Today I had my bronchoscopy. Lori is in the States and Jos has been my nurse and driver. Because reading books is so boring we decided to record this part of my journey on video and put it online right away. The coolest thing was the we were even allowed to video during the actual procedure. Its short but way real!
We did it in Seesmic Mobile. Its an application on the N95 which records the video’s and uploads it right away to the Seesmic site and also posts it as a tweet. We made a total of 10 less then a minute videos:
- Getting ready for the Bronchoscopy (including 6 video replies)
- Pebbels is here too
- In the car (yes, we recorded everything)
- Arrived in the Hospital
- Getting the IV
- Broncoscopy in progress ( not safe for @michielb… i think..)
- In the recovery room (look mamma i am stoned! and the Insurance paid for it too)
- Its over
- On our way home
- On the couch
So how was the procedure?
Because I was busy with recording I was pretty distracted from the real deal. The nurses and the doctors also took their time to explain what they were going to do which was really good. I like to know what is going to happen. And they were letting us film the procedure which gave it all a good start.
First I got the IV which actually hardly hurt. Then the rolled me into the the room where the procedure was going to happen. Here most of the explanation was done. Then they numbed my throat by spraying some foul tasting chemicals into it. This took a bit. Its like the numbing chemical your dentist uses. They sprayed quite a bit in there. And made my throat feel numb. So it worked. They do this so subdue your gag reflex and coughing when the tube is put in.
Before they put the tube in I got the general ‘drowsiness’ drug. No anesthesia but something to make me stoned. This worked right away and so they started. There was the main specialist doing the deed, and an assisting doctor who was in training. Also there were two nurses helping out. I like attention.
They put a bit in my mouth and inserted the tube. This was uncomfortable but not that bad. I wasn’t too bothered with it. Yet it wasn’t fun too. And for the really bad bits the nurses held my hand, cheesy, but it helped. In all the tube was in me for 15 minutes. They took two biopsy’s. In the end it was getting pretty rough. The doctor asked me not the cough. Which wouldn’t have been a problem if he took the tube out of my throat and didn’t wiggle it so much. I was relieved when it was over.
After the procedure they rolled me and my bed into the recovery room where we chilled for an hour and went home
Before we went home I made an appointment with my onc for next Wednesday, December 3rd. That’s when I’ll hear what they found:
- nothing, so watchful waiting will start
- something, so they will start a new chemo round (which I won’t do until after a thorough and smart second opinion)
- inconclusive, so they will do a more invasive biopsy under total anesthesia (which I won’t do until after a thorough and smart second opinion)
Now I have been home for 6 hours and am fine. A bit tired and a soar throat, but that’s all. I’ll be having diner with the neighbors.
Thanks again for all the love, comments and any other form of attention. It still is great and really helps me!
Hi Maarten,
wow I never saw anything like this before, I am so happy it is over already, you took it like a real man
Crossing fingers for next week,
Enjoy your evening
Big hug
Marta
Hallo Maarten heb de eerste live gezien voordat je “onder het mes” ging. Ik sla de anderen over en ga voor de geschreven versie. Bewonder de manier waarop je het aangaat *doe mijn hoge hoed af en maak een diepe buiging*.
Wow. Dutchcowboy, i think this would be like the first ‘patient-order-filmed’ Bronco ever. Respect for the clynicians letting you do this, it looks like a small step but it’s a big one.
It’s marveless to see how you are coping with this ! Crossing my fingers Dec 3rd !
Goed zeg dat je gewoon mocht filmen! Wie filmde er eigenlijk tijdens de behandeling (Jos?)
Volgens mij is dat best uniek dat je dat zo mocht filmen. Ze willen er in NL straks naartoe dat elke handeling HD wordt opgenomen, wordt nog een leuke klus daar de storage voor te regelen. (sommige OK’s duren 8 uur)
Nu iig hopen dat de uitslag goed is, sterkte!
I’m on pins and needles with you waiting for the results. I don’t know anything medical at all, but I do know this – the unknown is the worst. You continue to amaze me with your ability to own this experience and share it with the world.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the US, and you were in my thoughts. We went around the table and we all said something we were thankful for – and while under pressure i said something stupid -like I am thankful for mashed potatoes and pie – I thought about more over the second round of gorging and realized that I REALLY am thankful that I have such a broad and amzing group of friends, all of whom are smart and funny (most of them – jos is only funny sometimes), and have amazing strengths, though all different.
You, my friend, have certainly shared your strength through this entire experience, not just with me, but the world. It does amaze me. Who knew that determination and courage came in the form of a grinnin’, loud-laughin’, computer-geeky, beer-swillin’, cat-lovin’, socially wonderin’ dutch man. Surprise!
Our fingers are crossed for good results! We’re glad to know the procedure wasn’t TOO bad, and you powered through it really admirably
All our best and many eHugs,
Jim & Laini
[...] Comments Thomas van Mastberge… on About MaartenJim Di Bartolo on I Broadcasted my Broncosc…ellen in DC on I Broadcasted my Broncosc…Jelle on I Broadcasted [...]