SIT IN THE GREEN CHAIR

The day after I got my medi-port/power-port installed, I went for my first chemo treatment. This was actually a pleasant experience. The first thing, Stacy, the nurse, said, was "Just sit in that green chair." Which green chair? There were 10 identical recliners, each with their own side-table, a medicine pole, and a small flat screen TV on a extension arm. All this in a big pleasant great-room with a huge sky-light. While we recieved treatment, we could get a snack and a blanket from the warmer, and even unplug our med pole and go down the hall to the bathroom. Eugene and Cassie had dropped me off, went and got me lunch, and then left again to get lunch and shop around until I was finished.

The nurses were very compassionate, (Smart, too. They were ordering and mixing the drugs. I mean, if you're gonna take life changing drugs, get an expert to mix them, right?) and they allowed us patients to be independent. They cared for us without spoiling us. The oncology room was a bright, hopeful place to be. Most of the patients were happy, and hopeful, not grumbling. (Of course, 'you always have the exception' said one nurse softly, as she slyly rolled her eyes around and toward a loud complaining woman. She was the only patient that I heard complain in the whole 3 month regimen. But I found out later that this was her third time around. When I asked her how long she would have to take treatments, she replied, "Till I die, I guess." I think this sort of experience gives you a whole new perspective on life and death ( and on being nosey into other people's lives.)

Sometimes, patients brought a friend or family member. If we were alone, sometimes we chatted with each other, comparing experiences, read a book, watched our little TVs, or even took a nap. Sometimes every chair was full, and sometimes only one or two. It took me about 3 hours from the time I had my blood drawn till the last drop of chemical was in my veins.

They gave me good 'piggy-back' (additional) meds to keep me from being nauseated, and steroids to keep my feet and legs from swelling. But some of these drugs dry out the contents of the gut, so if this ever happens to you, learn from my pain, and take fiber suppliments and drink lots of water. The time of discomfort is shortened if you know this and start ahead of time. Of course, you can be a stubborn experiential learner, and learn it on your own. Some people just insist on learning from their own pain.