Another New Experience
Yesterday, I had my first chemotherapy session. I was quite anxious about it because of the side-effects that I have been hearing and reading so much about (nausea, vomiting, numbness of fingers and toes, ringing of ears/hearing loss). And I was thinking to myself "it must be really bad or else they wouldn't need me to stay overnight at the hospital".
The therapy started at around 1:30pm. I was given MgSO (electrolytes) to boost my body with the required liquids. After two hours, I was then given anti-nausea medicine via the IV. Then came the main event-- I was given the "poison" (the chemo drug is called "cisplatin"). It came in a dark orange bag. Two nurses came in, one asked for my name and birthday, confirmed it with the label. Then the second nurse repeated the procedure and concurred. It reminded me of those movies where before the red launch button is pressed, another individual must concur that the "launch code is authenticated" before the button is pressed.
Once concurred, the bag was attached to my IV and the launch was done. N+1 second......
It took two hours before the bag was empty. After that, a bag of NaCL was given to replenish/boost more liquids into my body. I had that bag for the rest of the evening.
I felt fine throughout the night. In fact, I watched the Leafs beat the NY Islanders in overtime with other patients who were staying overnight. It was a great experience-- one that I will treasure because we shared a common battle. Although we were each at a different stage of treatment and fighting a different type of cancer, we were all battling the same enemy. There was unspoken acknowledgement of courage, strength and encouragement.
By the morning, I felt a little nausea, but not too bad. When I completed my radiation for the day, I started to have hiccups, which was unexpected. Before I left the hospital, I was prescribed a plethora of medication.
Praise the LORD for the new experience and for His grace and mercy.

1 Comments:
The confirmation process by 2 nurses really tells us you are in good hands.
Canada has a good health care system.
Now we know the tax dollars are in good use.
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