I’m fascinated by the technological aspects of modern medicine - as witnessed through my cancer experience lens. Granted, much of my intrigue is fueled by my brain-stimulating premedication dexamethasone and a tinge of infusion-session boredom, but in the midst of all the healing and humanity, I'm struck by the science fiction that has become the science fact of my treatment and the process.
- Generally, in less than 30:00, lab results for my intake blood draw are available to the team - checking your blood work for any deficiencies or inconsistencies which could affect/curtail that day's infusing.
- After each session a medical opus of test results flow to me via the Epic/My Chart portal for about the next 10 days after a visit.
- The mechanics of the process itself involves myriad interlocking modular tubing and medicine administration tools - pre-packaged, interchangeable and ready to go for seemingly all infusion scenarios.
- The Infusion pump itself is a four-wheel marvel on a pole, with a battery backup so that you can unplug and roll around (ie: go to the backroom while still infusing).
- Even the Nurse's station/bullpen has gotten an upgrade and now they all have a rolling computer cart that brings full Electronic Medical Records (EMR) capability to your chairside.
- Fueled by a desire for efficiency of record-keeping, and to make sure everything gets billed properly, each action is initiated with a scan of the barcode on my wristband - a new one for every visit.
- Shortly after being diagnosed and having gone through three preparatory rounds of chemo, I had a Stem Cell Transplant. Sometimes I just say that out loud and marvel at what it really means and how incredibly effective it was.
- And, one of the craziest dimensions of my treatment is that my medication Pomalyst (1mg chemo pill taken 21 days on and then 7 days rest - monthly), derives from a drug called thalidomide (which was given to pregnant women in the 50's and 60's and then banned when it was found to cause birth defects). Now, in extremely controlled use, it is saving my life.
In this era of AI, medical implants and self-driving cars, most of these may seem mundane or even passé - but I find it kind of interesting and possibly even shareworthy.
