the weekends, at which time I took Compazine, Emend, Zofran and Ativan. I used the weekends to recuperate and to sleep and would return to work, refreshed, each Monday.”
Pal Mentor, Paul, from the USA suggests:
I took Folfox chemotherapy for 18 rounds. The side effects I experienced were Fatigue and Neuropathy. The fatigue is similar to other chemotherapies. It gets a little harder after each round. I found it hit the hardest right after the 5FU pump was stopped.
I was able to work full time all the way through my 18 rounds. I scheduled my treatments so the pump was unhooked on Friday afternoon.
I am not a medical professional of any sort but I would recommend that you keep your oncologist informed of any neuropathy issues (tingling or numbness) in your fingers or toes. Some people find that taking IV minerals (I believe calcium and magnesium) helps minimize the neuropathy. I took it in pill form and seemed to do better than some of my chemo buddies.
I also used acupuncture which, for me at least, helped a lot.
Another side effect that you will notice after a few rounds is sensitivity to cold items. I got a pair of gloves and a hat that I used whenever I went outside during cold weather.
If the doctor gives you a shot for low white blood counts due to chemotherapy, there is an antihistamine called Claritin in the US that if taken before you get the shot prevents all of the flu like side effects. For me, it was a miracle drug.
In summary, from my experience and what I have read, Folfox is a very effective chemotherapy. All of the side effects I had went away within a few months of stopping therapy.
Once again, I am not a medical professional but I was warned to keep the doctor informed of the severity of the neuropathy issues My oncologist adjusted the levels of my chemotherapy based on my feedback.
Pal Mentor, Carol, from the USA suggests:
I experienced serious bouts of nausea and vomiting during the days immediately following my Folfox treatments. Therefore, my oncologist prescribed a combo of Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Dexamethasone and Prochlorerazine, to be taken at specific times throughout the course of the day. This helped tremendously and I ceased to experience the side effects.”
Mark from the USA suggests:
I worked an 8 hour day while on chemotherapy. When I was receiving Folfox I used Zofran during the day and took Lorazepam at night. A couple of times during my treatment had to go in for an IV treatment to stop the nausea. I kept the medication with me and tried to take it whenever I felt nauseous. I found it helpful to eat small snacks and meals of bland food throughout the day, to control the nauseas.
Robert from the USA suggests:
“Zofran works for me (to combat nausea. Otherwise, I eat minimally when I have a queasy stomach. I use a heating pad on my stomach, and curl up, take a nap, and let the uncomfortable feelings pass. I also chew on “Tums” which also help!”
Visit www.pmppals.org to learn more about Folfox and other chemotherapies and to sign up for your own Pal Mentor!
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Individual should seek counsel from licensed professionals regarding their specific needs.
Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals' Network/All rights reserved. Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org
 Is Chemotherapy Helpful for Treating Appendix Cancer?
This week, Pal Caregiver, Pat from the US, poses this question the PMP Pals’ Network:
“My husband’s doctor says he should begin receiving systemic chemotherapy to treat his advancing case of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. He has already had surgery, but the cancer continues to spread.
Should my husband agree to receive chemotherapy or not?”
GG responds: “First of all, as with any medical scenario, whether or not a patient commences chemotherapy is a topic that one should explore thoroughly with one’s personal physician and/or team of healthcare providers.
Each patient is unique. Pseudomyxoma Peritonei is not "one size fits all" disease. You are asking whether chemotherapy is really necessary for your husband. How he makes this decision depends on the pathology, histology, symptoms and aggressiveness of his particular case.
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei is generally treated by surgical oncologists with specific surgery, which may or may not include HIPEC (Hyperthermic Interperitoneal Chemotherapy.)
In years past, systemic chemotherapy was thought to be unsuccessful for patients diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. However, during the past decade, due to the availability of more chemotherapies developed for the treatment of colon/colorectal cancers, some physicians are recommending systemic chemotherapy for specific Pseudomyxoma Peritonei patients.
