Life Seems Normal...

Life seems normal today. I went on a walk. I visited with neighborhood friends. I mated socks. I hate a half of a Kashi veggie pizza. Mom was here all day. She is a good reminder that I need to keep moving. She has the perfect touch. I like that.

So chemo, post day one - CHECK!

Chemo was an interesting experience. I sat in a very comfortable recliner. I had three drugs, given sequentially, through a IV in my left hand. My nurse's name was Norrie, but all were very friendly and helpful. They scanned my medical ID bracelet for each dose, whether it be saline (used to flush my veins) or for the anti-anxiety meds they gave me (also given for nausea). They had another nurse double-check the labels of the drug against my medical record and made me state my name with each dose. For my RCHSD colleagues, these procedures all were established with implementation of Kaiser's EPIC system, which now they really like. Norrie told me that the system was really cumbersome in its inception.

My mom sat with me all day. It took longer than I expected, but then I got really nauseated on my last does of meds and they stopped it for a while, giving me more Adivant through my IV (I had had it in pill form earlier). I even got up to use the bathroom connect to my IV pole. They offered to help, but as I know the kids at RCHSD do this all the time, I knew I could handle it.

I received numerous well-wishes throughout the day via texts, emails and Facebook posts. I even got more flowers upon my return home! All of which were greatly appreciated, but my favorite part of the day was the visit from my dad, Darin and Kelly. Darin and Kelly were on their way back to Portland. They lifted my spirits and Kelly even gave me a mini-clinical exam! My family has been absolutely fabulous through this all. Darin and Kelly were not even supposed to be in San Diego for Thanksgiving. (I have to say many, many thanks to Kelly's family for their generosity!)

So back to today, my post chemo drug regiment is rather intense. I have three drugs just to control my nausea. I even had to give myself a shot to help my poor little white blood cells. I suppose I will get better at this as time goes on. Steve and the kids are now home. They washed their hands upon walking in the door. Harrison was pleased that I got out of bed and went for a walk. Steve is preparing a sumptuous dinner, provided by some of his RDR colleagues. Both kids are watching TV - I am assuming they have done their homework. Life seems normal....tomorrow, I assume more of the same.