Just another 1st today as I get a lesson on how to give myself an injection.
This little syringe is pre-loaded with a man-made protein called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or G-CSF for short. I thought the IT industry had the corner on acronyms but the medical field is right up there. The purpose is to help my body generate neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting infection and which the chemo drugs do a number on. Bonus for us over 65 is that it’s covered by the government as part of the treatment program.
So, after a training session where I learn the Five Rs
- Right patient
- Right drug
- Right location
- … and a couple more that ‘ve already forgotten.
And the process:
Basically, 2″ away from the belly button and a little below, clean with wipes, jab at a 45 °angle, inject and your done. This happens 5 times on Day 6-10 of every cycle.
I’m a certified drug injector. 🙂 or 🙁 , not sure.