FREEDOM!!
At around 9:37a today, I was granted an almost 3 day furlough from chemotherapy. I had my daily radiation treatment and then (after waiting almost 2 hours), I went back to Bay C in the Ambulatory Care unit and had the chemotherapy tube (yup, the one that was originally connected backward on the chemo-pump) removed! Woo Hoo! I cannot say how nice it is not to have to worry about something catching on the tubing or always having to wear a fanny pack with the pump. So I plan to enjoy the next couple of days.
While I was waiting, however, I had the opportunity to talk some with Jim, the gentleman I mentioned from last Monday (the one who said, “I guess you all are wondering why I invited you here today?”). Then again, maybe you don’t remember that post. Suffice it to say that Jim is participating in a different clinical trial which requires him to spend ALL DAY in the chemo bay (6-8 hours). Jim had asked if my name was Merle Hamburger and when I admitted it, he said his wife had seen my name in the bulletin (for some kind of service) at one of the local churches here in Lilburn. All in all, I just enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him.
Tonight, friends from church are going to kidnap MaryBeth and take her to dinner and perhaps a comedy show. I have read in several places how important it is for the caretakers of people with cancer to also take care of themselves. Don’t worry, though; while MB is out with the girls, Mom and I will take the kids out for a night of frivolity of our own.
As for how I’ve been feeling, my stomach has been going up and down these last couple of days. This morning, I really felt quite yucky after radiation (so much so I took a compazine to control my nausea) and then again the nausea hit me around lunch time (what has been the “usual” time after radiation for my nausea). We’ll see if it continues through the weekend or if I’ll be able to have a (relatively) queasy-free weekend.
Have a great weekend.
Cheers,
Merle