Cruise Day 1,  Cruise Day 2,  Cruise Day 3,  Cruise Day 4,  Cruise Day 5,  Cruise Day 6 

Cruise Day Seven and Debarkation

Saturday was our last day at sea, and many of the Cruisers either did their treatment early or took it as their day off, in order to pack up their cyclers and ancillary equipment/supplies. At dinner, everyone gathered to share memories and discuss how amazing this trip was.

Jeanne M, wife of James, said she most appreciated the chance to meet and interact with other NxStage users and care partners. Lauri S, wife of Mike, concurred saying, “It is reassuring to hear that others have overcome the same challenges we have, or to share tips with one another – it confirms we’re doing the right thing.”

Pat C – the primary organizer of the Freedom Cruise – was thrilled that everything went so well from the delivery of bagged dialysate solution and cartridges by NxStage to each patient’s treatments. Rich B said it was a credit to the design of the System One cycler that it performed so well in the rocky waters. Several Cruisers admitted that the swaying of the ship helped them sleep better than they ever had!

For Dan L, participating in this cruise proved to him that “anything is possible.” He and several others are already planning a next big adventure. Initial ideas include a Rogue River rafting trip, a cruise to Alaska, or a trip to a large city such as New York or Las Vegas.

The hugs and goodbyes after dinner were bittersweet, but everyone committed to stay in touch by sharing contact information.

Freedom Cruisers gather for the last cruise night dinner.

The next morning, bags were packed, cyclers and larger luggage were already picked up by cruise personnel, and the Cruisers were waiting to debark in Miami. Eight Cruisers chose to fly out on Monday and stayed at the same hotel Sunday night. An intimate Peruvian dinner together allowed for additional discussions and laughter.

Several Cruisers eating at a Peruvian restaurant in Miami Sunday evening.

The Freedom Cruise and these adventurous individuals have inspired not only other dialysis patients, but all of us here at NxStage. They have shown that a chronic illness does not have to slow you down, and given the opportunity and the means – in this case, a home hemodialysis system that is transportable and provides more frequent dialysis – the sky’s the limit. And for that, NxStage is proud to have played a small part in this historic event.

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.