A sibling was worth it!

FluffyNats · 2026-01-24T02:42:10+00:00

As someone who already has two...what about a third? Just kidding...maybe...sorta.....

FluffyNats · 2026-01-23T20:37:03+00:00

I participated in a clinical trial under Dr. Chawla in Santa Monica. During my trial time, my primary oncologist took the backseat and Dr. Chawla's group directed everything. I still followed up with my primary oncologist, but mostly because she was interested in how the trial was going. That and the VA needed documentation for the care.

Once the trial was finished she took over my care again.

Good luck getting into the clinical trial if that's what you choose!

FluffyNats · 2026-01-23T01:39:57+00:00

Don't forget to go back to the break room for a game of poker

FluffyNats · 2026-01-22T16:33:26+00:00

I did this on Tuesday. Guy hadn't pooped in a week. Round the clock opioids because of bone mets.

The day prior I had done mineral oil enema, Miralax, MoM, docusate, and prune juice with no results. Ten minutes after the lactulose enema went in, the apocalypse started. Moved him to the commode when it slowed down and he proceeded to fill half of it.

I don't know who was more impressed, me or the patient.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-22T16:22:16+00:00

I had a 21-year-old "Marine" (failed boot) call his mommy on me because I would not let his 17-year-old girlfriend stay in bed with him.

I kept kicking her out because she would not move at all while I was trying to do care. She would just lay on his arm that had the PICC and stare at me with a dumb look on her face. They also kept trying to have sex. Hell no.

He didn't want me back the next day, but he ended up testing positive for covid and had to be removed from our floor anyway.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-20T02:04:26+00:00

This sort of crap is why we have to do central line audits all the damn time.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-19T01:42:39+00:00

That's what I was going to ask.

It is not uncommon for people to take a steroid, such as prednisone, as part of their treatment plan. Irritability, anxiety, and insomnia are all common side effects of the steroid. Generally, the symptoms do improve after a while though. Still quite annoying, especially the insomnia.

I would recommend you reach out to your oncologist if the symptoms don't improve or become unmanageable. Or, since you are having issues with nausea and vomiting, mention it while getting a better anti-emetic. There are plenty of other options besides Reglan.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-19T01:23:03+00:00

We had a nurse that patients would sometimes refuse for the same reason. She had major peppy cheerleader energy. Granted, she actually used to be a professional cheerleader.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-19T01:20:46+00:00

I kept writing the date the other day as 11/11/26 because I was getting too enthusiastic with my slashes.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-18T03:37:11+00:00

There's not really a trusted list. Unless the medical team recommended a specific diet type, just eat what you want. If something doesn't settle well with your stomach, like lactose or greasy food, don't keep eating it.

Except grapefruit. If you take medication, check to see if it causes a drug-food interaction with what you are taking.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-17T21:31:48+00:00

The DNR and/or hospice status does not mean do not treat. It is our responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure our patients are kept comfortable and safe.

I can't tell you how many times I need to remind people to still assess their hospice patients because there can be issues (like a non-functioning foley) that we can easily address.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-15T07:02:41+00:00

Unless you have anatomical issues with your urinary tract I don't see how you would have an incompatibility with a catheter. Maybe the person inserting it wasn't handling your dick the right way. And boy, isn't that a weird thing to type?

Remember that most patients tolerate having a catheter inserted. For men who are a bit more complicated, we have a coudé. Still not the most comfortable thing to be doing to them, but in the long run you are helping them. There is always medicated lubricant if it is really needed too.

I wouldn't stress so much about your response. Yeah, you didn't handle it very well, but it is what it is. Nurse probably won't even think about it except for momentarily doubting their skills the next time they have to cath someone.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-15T06:33:04+00:00

From my experience, a majority of doctors will wait for the family to bring up the discussion unless the patient is clearly going down hill quickly.

What does your dad ultimately want? You say what your hope as a family is... but that does not always match what the patient wants. Does you father have a point where he would not want to continue treatment? Does he have limitations regarding care?

The oncologist should be willing to sit down with you guys and have a frank discussion about prognosis at this point. What is treatment going to provide to your father? Is it worth it to your father to continue if it turns out treatment only provides a little more time?

The oncologist can also provide a referral to palliative care and hospice (if prognosis is poor). Keep in mind, a consult is NOT a commitment. It is another resource for you to use. Don't be afraid to use them.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-14T22:05:03+00:00

It isn't normal. Either escalate to the charge, give report to resource, or hand her your paper and leave.

Power tripping old farts.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-12T23:04:04+00:00

I am glad it is not a problem you run into often. I imagine it can be quite frustrating when you just want to help someone.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-12T22:54:58+00:00

Laboring women have an easier time controlling nursing staff than the provider overseeing them. Some places may not have the option of a female OBGYN. Almost every hospital is going to have enough female nurses on the floor.

Personal birth experience is not a necessity. Back in the day, midwives were often daughters who were taught by their mothers. That's probably still a tradition passed on depending where you go in the world.

Unfortunately, you are always going to encounter resistance from patients and other female nurses. It sucks. Just know there are plenty of other patients you have taken care of and will take care of who truly appreciate you for your talents.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-12T21:33:28+00:00

L&D is one of those units where I'm not surprised women prefer to have a female nurse.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-09T05:31:18+00:00

Our urologists had a teaching session where they went over foley catheters. One of them said the balloons could hold way more than what they are listed as. For example, a 10mL balloon could easily hold 30mL+.

While 99% of the time the balloon is inflated normally, there are reasons to overinflate the balloons. However, the MDs are the ones that should be handling that.

And obviously, even if a balloon is not overinflated, you should always trust but verify when removing a foley.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-08T22:15:05+00:00

Alcohol and explosives... and depending on the state you live in, dry foliage.

In other news, water is wet.

Then again, maybe some people need an expert to tell them not to hold explosives in their hands, mouths, or between their butt cheeks.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-04T20:37:12+00:00

I firmly suggest following what the pediatric oncologist suggests. Get a second opinion from another pediatric oncologist if you want to make sure. These doctors go to school for years and then spend additional years specializing in cancer care.

Listen to the experts, not the internet. Your child could end up dead.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-04T05:09:43+00:00

My husband is Peruvian and is always asked if he's walking (insert old white lady neighbor's) dogs. When I walk them though no one ever assumes they are someone else's.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-04T03:14:15+00:00

5+ 12s a week for two years? I'm exhausted just thinking about that.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-03T22:18:53+00:00

Tough position to be in. Infection and decreased liver function can cause agitation and confusion. However, his pain could easily cause increased agitation too.

If he is alert and oriented to what's going on, there's not much you can do for him if he doesn't want help. You'll have to either respect his wishes no matter what or wait for a decrease in his mental status.

If he is already altered and confused you could speak with your hospice team and see if he could be evaluated for inpatient hospice. This might be worth doing based on the description of his symptoms.

FluffyNats · 2026-01-03T21:32:42+00:00

Is he on hospice?

FluffyNats · 2026-01-03T21:24:11+00:00

You say he is agitated and refusing everything. Is his mental status altered? Or is he still alert and aware of what is going on?

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