It’s been a busy busy day today, but we are finally on our way.
I woke up to blood tests, then an IV and a platelet transfusion – all before an 8:00 appointment to have a Hickman chest catheter installed. After that I took an X-ray to make sure everything was in place and came back to my room to start the first of two daily chemo rounds, followed by an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a visit from May with enchiladas- (which I promptly ate before the nausea from the chemo kicked in). And it’s not even 3:00 pm yet. Still lots more to come too.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post I’m back in familiar surroundings here at Rikshospital. This morning I even had a nurse who remembered me from last year. Things are very much the same but there are a few differences from last time. All for the good.
The food is a million times better. Last year I was here during what the Norwegians call “fellesferie” (when all of Norway shuts down in the middle of summer and everyone goes on vacation) – anyway no one was maning the kitchen last year and all the food was brought in prepackaged. Take it or leave it. This time around there is a nice staff in the kitchen (we have our own little kitchen here in the ward) – they make food and if you don’t like what they are serving (chemo patients can be very picky eaters) they will, to the best of their ability, make you whatever whatever you like.
Another difference this time around is that it’s winter, which means its dark and easier to sleep.
But my favorite difference, and this is a big one, is the new ear thermometers. There were two things I was fearing more than the chemo, nausea, hair loss and general poor health – rectal thermometers and daytime TV. Last year we had to take out temp twice a day, the old fashion way. This year we take it in the ear, much more enjoyable. This was a big relief to me and almost as good news as the doctors gave us yesterday (not really, but I was not looking forward to rectal thermometers)
Daytime TV is unfortunately still daytime TV – so I read and listen to podcasts instead. I also have my streaming services for when things get desperate.
Considering the circumstances I’m in good spirits. The ill effects of chemo haven’t kicked in yet and I’m trying to enjoy myself as much as I can until I can’t.