When preparing to consult with the oncologist, the patient should prepare a concise,
detailed list of questions and should have the following reports in hand:
Pathology report(s) from surgery, biopsy, paracentesis, or whatever is applicable,
Laboratory test(s) for tumor markers specifically the current CEA and CA 19 9 markers,
The radiologist’s written report from the patient’s current CT or MRI scans.
These are among the questions for consideration when meeting w/your oncologist:
Why is systemic chemotherapy being proposed?
What is the extent and location (i.e. on the small intestine) of remaining visible disease, per recent surgery or CT scan(s)?
What type of chemotherapy(ies) does the oncologist or surgeon recommend?
Why is s/he recommending this particular chemotherapy regimen for this particular diagnosis?
What data justifies the particular chemotherapy that the oncologist is proposing?
How does the oncologist anticipate this particular chemotherapy will help the patient?
What are the known side effects of this chemotherapy?”
After your husband has heard the answers to these questions, he will be in a better position to determine whether chemotherapy may be helpful for his particular case.
For additional resources regarding the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy, you are invited to participate in the PMP Pals’ Chemo Resource Group via www.pmppals.org
“Chemo Pals” is one of the largest and most active resource and support groups within the PMP Pals Network.
For more information see the Chemotherapy link at www.pmppals.org
The PMP Pals’ Network does not provide medical or legal advice.
Patients should seek the advice of their own professional healthcare providers.
Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals’ Network/All rights reserved. Todos derechos reservados.
This article may not be reproduced without written permission from the PMP Pals’ Network.
 ASPSM Annual Meeting 2013 Report
The annual meeting of the American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies was held Sunday, February 17, 2013 during the three day 8th International Regional Cancer Therapies Symposium at Indian Wells, near Palm Springs, CA
The ASPSM is an international organization whose mission is to maximize benefits and minimize side effects to peritoneal surface malignancy patients through scientific research collaboration between medical and surgical oncologists and support personnel and to determine the optimal treatment by leading the development and conduct of relevant clinical trials.
Four speakers offered presentations at this year’s meeting as follows:
Jesus Esquivel, MD, FACS, President of the ASPSM
Director, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program at St. Agnes Hospital
Dr. Esquivel reported on an ASPSM multi-institution study comparing HIPEC with Mitomycin C vs. Oxaliplatin in 403 patients with colorectal cancer. The ASPSM has been and continues to be at the forefront in garnering cooperation among PSM specialists in exchanging and sharing research data. Dr. Esquivel reported on one of these particular multi institutional studies.
Gabriella Graham, Patient Advocate and Founder of the PMP Pals’ Network
Mrs. Graham delivered specific requests from the members of the PMP Pals’ Network:
1) Request to Revise and Update the 2006 HIPEC Consensus to include other PSMs, e.g. Appendiceal Cancer, Mesothelioma, Ovarian Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, thus expediting the approval of administration of and payment for HIPEC by private health insurance providers, national health services and HMOs, including those providers in Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK and the USA.
2) Request for PSM Surgical Oncologists to take the lead in educating fellow physicians in:
a) detecting PSMs in the early stages and
b) referring PSM patients to PSM specialists instead of treating them at local community hospitals
Mrs. Graham also suggested that each current ASPSM member invite at least one other physician to join and participate in the ASPSM.
Maheswari Senthil M.D. Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University Medical Center
Dr. Senthil reported on plans to implement a Phase II trial of HIPEC in locally advanced gastric cancer, followed by requests for suggestions as to how the trial can be effectively implemented.
Greg Keeling, Hyperthermia manufacturer and distributor
Mr. Keeling provided an overview of his concept for a WikiHIPEC project to include physicians specializing in the treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.
Articles posted on the PMP Pals’ Network blog are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended as a substitution for professional medical or legal advice. Patients should obtain the direction for their specific case from their licensed healthcare professional. Copyright © 2013 by the PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved.Todos derechos reservados.
Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org
We have HOPE for YOU!
