We missed a rather big headache by pure chance. We were at the hospital all day last Wednesday for an appointment as well as to get her PICC lines unclogged. This involves adding just the right amount of cath flow (I always think Kath flow) into each line so that the line is filled with the unclogging solution, but none gets into her system. It then has to sit an hour, and then it gets pulled out, not flushed in. If it does not work, another dose and sit for another 90min. In the past we never had to do the second round, but did this time on line #2. I guess it did a little damage to the one line because it started to leak Saturday night. The lucky part was that it was not the line the chemo bottle was attached to. If that leaked, we would have to dispose of everything the solution touched. So couch cushions, clothes, carpet, etc. A quick call to the nursing team confirmed we would have to go to emerge to get it replaced.
Its considered a surgical procedure that is highly specialized. We figured we would be there all night. However, before we left for ‘germlandia’ (aka emerge waiting room), we thought we should actually call the oncology team and speak to one of the doctors to confirm that they would actually do this. Turns out, they dont on the weekends. The person who does it (intervention radiologist) was not around. So if we did go, they would just disconnect the line and pull it out. Not good, as Kath doesnt want to lose the chemo treatment. The doctor on call just happened to be Kathleen’s main chemo doc, so a bit of further luck as he said he would try and see if he could get someone in on Sunday. But that didnt work either. So probably another full day at the hospital Monday.
Not a total bust this weekend as we made it to the Maple Syrup festival! We didnt brave the crowds on the midway as it would be a bit claustrophobic for Kath in the wheel chair. But, we did get our pancakes! We have been going many years now, so it meant something to be able to enjoy this one more time.
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
Hi Kathleen and Mike,
Wow, you two amaze me with your wonderful ability to enjoy what life has to offer. Really! In a day, to be able to enjoy the smell of the syrup, the taste of the pancakes and with all that you are enduring in the midst….you are so committed to life and love it is inspiring in ways I can’t even describe! Thanks for sharing such warm and touching photos – you are so loving with one another, and Kath, that bag is the best!
keep smiling
hugs from Stacee and Isobel
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
Looks like a fun day. I see that the Merkel bag has a scarf partner!
Love Judy
Kathleen – love the hat!! Goes great with the new purse. As always, thinking about you often and sending good vibes your way.
Stephanie
Looking great Kath. Is that a matching scarf to go with the purse…? Enjoy …you look GREAT!
Love ya Lisa
Wow, anyday you can enjoy the Maple Syrup festival is a great day! I love maple syrup, maple candies, maple butter, maple anything!!! Let the sap flow!
Is it finally getting spring-like up there?
I’m so glad that you made it out to the festival! You look beautiful Kathleen and I love your new purse!! 😀
Miss you and lots of hugs
Lindsey xo
Love the purse and hat. You look amazing Kathleen. The pancakes look good too!!
What style and class! You too Mike. What a Spring picture!
The purse looks beautiful too. So amazing to see you both out enjoying, the new beginnings of Spring. You guys are really something! Smiles all the way around. Hugs! Colleen and Terry