Chemo day adventures

This week has been kind of a blur of tiredness and symptom management. Eating and taking meds on an exact schedule helps a lot, but there are still the moments of unsteadiness, pain, and/or bone wracking fatigue. Not too horrible, but still, one day just kind of runs into the next.

I had a massage with Becky on Thursday. She has generously found room for me while Mia is away on her amazing adventures in Turkey. Walking from the car to her office and back was my exercise for the day. While on the surface that sounds pathetic, I have learned that overdoing just isn't worth the consequences.

Friday I had PT and Chemo. Karen was able to push the rib back in I kicked out clearing the trach. Trying to loosen  my neck up that is just so tied down. Calling in the good guides to help her help me, especially with my 'unique' body changes. I'm not sure what to think about the fact that neither she nor Mia can locate large sections of my frenic nerve. She describes it as if it disappears into the Mariana Trench. Nice.

After PT, we headed over to the cancer center. I had my lunch in the car and managed not to spray all over the place or clog anything up. A steady diet of steroids three times a day has helped the swelling, but it also makes me hungry. I even get food cravings, although they sometimes turn out a bit less appealing after the ride in the blender.

Again there was no trip to the business office, so we are assuming that the insurance gave it the a okay. Nice to not not have to worry about that piece of the puzzle.

Blood work, bathroom and onto the chemo room. While I cannot decipher the copy of my blood work they gave me, which seemed to have an awful lot of "lows" on it, they assure me that it is plenty good enough for me to have treatment today.

We take up our usual post. Moments later, the man in the chair next to me starts yelling at his female companion about how much time he has left. She says not long. He wants to how long. She quietly says thirty minutes. He explodes! His angry outburst is so filled with rage, even though is is brief, I almost physically feel it pass through my body. Quickly one of the nurses hustles over, says he is just getting supplemental fluids, and they can unhook him. Thank goodness.

I have the same jovial nurse I had last time. She is upbeat and efficient and careful. While she is working, I get another new neighbor. A woman of unknown vintage in a floor length dress. And weirdness ensues.

She had been getting chemo in the hospital. She had a port placement. They get her hooked up, but then they go to get her drugs and there is an insurance hold. The woman from the business office makes two treks up to talk to her about her issues. There is no way not to listen as she is three feet away. They agree to okay today's treatment with the understanding if her insurance is indeed not valid, she will be financially responsible.

Next, someone's cell phone goes off with a strange alarm type ring. She kind of freaks out and tells the nurse she is being stalked by someone with that ring tone. The nurse assures her it is just one of the other patients. She is not calmed very much by this. The nurse decides perhaps something to calm her anxiety might be in the offing. Oh yes.

She spends the remainder of the time I was there on her cell phone discussing one bizarre thing after another. Did he bring back my ATM card? Don't talk to him, he's crazy. Can you come visit me at the cancer center because I'm so bored?  And more sordid things I desperately tried to tune out while receiving my treatment.

Most surprising of it all was when they verified her date of birth before each med. She is a full ten years younger than me. She has had a hard life, clearly. To use an expression, she looks as if she was rode hard and put away wet. I feel bad for her.

The nurses keep up a steady stream of banter around the room. While their motives are good and I am sure it is hard to keep up a cheery face on a Friday afternoon when you know you have patients who are going to keep you overtime. However, when you are trying to focus on your treatment rather than pretend it isn't happening, it makes it a challenge. I plug my ears and do my best for the thirty minutes of the actual chemo drug.

Out the door and on our way home. Karina was on Karissa duty, so we don't have to rush. The walk from the car to the house seems much longer than usual and those few steps up to the door a little higher, but we are home.

The evening is pretty much a blur for me. Although Mary and Sarah's arrival is welcome and wonderful, I cannot even work up the muster to stand up to hug them. I finish my dinner and resume my spot on the couch and the world around me go on without any input. Count the stitches is all the focus I can manage.

Then the news comes that Dawn and co hit a deer! Oh no! Thankfully everyone is okay, but neither the car or the deer are not. No good deed goes unpunished it seems at times.

Today is wedding dress shopping. I am thankful that I feel well enough to go, but I also know that I may have to say at some point I am done. Fortunately, my roll here is to sit and enjoy the experience and I don't actually have to do the zipping/buttoning/etc. That will be on another day when I plan feeling much better!

With that in mind, I should get dressed and get ready to walk to the car.  Of course my suction, magic bag, lunch bag, med bag and drama has to come with me. Hopefully no spectacular gooping shall occur.  Karissa has ballet this afternoon, so she will not be coming. I know she is disappointed, but I suspect the thrill of watching someone else try on fancy clothes while she can't.

Thank you to all of you who sent your love and prayers and FTFF to me. I'm glad I have you all on my side!

Until tomorrow!

Love,
Kiara