 Researchers Report Alcohol Consumption Is a Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer Death in the United States
Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston University School of Public Health have shown that alcohol is a major contributor to cancer deaths and years of potential life lost.
Timothy Naimi, MD, MPH, from the Department of Medicine at BUSM and colleagues from the National Cancer Institute, the Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, examined recent data from the U.S. on alcohol consumption and cancer mortality and found that alcohol resulted in approximately 20,000 cancer deaths annually, accounting for about 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
These findings were published in the April 2013 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, also show that reducing alcohol consumption is a viable cancer prevention strategy and that alcohol is a known carcinogen, even when consumed in limited amounts.
Our thanks to the Boston University School of Medicine for sharing this report originally.
 Why are patients so thirsty after HIPEC surgery?
AB asks: “My mom has awakened following an 8 hour CRS with HIPEC surgery and tells us that she is very, very thirsty. She is not allowed to drink anything right now, including water.” GG responds: “Being thirsty after CRS HIPEC surgery may be is a more common complaint than pain management. Some patients awake from GI surgery feeling like we have been parched on the Sahara desert, when truthfully, we are receiving ample hydration via our IV. However, your mom has not been allowed to drink anything for more than 24 hours, and may not be allowed to drink anything for several more days; therefore that constant feeling of dryness in the mouth, which becomes uncomfortable, especially when trying to speak. You may consider asking the nurse to swab her gums with a special little sponge that is designed for this purpose. The ICU nurse (as well as nurses on the "main" floor) will have a supply of these little "popsicle" sponges; they have a green colored sponge tip and can be dipped into ice water, squeezed out and used to swap the patient's gums, providing welcomed, temporary relief! Eventually, your mom will be allowed to "crunch" on spoonfuls of ice chips, which will help to relieve the dryness as well. Her physician or nurse will tell you when ice chips are allowed. After her GI system has recovered adequately from surgery, she will be allowed to sip on fluids again!” For additional information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspectives of patients and their families and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each patient is unique and should seek specific counsel from their own licensed healthcare professional. Copyright © 2013 by the PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Todos los derechos reservados.
 Why Some Appendix Cancer Patients May Feel Depressed After Surgery
This morning I received a telephone call from “CB” whose husband is hospitalized following recent surgery. “My husband had surgery two weeks ago and everything went well. However, he is irritable and is snapping at me and his nurses. He won’t be released from the hospital for another week. I’m concerned that he will become even more irritable when we return home! Normally he is such a kind and easy going guy. I am surprised by his current attitude, especially since his doctor removed all of the cancer. I would expect my husband to be happy instead of grouchy!” GG responds: “In some respects, ‘grouchy’ is good because it indicates that your husband is feeling well enough to be impatient and aware of his surroundings. If he were listless, lethargic and passive, we might have more cause for concern. His irritable attitude suggests that he may feel frustrated, anxious and impatient and wants to return to his normal everyday activities. There are many reasons why patients are irritable following surgery. Some reasons are obvious, i.e. pain and discomfort. Other explanations are more subtle. Let’s explore a few of the reasons for post op irritability: Mental StressIn spite of the successful surgery, it’s possible the patient is worried about his future. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel that they have a cloud hanging over their head following the diagnosis of cancer. Even when patients experience a successful medical treatment, doubts and concerns may linger. Simply the diagnosis of “cancer” is a major life changing event and stressor. It is likely that the patient is concerned about finances, including his employment/business and the security of the future of the patient’s family. This anxiety may be especially true if the patient is the “primary breadwinner” Sleep DeprivationHave you ever heard of someone getting a good night’s sleep in a hospital? Patients are awakened every couple of hours to someone monitoring blood pressure, changing an IV bag, emptying a catheter, etc. We all know the old joke about the nurse waking the patient to give him/her a sleeping pill! For those of us who receive our medical care in a university hospital, we can expect that as soon as we dose off for a quick nap, we will be awakened by a cadre of inquisitive