Didn't know exactly what to expect ... only the sum of the many sources of information online, in books, via people I know who have had chemotherapy. Most of it was cause for at least some concern. So, although I was surprisingly calm going into the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's "Infusion Room" this morning ... I'd be lying if I said that I didn't feel some of that concern.
My first pleasant surprise was that it was a rather cheery room. Windows and sunshine streaming in. A FAR cry from where I had to take my mom when she was battling her cancer many years ago ... in the bowels of a dingy basement in a hospital in Syracuse, NY. No windows, drearily appointed waiting room ... as if the situation weren't depressing enough. I was greeted by a very pleasant, pretty oncologist nurse named Mary she led me over to my side of the room which was about half full of people sitting in comfy looking chairs with IVs in their arms - either sleeping, reading books, playing with their iPhones, or a combination of all three. Hmmmm ... I thought this might not be too bad, afterall. No one looked too terribly distressed.
My friend Anne traveled over from Half Moon Bay to accompany me on this adventure and she provided needed moral support. She stayed while they got me set up ... but then understandably excused herself when they began to hunt around for the best vein ... and started the infusion procedure. After that I was on my own until she came back several hours later - which was a good thing since the "cocktail" of drugs they put in my infusion completely zonked me out. I slept a good part of the time, which I hadn't planned to do. In between naps ... I met a lovely woman named Sandra who was there for her second infusion for Breast Cancer. We had several great chats and exchanged email addresses so we could keep in touch - another surprise! An unlikely venue to strike up a friendship. Can't say that the 6+ hours just flew by ... the Si-Fi docu-drama. But, all in all ... it could have been MUCH worse. The best thing was that I did not have any immediate bad reaction to the infusion drugs, which is one hurdle that I needed to get over and did.
Now that I'm home .... in between evening naps now ... my main "reaction" so far is extreme fatigue and a bit of skin itching. If that's the extent of my post- infusion side effects, I will be a very happy and grateful chemo patient. My dear friend Jan is going to be staying with me tonight and that is a comfort.
I hope I can write more tomorrow a bit at least ... and explain to you all what the term "chemo brain" means ... because I have already gotten good indication that I have already encountered and will continue to encounter this condition.
Just wanted to let you all know that I survived this day rather well. Stay tuned and think good thoughts for me ... the worse is yet to come ... or not.
Please feel free to comment on this blog ... and of course stop by or call.
Love xoxoxox
4 comments:
Benita, I'm so sorry to hear about this turn in your life - some adventures are better enjoyed from a distance. Thank you for sharing your journey with us on your blog. You'll be in my best thoughts.
Loretta
Glad you got a good cheery environment and sounds like a good staff... I would hope that is the case for the hospital I work for; by all accounts I have heard it is. Most places want to have that kind of reputation. Thinking of you, playing some of your music, sending the good vibes your way and wishing for a speedy resolution.
Robert Barcellos
Hi Benita,
Of course I have tidbits of comfort tips for you.
--Make friends with the oncology nurses, they are wonderful beings.
--Benadryl for itching is good for relaxing and sleeping, too, remember to tell the nurses you are itching...then they will be more vigilant about future reactivity.
--Eat yummy soft nutritious foods because they are yummy and soft, and don't let sugars help the bacteria in your guts get out of whack. Use pro-biotics to restore gut bacteria balance.
--I don't know what kind of chemo you're having or what its effects are specifically, but your teeth will appreciate an extra extra soft toothbrush no matter what the state of your mouth.
--I'm glad to hear your nose has not fallen off, but getting rid of nose hairs is of course a welcome event you may look forward to.
I hope you are encouraged by the fact that Joshua, who had more chemo than probably anyone still alive today, is feeling fine and healthy and doesn't need "surveillance" more than once a year now. He is feeling great.
I encourage you to write, and am looking forward to the song "My Useless Uterus." High time the uterus has its own song, especially poignant for all the women whose deeply private parts can create havoc in their otherwise normal lives...
Anything I can offer...food, comfort, naps, sunshine, fun, talk...let me know.
Cheryl
Dear Benita ~
Glad for the reasonably good news so far***.... Keeping you in my thoughts and keeping the phone on*... I'll be looking for the the Muses and Newses*.. May it be as gentle a "Learning Experience" as possible. Hugs*
Post a Comment