Day3: I will be honest and share that I was a bit anxious going into treatment today. I knew that I was in great hands, and would be fine, but, well, I was pumped. Kinda like the day of a go-live, when you have prepared everything and have a great team, but, you know...s**t happens.
So, left the house at 9:30, got blood work done at arrival, then up to chemo for pharmacist training me on my meds, what they do, symptoms etc..for a good 20min, then, head over to chemo waiting room, and before long whisked in for more training of what they will be doing and what I will see. You can have a friend sit with you, and they can come & go as well. Not necessary, but always nice to have company
So I am not sure when they started to wrap arms with warm towels to pop veins, but, hey, IV's are a breeze, or were the last few times including today.
Due to a combination of factors, my protocol includes significant flushing of the kidneys, so 2hrs of saline/potassium, prior to 1hr of chemo/cisplatin, then 1 hr of saline/potassium again. Hah- no problem having a full bladder for radiation today.
The nurses were wonderful, talking through everything, including why they cover the chemo with a brown bag (light sensitive, like some antibiotics are). There had to be 50 chairs. Each with a little tv you could watch, earphone you could be loaned, and warm blankets, pillows etc. Most were occupied. Some people were in out & quickly, others for an hour, and hours like me for 4hrs. Each protocol is different, and each person is different, and so symptoms, impact are different. I, for example, am unlikely to lose my hair, but...I do get to get away with being a B**** on occasion for the next 3 days and blame the meds!
It was great to see W's smiley face pop in for a quick visit on her lunch. Catching up, having a laugh, getting the lowdown on this addition which her cousin was an architect for. The room is lovely, with lots of natural light shining in, warm natural wood ceilings, and glass...it feels hopeful, if that makes sense.
Had a great snacky lunch packed by T.
We heard this bell in the chemo wing and then the waiting room broke into applause. We joined, but had the quizzical look that showed we didn't know what it was. A woman and her husband across from us noticed and explained that it was the sign of the last treatment. Neat idea. Now to figure out if you ring it at last chemo, and last radiation, and last brachytherapy. Hah. Seriously, it is a nice signal and again, signal of success, focus on the future etch. So many smart things at this centre.
Once done, a quick trip downstairs for radiation. It is done after chemo as chemo "lights up" the cancer for the radiation....or at least that is how I understood it..it basically makes the radiation more effective so radiation is always done after.
So, a drive home, where I didn't "suck wind" once (only those who know me as a passenger know that I can be a nervous passenger). Thanks T for another great day.
Finished a healthy dinner cooked by my spouse, K. Now for a quiet night of colouring (thanks J) leaning up against my reading pillow (thanks L&J), and enjoying flowers from work...and then prep for tomorrow.
So, left the house at 9:30, got blood work done at arrival, then up to chemo for pharmacist training me on my meds, what they do, symptoms etc..for a good 20min, then, head over to chemo waiting room, and before long whisked in for more training of what they will be doing and what I will see. You can have a friend sit with you, and they can come & go as well. Not necessary, but always nice to have company
So I am not sure when they started to wrap arms with warm towels to pop veins, but, hey, IV's are a breeze, or were the last few times including today.
Due to a combination of factors, my protocol includes significant flushing of the kidneys, so 2hrs of saline/potassium, prior to 1hr of chemo/cisplatin, then 1 hr of saline/potassium again. Hah- no problem having a full bladder for radiation today.
The nurses were wonderful, talking through everything, including why they cover the chemo with a brown bag (light sensitive, like some antibiotics are). There had to be 50 chairs. Each with a little tv you could watch, earphone you could be loaned, and warm blankets, pillows etc. Most were occupied. Some people were in out & quickly, others for an hour, and hours like me for 4hrs. Each protocol is different, and each person is different, and so symptoms, impact are different. I, for example, am unlikely to lose my hair, but...I do get to get away with being a B**** on occasion for the next 3 days and blame the meds!
It was great to see W's smiley face pop in for a quick visit on her lunch. Catching up, having a laugh, getting the lowdown on this addition which her cousin was an architect for. The room is lovely, with lots of natural light shining in, warm natural wood ceilings, and glass...it feels hopeful, if that makes sense.
Had a great snacky lunch packed by T.
We heard this bell in the chemo wing and then the waiting room broke into applause. We joined, but had the quizzical look that showed we didn't know what it was. A woman and her husband across from us noticed and explained that it was the sign of the last treatment. Neat idea. Now to figure out if you ring it at last chemo, and last radiation, and last brachytherapy. Hah. Seriously, it is a nice signal and again, signal of success, focus on the future etch. So many smart things at this centre.
Once done, a quick trip downstairs for radiation. It is done after chemo as chemo "lights up" the cancer for the radiation....or at least that is how I understood it..it basically makes the radiation more effective so radiation is always done after.
So, a drive home, where I didn't "suck wind" once (only those who know me as a passenger know that I can be a nervous passenger). Thanks T for another great day.
Finished a healthy dinner cooked by my spouse, K. Now for a quiet night of colouring (thanks J) leaning up against my reading pillow (thanks L&J), and enjoying flowers from work...and then prep for tomorrow.
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