residents interviewing, peeking and poking at us! As much as we are grateful for their attentiveness to our cases, all patients long for a few blissful hours of uninterrupted sleep. Lack of sleep or of quality rest, can lead to irritability, especially if sleep is interrupted for several days or weeks. Pain and DiscomfortIf your spouse has bellowed “Fluff my pillow!” after you have fluffed and re arranged it a dozen times, this, like many other examples of frustration, may indicate that the patient is experiencing pain, or other discomfort, in spite of medications that have or are being administered. Surgery for Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei patients requires that the patient be positioned on a hard surface for many hours, not to mention the actual physical trauma from the surgery and optional HIPEC treatment. The patient awakens with a variety of drains and tubes, which although inserted for the patient’s benefit, may be physically uncomfortable. There are a multitude of reasons that the patient feels discomfort, including the placement of being confined to a hospital bed. These factors are possible contributors to his irritability. Effects of Pain MedicationsNarcotics/opiates are temporarily necessary following surgery, but may produce a variety of unpleasant side effects in some patients. These side effects may include irritability, hallucinations and anxiety. Ask your spouse’s physician or nurse whether the effects of specific pain medications and/or withdrawals, are likely causes for irritability. MalnutritionEven with the administration of Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei patients may lose weight rapidly following surgery. Without TPN it is not unusual for us to lose several pounds per week, until we are able resume pre surgery caloric intake. Rapid weight loss, including the loss of body fat, can affect one’s reasoning abilities as well as one’s memory. Ask your spouse’s physician whether a referral to a licensed nutritionist, specializing in the specific needs of gastrointestinal cancer patients, is advised. Returning HomeGenerally after the patient returns to the comfort, peace and quiet of one’s own home, relaxation sets in and one gradually returns to the “old self” as the recuperation process unfolds. In like, the patient should be considerate of the care giving spouse’s needs. Patients must also realize that the caregiver is also stressed and exhausted from the act of care giving. The patient and the caregiver both need to be mindful of each other’s needs during the recuperation process. Patients and their family caregivers can enlist the aid of Pal Mentors to guide them through the recuperation process. The PMP Pals Network provides Pal Mentors for patients as well as their caregivers. Pal Mentors can share helpful resources and the benefit of their wisdom with you!
Articles posted on the PMP Pals’ Network blog are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended as a substitution for professional medical or legal advice. Patients should obtain the direction for their specific case from their licensed healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2013 by the PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved.Todos derechos reservados.Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org We have HOPE for YOU!
 Tips for Returning to Work After Appendix Cancer Surgery
By PMP Pal member, Adele
Our Pal Patient, Elizabeth, has recuperated from CRS with HIPEC and is returning to her job soon.
Today she asked her fellow Pals for helpful suggestions for returning to the office
Pal Mentor, Adele, came forward to offer the following suggestions:
“Be realistic about what you can accomplish during the day.
Ask your supervisor for flexibility in your work schedule while you transition back into your working life.
Bring hand sanitizer and Lysol to work with you and use them.
Avoid anyone who has a cold or a cough!
Bring nutritious, high protein, small meals and snacks so that you can eat a little throughout the day.
For women, consider carrying a smaller, lighter handbag!
Dress comfortably. When selecting shoes, choose safety and comfort over style.
Be careful about lifting anything heavy.
Your surgeon will advise you of weight limitations. Ask for assistance in opening heavy doors
Be realistic about what you can accomplish during the day.
If you find yourself becoming tired over what were previously routine tasks, like walking from the parking lot or from one building to another, pace yourself, remember that your body is still healing, and allow yourself extra time for routine tasks, if needed.
Ask your supervisor for flexibility in your work schedule while you transition back into your working life.
Your colleagues and coworkers will be happy to see you back on the job and will likely want to assist you in any way they can…let them!”
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each patient’s case is unique; therefore consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific needs. Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Todos derechos reservados.
Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org
We have HOPE for YOU!
Elaine Shares Her Suggestions for Coping with Chemo!
