Took off around 10am with Peg and headed for MGH. I had to get there early to sign the consent and then they had to get me registered. I had bloodwork done (they missed another vein--I guess my veins jump), saw Kara, the RNP, and Carol, who is an oncology nurse working on the trial, and said a brief hello to Dr. Michaelson, who, when he heard me say I had just returned from vacation, said, "you really are getting around, Italy, Lake Champlain...let me go and see my sick folks". A simple comment, suggesting that I'm not as sick, was comforting....he's good at that...they are all. It has been a positive of this whole thing, the outstanding and amazing people I have come in contact with. I am so appreciative and grateful for their being genuine, their warmth, and their patience. They are so smart and filled with knowledge and yet, are humble and unpretentious; constantly finding things to say that build you up and pick up your spirit...they do such honorable and difficult work...I am in awe of them all.
Before the infusion, I was weighed and measured...it turns out that they do this every time---it is how they measure my dose of chemo. They brought us back to a comfortable area with 4 areas separated by cubicle curtains and a very comfortable hospital-type lounge chair. There was also a TV. Once my fresh batch of Gemcitabine came from the pharmacy (45 minutes), the nurse gowned and gloved up (it's potent stuff) and reviewed and reviewed and reviewed, that I was the correct patient receiving the correct dose and medication. I appreciated that. The infusion took about 45 minutes, burned like crazy, and was finally done. I picture it now burning the bad cells right out of my body and off the face of the earth! I got unhooked and headed back to the office, took care of a couple of key things, packed up my computer and went home, not knowing how I was going to feel in the morning. I was having fairly severe stomach cramps, which continued through 9pm and then finally subsided. They had given my some anti-neausea pills before the infusion, so there was none of that. I think the cramps were from too much broccoli thoughout the day. Also, my back was a nightmare--the sciatic nerve problem again. More about that later.
Before departing MGH, they told me to do careful mouth care, but not see a dentist for teeth cleaning due to digging at the gums, etc., to do much hand-washing without going OCD, stay away from sick people, and all that, because my white blood cells will be decreased. That for the next 24 hours I might spike a fever, have flu-like symptoms, not be able to sleep, etc. Once home, I was really tired, still trying to get my house in order from returning from Eagle Camp, finally made it to bed by 11 and had no problems. Slept great, felt great. I took my pill dosage this morning, had breakfast and headed off to the office. I have a big deadline this week, so I really need to be here, and I should be here, because I feel great!
So....I'm on the clinical trial...keep the good karma coming my way that this is going to give me some extra time to hang around...I quite like it!
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And we like HAVING you around. (As Dad once said to me.)
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