November 29, 2012. Today was my first day of chemotherapy. I was apprehensive but not fearful. I met Annie (not her real name) in the waiting area....young (30), completely bald and frail but so helpful in answering my "first-timer" questions. She has had a double mastectomy and is facing a long recovery. She preceded me into the chemo room and while I was there I overheard her telling her nurse that she was feeling terrible. The nurse reviewed her numbers and discovered that Annie was in bad enough shape that her treatment would need to be postponed for a week and there was a question of her being hospitalized. She told the nurse that she would be at home alone that night. I am so blessed as I compare my journey to Annie's.
At this point please bear with me as I phase into present tense, since my blog is based on the journaling I did on the actual date of my experiences.
I am in a comfortable recliner preparing to be infused with medicine fed through tubes inserted into my port. I feel as if I am being initiated into a club that I didn't ask to join and that I am going to be experiencing the membership benefits of that club whether I choose to or not! First came 20 minutes of anti-nausea medication, followed by 30 minutes of Gemzar, my chemo chemical du jour. I'm feeling slightly dizzy but ok. My nurse, Sue, is kind, helpful and knowledgeable. She informs me that I should expect nausea for a day or two and a prescription was called in to be picked up on our way home. I am still feeling fine.
The chemo room is surprisingly pleasant and upbeat even though there are patients at varying stages of their diseases all around me. The nurses keep the mood light and the veteran patients sleep or attend to their business without complaint. I am not sure what I expected but this place is not scary.
God is so faithful. I pray that He gives me the opportunity to praise Him to others around me at some point in my journey.
"I Myself go before you, opening up the way. I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, you need not be afraid or discouraged." (From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)
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