Stelara

The lymphoma is taking a bit of a back seat for a while. A PET scan is scheduled for October 17th to see the results of the radiation treatments. Today, I’m getting the initial Stelara treatment via an IV and from here on out, every 8 weeks, I’ll receive syringes pre-loaded with Stelara for me to inject at home.

Today’s IV is planned to take one hour but from the rate I’m seeing it might take longer. The infusion site is in a strip mall office building and has the vibe of a converted apartment. Two nurses are running the show and everyone seems very relaxed, except me.

For some reason I’m a bit apprehensive about this treatment. I’m not sure why after all the meds I’ve had stuffed in my body over the last several years. Perhaps it’s the lack of clarity around the diagnosis that I have Crohn’s, It seems like the doctors have ruled out most other things and Crohn’s is what’s left, less than a positive diagnosis in my opinion.

On the more mundane, starting the IV was a little interesting. Lately, my veins have been less than cooperative and quite a few nurses had significant problems with starting an IV. Today was no exception. After poking around quite a bit on attempt #1 on my forearm attempt #2 was on the back of my hand. This attempt struck pay dirt immediately and the nurse was not quite ready. The IV line was not attached to the needle and blood was rolling down my hand, a first for me. The flood was quickly contained and Stelara was flowing in. No turning back now,