I was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in June of 2011. At that time I did not receive the HIPEC treatment but did have my colon resected, as well as the removal of my fallopian tubes, ovaries, and omentum.
After recovering from CRS I consulted with PSM treatment specialist, Dr. Brian Loggie. He prescribed a chemotherapy regimen of Oxaliplatin and Xeloda. I began treatments in September of 2011. Following the first round of chemotherapy, I experienced sensitivity to touching cold items. Overall I did very well. I did not feel sick and I maintained a normal lifestyle. Initially, I lost my sense of taste, but that returned after a month break from chemotherapy.
In January 2012 I began a 2nd round of chemotherapy. I experienced some neuropathy in my hands and feet, with sensitivity to touching cold items, but these symptoms were manageable. I felt a little more fatigued with the second round, but still continued to maintain normal lifestyle.
I am now on a 3rd regimen. This time I am receiving, Avastin and Xeloda. I don’t feel any side effects and my energy is great!
I consider myself very, very lucky. I have not experienced many side effects with any of my treatments. At the present I am getting back to riding my horse after a break at the end of the year. I plan on showing again this summer. There is a picture of us on the PMP Pals website!
I am a firm believer that attitude is everything when it comes to cancer. The initial diagnosis was difficult to hear, however, I quickly learned that it is much easier to have a positive outlook than a negative one!
I honestly don't think about my cancer. I focus on all of the things in my life that are positive. I feel I have too much to live for to let cancer get in my way!!!
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each patient’s case is unique; therefore consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific needs.
Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Todos derechos reservados.
Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org
We have HOPE for YOU!
Setting Limits for Hospital Visitors
by Pal Patient, Gabriella
As much as we appreciate cards, calls and visits from friends and family, during or following medical care, some appendix cancer patients and their families feel overwhelmed when hospital and home visits are “overextended.”
This week I received an inquiry from a caregiving “Pal” who expressed the following concerns:
“My husband is recuperating from CRS and HIPEC, and returned home, from the hospital, last week. A visiting nurse comes by to change his bandage each morning.
My husband needs to take a long nap every afternoon. Several neighbors, relatives and co-workers have stopped by to visit unannounced. I feel uncomfortable asking them to call first or to limit their visits. My husband almost feels obligated to answer all calls and accept “drop in” visitors. He is clearly fatigued yet feels we must “entertain” friends and family.
I am running short on patience and wonder how other spouses manage balancing caregiving while setting limits for visitors.”
In response, I share the following suggestions for enjoying visits from friends and family while setting boundaries to respect your personal “space.”
Telephone calls:
Post an outgoing message on your cell or home voicemail advising friends of your “telephone hours.” Tell friends and family that you welcome their incoming calls during specific hours of the day and for brief durations of time. Here is a suggestion for your voicemail message:
“Please call back between 2 and 4 PM. I am limiting calls to ten minutes per caller.”
Hospital and home visits:
Set limits for your own, or for your spouse’s visiting hours in the hospital and at home. Limit the number of visitors you, or your spouse will receive and during which days and hours. Tell friends and family “John is awake for visitors on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2 PM. He requires the remainder of the day for rest and medical care.”
Advise the nurses at the call desk of your preference for visiting hours. Visitors don’t always check in at the call desk, therefore, you will also need to post a handwritten sign on the door to your room, advising everyone of your personal visiting hours.
Don’t assume that “other cancer patients” who may visit you, will be perceptive of your energy limitations; they will not be.
Many well meaning and caring friends and relatives have NO concept of how tired post op CRS and HIPEC patients are, what they have experienced in the hospital, the amount of uninterrupted time that patients need to bathe, change dressings, attend to “bathroom needs” (which are generally more frequent during the weeks immediately following surgery) the time required to eat and consume nutritious foods, or to administer TPN and change bandages without having the
Gifts for patients:
Likewise, visitors may be unaware of appropriate gifts for recuperating appendix cancer patients.
