Cruise Day 1,  Cruise Day 2,  Cruise Day 3,  Cruise Day 5,  Cruise Day 6,  Cruise Day 7

Cruise Day Four

Another great day on the 2010 Freedom Cruise! Several Cruisers toured the island of Isla Roatan, Honduras, visiting the botanical gardens, a butterfly and bird park, and beautiful Tabyana beach. Others had no plans in particular, but simply enjoyed a relaxing day either on board the ship or on the island.

James M started his day with his dialysis treatment, with wife and care partner Jeanne at his side.

James M relaxing during his treatment.

Afterwards, they had a big meal and strolled around the ship, taking in the views of the island. For James and Jeanne, the freedom and flexibility of the NxStage System One is very important to them as they love to travel and visit their children and grandchildren, but their choice of daily home hemodialysis was driven by a more compelling factor. James had watched his sister – also suffering from kidney failure – go through the rigorous process of in-center hemodialysis three times a week. “I knew what was involved with those treatments,” he explains, “and I knew if there was a way for me to avoid that schedule and environment, I wanted to try it.” He and Jeanne completed training on the NxStage system nearly 3 years ago, and they are thankful that he is able to do his treatments in the comfort of his home – or ship cabin – and on his own schedule.

James and Jeanne M on deck.

Ship docked at Mahogany Bay in Isla Roatan.

Mike S and his wife Lauri also did dialysis in the morning. They left the ship with no plans but to walk, wander, and explore. They did a little shopping in Mahogany Bay, and then took a relaxing walk to Mahogany Beach. Mike’s energy level is one of the most noticeable differences they have seen with daily home hemodialysis compared to conventional in-center dialysis three times a week. With more frequent dialysis, many patients report they have more energy and fewer side effects after treatment, allowing them to do more of the things they enjoy. Mike and Lauri have been dialyzing at home for two years now and – weather or not – are enjoying this time together on the cruise.

Mike and Lauri S at Mahogany Beach.

All of the Cruisers are looking forward to stopping in Belize on Thursday, as a lot of exciting activities are planned. It will be a fun day for all!

Disclaimer
Home daily therapies are not for everyone. They require a patient and partner who are committed to being trained on and following the guidelines for proper system operation, as well as their dialysis prescription, which may require treatments up to six days per week. The NxStage® System One™ is a prescription device, and, like all medical devices, involves some risks. Patients should consult with their doctor to understand the risks and responsibilities of home and/or daily hemodialysis using the NxStage System One. The experiences reported here may not necessarily be experienced by another patient. All patients differ, and their experiences will vary.