My heart sank into my shoes when the Unit Clerk at the Chemotherapy wing told me that my chemo for today had been cancelled. I had anticipated that things might be a little harried after the holidays, but not this. Not another delay!
After the Unit Clerk got ahold of the doctor, it became clear that there had been an error, a misreading of an imprecise email that the doctor had sent. My oncologist did indeed want me to have chemo today. The Unit Clerk checked with the charge nurse, and they managed to squeeze me in. Things were delayed by 90 minutes, but better that than another trip tomorrow.
The infusion went fine... and that is the end of the "AC" chemo protocol - Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide. Taxol is up next, for four infusions, run over a longer time period. With the pre-infusion meds and the infusion itself, it normally takes about 5 hours, longer if the patient has a reaction. The nurse advised me to bring food and entertainment, to settle in for the day.
But for now, I am celebrating being halfway through chemotherapy! YAY! I hope there are no further delays. Next chemo is scheduled for 12 Jan.
This was the view from my chemo chair today. Not the most interesting view, but I was just so happy to have a spot! For most of the time, there was a man across from me. The woman on my right (not visible) is celebrating her 88th birthday tomorrow! (She definitely didn't look that old.)
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Claire and I enjoyed a really lovely, peaceful, quiet, comfy, cozy Christmas holiday. Though I had hoped for chemo on the 24th, it was really a precious gift to feel so well for the holiday, and a few days before. The food tasted delicious, including the fruit cake. Claire has been working away (for 5-6 hours a day!) on her 9000+ piece LEGO replica of the Roman Coliseum. I've been doing yoga, reading, watching Shetland, and taking lessons from Daisy about napping.
The break from chemo has given me new wind in my sails to carry on, and an experiential knowing that my body will recover after the treatment is over. But for January and February, I will be "hunkered down," wintering, practicing self-compassion and self-care.
Sending love and gratitude to all! May 2022 be a better year for us all, with good health and much happiness.
PS: Personally, I'm hoping that 2022 brings us a new provincial government that is friendly to basic income—and to "ordinary" people more generally. On that note, I can't resist adding a link to the new website for the Kingston Action Group for a Basic Income Guarantee. We have started to fundraise for the Basic Income Now campaign that will be launching soon, for the provincial election in June. If you can, please make a donation, or sign up to get a Basic Income Now sign (delivered in spring, in Kingston.)
just catching up on your blog, dear. You are the most beautiful - I just know there would be a big divot in my skull if my hair was gone. xoxoxoxox
I’m celebrating with you, Elaine!!
You look beautiful and radiant…different hair do, same warm eyes and glowing smile!
We’re celebrating your inspiring courage and the halfway mark of your chemo here in Newmarket too! Also, I love the photos of your beautiful smiling face Elaine! Sending you love, health and solidarity for a new provincial government and a basic income!