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Healthcare at HomeAs I write this I am 1/3 of the way through my chemotherapy. April was pretty much a write-off. That was when chemo began. Luckily my side effects, to date, are limited but until one starts the treatment what may come is unknown. Everyone reacts differently. However the patient is prepared for the worst. I can honestly say that I spent most of April waiting to get sick. Thankfully that didn't happen. I have heard that the worst is the first treatments, however that may not be true. Too much is unknown. Yet the healthier one is going into chemotherapy the better one is able to endure. The best part of chemo happens about 48 hours after it begins on what is known as Day Three. The drugs paraphernalia is removed thanks to one of my home care nurses. After I was released from the hospital I received two visits daily from an incredible team of home care nurses every day, weekends included. The visits are now weekly. There simply aren't enough accolades for the terrific nurses I have been lucky enough to meet during home care. As it began I was astonished at the incredible level of communication between the hospital and the Home Care provider, Paramed, and later between my nurses. They walk in knowing not only my condition but my then limitations and noted my improvements. While this is all new to me it's old hat to them. The suggestions they have provided have made it so much easier, especially the food selections. They even knew when I liked to take my daily walk so they could schedule around it. They notoriously show up on time, usually providing a 30 minute window, except for one nurse who is punctual to the minute. Paramed provides a talented team of care givers. Canada has a universal health care system. That means all Canadian citizens pay for their health care through their taxes and receive it as needed. I have never and will not receive a bill for any of the cancer treatments that I have received, including my home care team. Obviously home care is much less expensive than using a hospital bed. Plus, being at home certainly helps in the healing process. I would prefer to have the drugs administered at home. Given my reaction is minimal it would be much better to let the unfortunate individuals who have the worst reactions and the unpleasant side affects to use the hospital. I selected one of the cancer hospitals to provide chemotherapy. I wasn't aware at the time how many people are struck by this rotten disease in its multiple forms. That hospital is packed whenever I visit for my treatments. It seems wrong to lie in a hospital bed for 2 1/2 hours to receive the first drugs and then be sent home with the final drug that takes 46 hours to administer. To all of the nurses and staff at Paramed thanks for all you have done and will continue to do as I fight this disease. |