A good first day

Woke up this morning, food was on my mind.

Being a little lazy this morning, we were short on time before leaving for Dr. Erickson (to check the port) and then Dr. Patel to begin the chemo.

We had to not only make and consume breakfast, but also prepare food for the day in chemo. We had a wide variety of things to take ranging from soup (in a hot thermos), apple juice (in a cold thermos), peanut butter crackers, grapes and sulpher-free apricots.

Dr. Erickson said the port was perfect and so off we went to Dr. Patel. After the customary weigh in (down a few pounds) and blood tests, we met with the nurse practitioner, who confirmed my belief in that type of medicine! She was also very competent. She is giving me a prescription should I feel nausea. Apparently, though, many of the renowned side effects of chemo only appear after extended sessions, if at all. I also learned that I will go in on the "off" Tuesday for blood work. They monitor everything!

I then spent much of the day with Sherry, the veteran of the nursing staff. She was very competent and explained all that was going to happen. Over time, she put a number of different bags of fluid on the port IV stand. I asked if one of them was diet Pepsi and she said that I could think whatever I wanted.

Eventually, she went over countless papers and while I listened intently, all the papers went to my beautiful research manager. (Note the promotion) She showed me two on pain, but neither indicated a successful treatment for nagging research managers. (regretting the promotion already! Mushroom tea? Really? I just learned that the Chaga tea shipped today.)

The one unexpected factoid is that during the chemo (Including the 2 days on the pump), there is an extreme sensitivity to cold. Don't even think about opening the freezer. We went to the bridge club to run the game and I forgot about the cold thing and grabbed a cold bottle of water. When I put it to my lips, it helped me to remember!

All in all, a comfortable day, very relaxed and very effective. Thanks to all the staff who made it so.

Two nice things that have happened.

1. Several texted or emailed good wishes. Thanks.
2. I have been corresponding with Mary Jo Yates. It began with a very nice email from her and is growing into a helpful email relationship in which we can identify with each other's journey. She is wonderful to share her experience. Some time down the road, we will play a game of bridge together.

Tomorrow, no medical visits and I will spend some time at the club.

I have finished my evening Brazil nuts and 2000 IU's of vitamin D3 and so it is off to bed to figure out how to sleep with a 6"x4"x2" pump. That's almost as big as the Shih Tzu therapy dog, Bob, that I met today.