It is safe to say that yesterday, June 13, 2022, was a Big Day. Of course, me being me, it was met with a few curve balls. I really shouldn’t let those curve balls affect me so much because they ALWAYS happen! We started with a blood draw at 7:00am. I was under the impression that both Ana and Dick would be able to accompany me to the Hematology Clinic. No, only one. Ana and I loaded into the van with the rest of the group at 9:00am. The Hematology Clinic is right next to where we got our MRI’s and about 15 minutes away from the COR Patient building where we live for 28 days.

We all know what happens when we ASSUME, which I totally did about this whole procedure. There are not enough facepalm emojis to even begin to insert here. As a veteran of infusions, I assumed that my caregiver got to sit in a chair next to me. Nope! We went to the infusion center and Ana said that she would see me in a few hours. So, now we are at 1) Dick couldn’t even come and 2) Ana has to stay in the waiting room!? OK, OK, I’ve got this. Went to my chair, and yes, they are very plush and recline and that is a plus. Next to the chair is an Apheris machine. This machine receives blood and then separates it. Remember, we are pulling the stem cells out. It’s in the picture up top.

If you don’t remember, I now have a port. I’ve never had one of those, but to all of the sudden take the intravenous infusions like I have done for so many years, to the port sitting above my heart is a little scary to me. So here I am, in my chair and the drs and nurses are in and out of my little cubicle getting everything ready like they do this every day. Because they do! Here is where the language barrier got a little tricky for me. I just wanted to know what they were saying! Why was Ana in the waiting room?! 3) Language barrier.

They start adding some meds through the port and I feel it in my throat. Not like, ‘oh that is making my throat sore.’ More like, ‘I feel pressure in my vein or artery or whatever is there and it’s scaring the ever loving hell out of me!’ I did ask if they could slow it down. Do I know how to say ‘despacio, por favor’ (slow please), well, yes I do! Do you think that I said it? Nope! Just ‘slow, please,’ but I did use my manners because it’s rude not to, and more importantly they have control of the port! 4) OMG! WTH! What am I doing? And…cue the meltdown.

It wasn’t like an epic meltdown but had the potential to be. I only had like 3 Kleenexes with me and if I hadn’t mentioned this gem yet, you are absolutely not allowed to leave the chair when you are hooked to Apheris machine. Not dragging that Bad Boy into the bathroom with you. So, I breathed through the meltdown, overused my 3 tissues and proceeded to watch a movie on my iPad. To add insult to injury, who comes walking through to introduce himself and see how we are doing? None other than The Legend, Dr.Ruiz himself! All I can do is say ‘nice to meet you and I’m fine.’ That or proceed to have an epic meltdown in front of Dr. Ruiz!. My timing is impeccable, I know!

Approximately 3 hours later, they had the stem cells collected and we all were disconnected and sent back to the van to return to our home away from home. I felt pretty puny. I’m guessing that harvesting stem cells takes a lot out of a body. It did mine at least. We got back to our room and ordered lunch, which I ate a little of. My stomach has been so upset that I opted for my usual chicken and rice soup. I was able to push some electrolytes through and got a little nap because, as if this day wasn’t enough already, we are now heading to Round 3 of chemo! 5) Chemo Anxiety! If you haven’t had a chance to read my blog about chemo, let me just tell you that it was horrid for me and knowing what I know now, I am a wreck!

At around 3:00, TGP notified us that it was time to head to the 5th floor chemo room. Dick and I headed up with our backpack full of snacks, water, and the ever present, electrolytes. Got to do chemo in the port. Got to sit in another plush chair. Did get to get up to go to the bathroom (always a plus!) and visited a bit with my group that consist of two pretty cool people and their equally great caregivers. Dick was on point sharing candy with nurses, patients and caregivers. He is just that guy! One of the many reasons that I love him!

At approximately 7:30pm we made it to the rooftop for a bit of air. Went back to our apartment and had some dinner. We are binging Breaking Bad so we watched one episode before turning in. I’ll start chemo on today at 9:00. I’ll try to get some pictures added, but I’m pretty sure that I am due for a nap!