Many gastrointestinal cancer patients experience nausea, especially following HIPEC or other chemotherapy treatment(s.) Therefore, when selecting floral arrangements, visitors should select non fragrant flowers, i.e. tulips or cyclamens, or non flowering plants.
Thoughtful gifts include music selections, light hearted films and DVDs, crossword puzzles, magazines and books.
Whether patients are recuperating in the hospital, or have returned home, they, and their family caregiver, will appreciate gifts of an hour or two of housekeeping services, laundry/dry cleaning, grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, extended childcare, gift cards, prepared meals, comfy lounging apparel, care and shelter of pets, etc.
Visitors should limit wearing, or giving, gifts of fragrances, scented lotions, and perfumes. Patients may easily become nauseated from aromatic food or beverages, including coffee, therefore, visitors should limit their own refreshments to the hospital cafeteria or coffee shop.
Patients and their family caregivers can sit down together and discuss their own needs for setting limits for visitors. Friends and family will never know your personal preferences unless you tell them your wishes!
For more articles on this topic, visit www.pmppals.org
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers and are not intended as substitutes for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each case is unique; therefore, patients should seek their own professional medical counsel. Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org We have HOPE for YOU!
UPMC Shadyside Innovative Waiting Room for Families and Friends of Patients
By Pal Caregiver, Anita
If you or a loved one has had a surgical procedure at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, you already know that is where some of the most qualified doctors, surgical and hospital staffs in the United States practice medicine.
It is not uncommon for family and friends to spend many hours waiting for a patient’s surgery to be completed in any hospital, only to continue waiting while the patient spend hours in the recovery room and then finally the patient is transported to a hospital room. From past experience at other hospitals, sometimes I waited many hours before I was told the progress of my family member.
UPMC Shadyside has thought of everything to make sure family and friends are aware of the patient’s progress from the minute s/he arrives for surgery until s/he is comfortably in a hospital room.
I recently had the honor of being a friend’s caregiver and advocate during her surgery and recovery at UPMC. I’d like to share my experience while I waited for her surgery to be completed.
We arrived at the specified time and checked in at the pre surgery waiting room information desk.
I was given a pager. A PIN number was assigned to the patient and the number given to me on a slip of paper.
Shortly thereafter, the patient was escorted to the pre-op floor to go through the pre-surgery process. After a short time I was able to join her and wait until she was transported for her prep and surgery.
When the patient was taken to prep/surgery, I returned to the waiting area.
UPMC has a large waiting room with lots of seating. Coffee, tea and reading materials are available in the waiting room. The chairs, tables, walls and carpeting are clean and in good condition. There are small clusters of seating with partitions for those friends and family who want semi-privacy.
I stayed in the waiting area for awhile, but the pager gave me the freedom to go to the cafeteria or just walk around outside the waiting area.
Lockers are available for patients and families to store personal items while waiting during surgery. You are given a combination to the locker which is reset when you are ready to leave.
Two electric boards in the large waiting room show the status of the patient’s surgery (whether being prepped, in surgery, in recovery, etc). For privacy, no names are shown on the boards; patients are identified by the PIN number family caregivers receive when checking in.
The patient’s status is updated on the boards as the surgery progresses, e.g. “in prep”, “in surgery”, “in recovery”, etc.)
When my pager sounded I went to the information desk. That signified that the patient’s surgery was finished. I was directed to a telephone area where I picked up the phone and talked to the surgeon. He told me how the surgery went and how my friend was doing. Note: the surgeon will come to the waiting room to talk with the family or friends, in person, if needed.
At that time one of the staff members reset my pager. When the pager sounded for the second time, I proceeded to the waiting room’s information desk. I was given a sheet of paper indicating the patient’s hospital room number and the floor where she was located. At that point I left to see my friend.
The entire process was extremely organized and the staff was very friendly. They really tried to think of ways to make the wait easier, more comfortable and always had the patient’s privacy in mind.
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each patient’s case is unique; therefore consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific needs.
Copyright © 2013 by PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Todos derechos reservados.
Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org
We have HOPE for YOU!
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