March 26, 2013

Day 1 complete, one more day of high dose chemo (then two of hydration) to go. Pumped isn't strong enough of a word.

Sloany Ketts is swell, as always. Grabbed my suite today for a 4 day stay, puffed the pillows and unpacked my things. Naturally, I was a tad bit dismayed at the lack of mints on the pillow; needless to say a note will be sent to the manager, but I digress. Four and a half stars, of five.

Relaxing after the long first day, which includes, but is not limited to, a preliminary complete blood count to ensure chemotherapy is possible, a meeting with the team of doctors and nurse practitioners to take vitals and confirm the program, receipt of "suite" (chemo room), accessing of the mediport (BEST part of the day...not. I hate needles.), checking the urine to ensure it's dilute enough to administer certain chemo drugs (one particularly affects the bladder), administration of pre-meds (protectorants), and finally the chemo drugs themselves. So, "I'm going in for chemo!" (said enthusiastically, of course) is quite the process. Add into the mix that these chemo drugs are administered over a 6.5 hour period, and, well, you have yourself a nice little day. At the end, your reward is the backpack, chock full of fluids to pump into you throughout the night. Tomorrow's a bit better, with most of the preliminary work out of the way. Looking forward to a little less.

Figured I'd give you a little insight into the process...hope you never have to see it firsthand! Until tomorrow folks!