Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace
Apr. 30, 2021
FIRST CHEMOTHERAPY APRIL 29, AND IT WASN'T SO BAD AFTERALL
Friday, April 30, 2021 2:06 AM
Packed a healthy, light lunch for both of us. Larry put chicken and vegies in the slow cooker. (so smart)
After not yet having been scheduled for a Chemo date, I got a surprise call on Wednesday, at 3:30, asking me to come in the next day for 11:30. Shocked and excited, I thanked her very much.
Brought books, cards, writing material & tablet.
Nurse 'Cheryl' began to hook me up right away, with Benadryl & another drug to prevent other meds from conflicting. During these 90 min. she did a lot of explaining. Of course it made perfect sense at the time, but not sure it all stuck. Then the chemo & something else began. All in all, I was to be finished by 5:00. Cheryl made it very clear that we were to call her if anything (he named many side effects) felt unusual or worse. She & Mike, another nurse came in every 5 minutes. Because of severe pain up my arm near I.V. entry, they hooked up the 2nd dose of Benadryl,. It made me very drunk and sleepy. I saw 2 of everything, my words did not make any sense. Hand eye coordination was quite a joke.
Got to hospital right at 11:30. On the ward, we passed a long row of patients in recliner chairs hooked up to their chemo I.V.s. We were escorted to a private room. It just happened to be the only spot available. 'Quelle domage!' I even had my own private biffy & a TV (that we didn't use)
On one of the every 5 minute visits, my face became burning red hot, and there was weird stuff happening with my heart and upper abdomen. Cheryl & Mike really went into action. Within a minute there was a doctor, another nurse and pharmacist. I was not phased at all. While they were switching things up, I was confident, feeling that I was receiving excellent care. Which I was! The doctor came back twice afterward to check on me. All settled down.
So much for the writing, reading, cards & a movie. There was almost never more than 15 minute quiet time. And when there was, I was so out of it, I couldn't read or think. We played one game of cards. I may have very unintentionally cheated, but it did pay off, as I won. For the most part, Larry just sat and 'watched' me. I'd ask how he was doing. "Fine!" he'd answer.
The day was not at all stressful or distressing. It really helped when I got a break, by someone else cancelling the appointment that allowed me to take it. I was relieved and excited. Any fear or apprehension that I had while not 'knowing when', disappeared. A huge part of why, is that my very favorite Saint, Catherine of Siena's feast day is the 29th of April. Over the years, in reflecting on her beautiful 'Dialogue' with God, we've become friends. This morning, as many of my friends realized that it was my saint's special feast day, 'bing, bing, bing, messages of excitement over this wonderful 'happen chance', They knew I would find comfort in being accompanied by my dear friend, St. Catherine of Siena. Here's a couple of her quotes that I love: "Nothing great is ever achieved, without much enduring." - "Never let the project be more important than the people." and "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." In the 14th century, Catherine lived and served on the streets & in hospices during not one, but three plagues. She dug many graves for the dead, including nieces & nephews. She was well known for being cheerful at all times.
I appreciate your love, encouragement and prayers. I offered my day as a prayer for you, that you would be blessed with great peace, regardless of the struggles in your life. God bless you. I love you! xoxoo
It's going on 3:30 a.m. I tried sleeping at 11:00 but just feel restless and agitated in my innerds. I was told that the nausea usually waits a couple of days to come on. I've got good meds to take care of that if/when it does. I was so grateful that Larry's crock pot chicken dinner was ready for us when we got home at 7:30.