Cancer Update #8

Today was my first day of chemotherapy and radiation. I started the day rubbing lidocaine across my installed Medport and covering with a piece of plastic wrap. Then it was off to the Schar cancer center.

Upon arrival I checked in and they hooked up the necessary tubes to the Medport. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel a thing. After that I went to the top floor to have the chemo machine hooked up to my cybernetic implant.

The nurse asked me if I was still self sufficient. I said yes but confessed to sometimes whining to get my kids to do stuff for me. When going over risks and hygiene she asked if I had any pets. I responded with “Do my kids count?” She said no and asked what they were. I said 3 boys and sometimes they smell like animals.

There’s a small hose that hangs from my right breast now. When the nurse came back she played a video for me and asked me to watch the TV. She became confused when I opened my shirt and started staring at my chest. Seeing her bewildered state I said “What? I’m watching the boob tube.”

They run a few more medicines through the tube then connect me to machine which even comes with a Fanny pack. If this were happening around Halloween I’d definitely dress up as the Rock circa 1990 . I wrap up everything in Fairfax and head to Woodbridge for the radiation treatment.

I arrive across the street from Sentara. I check in and disrobe. Then I put on a robe. That part always seemed ironic to me. I lay down on the table and after being lined up with laser beams I’m radiated. I put my clothing back on and wrap up the consultation with the Doc.

Today I was poisoned and irradiated. Who was it that said two negatives don’t make a positive? The Chemo will be a constant drip throughout the rest of the week. The other is a daily session of roughly 30 minutes per day for 6 weeks. I already feel fatigued and my spirits are still high but it’s time I lay down for a bit. As always thank you for your support!