4th Chemo Treatment

My 4th chemo treatment was Monday, January 4th at the Temiskaming Hospital.  Being closer to home for my remaining treatments is a blessing, but it still makes for a really long day.  This time I was first in line to do bloodwork, early bird gets the best start on the day!!  Quick and easy, and then off to the chemo suite.  Here I was the first one in line too, but then delays started to set in.  Sudbury needed my weight verified, no problem... and they needed to approve my bloodwork... and give the GO ahead for the treatment.  An 8:30am chemo start turned quickly into a 11:00am GO ahead.  Once we have the go ahead, then the pharmacy can start to mix my treatment.  It's going to be several more hours before Michael can come back and pick me up.  It's quiet in the chemo suite today for patients, but not for the amount of work that the three nurses on duty have to do.  They verify and document everything to make sure the upmost safety for their patients!  They recently got a new computer system... oh can I relate to that kind of fun!  Where did they put the print button was the common question asked as they updated charts and procedures.  It is interesting to me to see the inner workings of the medical world.  Different from the manufacturing and administrative world that I come from, but still similar and familiar to me.

Lunch was chicken fingers and fries... just ask and you will receive.  Nurses also go and get the patient something to eat from the hospital kitchen when you are having chemo treatments... so I am feeling fairly spoiled.  Many hot blankets they will bring to keep my arm warm during the infusion. It will still be several hours being hooked to the IV pole, and by 4:30pm my treatment was finished.  Michael has come back to pick me up, and as a treat, we pick up chinese food for supper. 

Once home, I wait for the side effects for this treatment.  Last time I felt flushed, but full of energy that lasted a couple days.  This time I didn't have the same get up and go.  I was tired, and feeling achy too.  The metal taste was strong, and I feel like I'm fighting off a sore throat.  All part of the side effects but no fever.  I have to monitor for 38.0c fever, and if that happens I have get myself to the closest Emergency department to fight off infection.  

So far so good, and that will make a good birthday gift for my mom who celebrated her 74th birthday on January 6th.  Unfortunately with covid and my being extra careful for infection, I missed two birthdays this season.  My sister, Dorothy's birthday was December 23rd.  I failed to do a blog shoutout at the time.  She is my baby sister who was born on our Grandma Byerlay's birthday, and was our Christmas miracle baby since she was born premature.  We are lucky to have her and my mom here.  This was the first time I felt the power of prayer, and there would be many times since in my life.  I am grateful for the blessings I have received and known so far.

 Happy Birthday Dorothy and Happy Birthday Mom!!  Always sending you the best birthday wishes for a happy and healthy 2021!!  xo