3rd Chemo Treatment

I am excited to be doing my last 4 chemo treatments close to home at the Temiskaming Hospital.  My first of these treatments was scheduled for Monday, December 14th.  Although close to home, it is a new hospital to discover and find out where the lab is, where the chemo suite is... and who am I suppose to see once I get to those locations.

First, I have to pass the covid19 screening at the front door of the hospital.  I get my temperature taken and a new mask given to me.  So far in my roaming between hospitals, the Temiskaming Hospital is the only hospital that gives out masks at the covid19 screening before you enter the building.  I think that is a good practice.  

Next I get registered and directed to the lab area to wait for my turn to do bloodwork.  I gave my registration papers to the nurse who will draw blood, and I recognize her family name so ask a few questions... I find out I went to school with her mom and dad!!  Yes, it is a small world, and because of Facebook I knew she had got a new car recently, so it was like visiting with an old friend.    

This is when I find out that Sudbury had not submitted the blood requistion, even though I had talked to my doctor and her office the Friday prior.  Oh well... first time in a new place, I should expect some delays.  It just happened that the chemotherapy nurse was at the lab, so after she spoke with Sudbury directly, my bloodwork was given the go ahead.  One poke and it was done.  I am taken over to the chemo suite, but I have to wait for the processing of the bloodwork before I can start my treatments.  There are three chemo nurses and they have several chairs filled already, so it looks like Monday is just humming along kind of day for these ladies.  They work together like a well-oiled machine, and I find out that they have been working together for many years.  I am in great hands, these ladies know what they are doing.  I answer questions about my history, and get added to their computer system.  I will be getting two different kinds of chemo, and my doctor added a Benadryl solution with hope to avoid my previous side effects.  I have to wait for my chemo meds to be mixed and brought over from the pharmacy.  It is going to be a long day of waiting.. from 9am to 5pm.  On the positive side, I got the TV remote control, a nice hot poutine lunch, and all the hot blankets I want, so I guess it didn't turn out too badly.  With the delays of the day, my nurse told me for my next treatment that I should be first at the lab despite the appointment time I will be given because they will take me as soon as I have my bloodwork done.  Sounds good to me, thank you for caring... :)