Shadyside Hospital

On October 25, 2012 I had my first radiation appointment. I had thought that it went ok, but my body begged to differ. That night I was the sickest I have ever been. I had fluid coming out of everywhere (diarrhea, vomiting, & just for fun I got my period for the only time since this all started). I also got the hiccups. What I really didn't enjoy was that I would vomit up the water that I drank trying to get rid of the hiccups. Needless to say, we called my oncologist first thing in the morning. He suggested that I come in right away so Eryck & my mom drove me to Pittsburgh post haste. (We went to the Hillman Cancer Center initially)

By the time I arrived there, I had stopped throwing up, but it was only because I had nothing left in me. We ended up waiting in a waiting room for what felt like an eternity to me, but may have only been 10 minutes. When I did go to a room (it kind of reminded me of an ER room) they needed to put an IV in. Unfortunately, it took them 4-5 tries to do it successfully and I still have a scar from the working IV. Needless to say, I was miserable.

They decided that I was so bad off that I would be admitted to the hospital. Thankfully, Shadyside Hospital is across the street and there is a bridge connecting it to the Hillman so they were able to wheel me over. I was also lucky that Dr. Drappatz ordered me a private room on the cancer floor. While I couldn't initially enjoy it, not only was it private, but the nurses were wonderful and they understood what it means to be a cancer patient. Did I mention that it was also on the top floor? (more views!!)

I was in the hospital until October 31st. Thankfully I did get to go home on Halloween. Overall it was a nice stay in the hospital. I must admit that the bed was more comfortable there than at AGH. I also underwent a couple of radiation appointments to make sure that my body could handle it before being sent home. Of the 3 hospitals I have now spent the night in, I must admit that this was my favorite even though I had better food elsewhere. (Is it bad that I can give you details, down to which food is most stomach friendly, at 3 hospitals?)

Well that is all for now. I have included pictures of the Hillman and the hospital since most of you are probably unfamiliar with both. I love that I can see my college dorm from the hospital so it makes it feel a little more like home. I do wish I still lived there as the commute would be AWESOME! (And no you cannot see my center plaza apartment in the pictures.)