Infusion 3 of 4

Thursday was infusion #3. Entering the home stretch now. 

First stop, blood draw.
It was unusually busy compared to my first 2 infusions. There was a wait to get my blood drawn but that was okay because once I was in we had quick success with the blood draw as I assumed the position that worked best on infusion #2. 

Next stop, Oncologist. 
Not much of a wait here. We spent the first 30 min just shooting the breeze and talking about family and the fascinating life of his brother, the federal judge, spurred by my questions on how judges are selected for cases and what type of protection is needed for high profile cases. He could have talked about it for hours and I could have listened for hours.

Then I busted out my PAX vaporizer and showed him the latest technology in delivering THC from marijuana. For more on medical Mary Jane see my July 22nd post.

Last stop, chemo lounge. 
The waiting room was packed! There was quite a wait and the other patients were chatty. Lots of questions and comments directed at me, mostly spurred on by my fading Mohawk. 

Finally my name was called. It was so busy they gave me the option of using a private room with its own bathroom. Although I liked the spots near the windows the only one available had a large post blocking most of the view so I choose the private room. Having that bathroom was a perk and when my chemo buddies went out to grab us some lunch I didn't feel bad about eating my piroshki that was hot and smelled so good. Normally I wouldn't do that because I am conscious of the smell affecting the other patients. Private room kept the smell of our lunches contained.
 
My blood levels were good as reported by my oncologist and the ooh's and ahh's I got from the nurses in the chemo lounge. Those nurses are rock stars. I brought them them a local treat, Almond Roca, and they were just cute as can be hugging the container and offering many thanks.

We found out the nurses have a little thing on Thursdays. They all wear pearls. So next time my chemo buddies and I will wear pearls in solidarity. 

At home now:
It has been two days and I feel tired but happy. I am off to a good start for what is supposed to be the worst week. Taste buds went dead by Friday morning so it's all about texture and staying hydrated until the buds start to wake up again in week three. Meanwhile I torture myself by watching cooking shows. I love food porn. 

Sleep has been eluding me but that is due to the Dexamethasone I take before and a few days following infusions. This is temporary though and I look forward to naps.

Upcoming post:
I have been researching the history and evolution of chemotherapy. My attention span is best in the morning so I try to work on it a little everyday. It has been fun and I look forward to completing it.