Sessions two and three - five more to go!

Since I'm late getting my second infusion session posted I decided to just combine the last two. Basically the drill is the same: port access and blood draw, wait, meet with the RN or oncologist, wait, infusion check in, wait, get infusion (6-7 hours), get pump connected, go home. Forty-six hours later I come back and get the pump disconnected.

I have purchased an Ipad mini which helps keep me entertained and connected to the outside world. They still haven't come up with a treadmill for me so I walk back and forth in the halls – there's not a circular route. Many of the other people getting treatment do not look like they are up for a stroll.

On my second session I got a standard bay (why they're called bays I don't know, to make you feel like you're on a cruise?). Here is an image of my bay:

Well, not cozy but serviceable. There's a TV if you want to watch it which doesn't interest me, especially if I'm there during the day.

On my third visit I had a window room! Unfortunately, everything is oriented away from the window so you have to sit backwards on the bed to get a view of the traffic on I-5:

There is one bay with corner windows! I hope I get that one some day.

In general, I am doing well. I met with the oncologist this last visit and he is happy with how I am progressing. The oncologist didn't feel I needed the CT scan done after six treatments and so now I am scheduled through the end of the year, literally, 12/31 is my last infusion. I have had little or no nausea. The worst side-effect is the reaction to cold in my fingers, like pins and needles. I need to wear gloves to take things out of the refrigerator. My feet, throat and face seem to becoming sensitive to cold also. A few days after chemo the sensation is not as bad. It could take a year for this side effect to disappear completely. David thinks my hair is thinning and I'm getting grey, but I saw my hairdresser this Saturday and she wasn't too sure. I may break out the Loving Care anyway. I am tired the Friday and Saturday after infusion so take it easy and don't push it (except for playing tennis which really isn't pushing it, it's just fun).

So, as you see, I'm getting through this, one step at a time. At one point the RN said that since I had to go through this I should just learn to love it. I said, no, I don't have to love or like it, I just have to get through it. And that's what I am doing.