The Chemo Spa

“The unknown is not what to be afraid of, it’s only when the unknown becomes known that one can decide whether to be afraid or not.”
― Markus Peterson

I had no idea what to expect, my first time going into chemotherapy. Would it hurt? Would I die an agonizing death worthy of an Oscar? Would I crumble and cry and moan?

Well folks. It was none of the above.

I was in a room. A large bright room with a wall of windows and I got to choose my seat as there was no assigned seating. So I chose a window seat. Well? Why not? Sat down in the comfiest chair ever. Personal remote to control the chair. I could use one of these at home. Little side tables attached to the arms with cup holders built in. Personal TV with remote. Place to plug in my phone charger which I inconveniently left at the hospital the first time. Oops. Blame it on chemo brain. Oh, and I wear my clothes. No need to change into hospital attire. I like that part.

The infusions last about three hours. What to do with three hours of time? Of course knowing me, you’ll all say so? How many books did you read? Actually, so far, none. I had guests and visiting dignitaries (hospital personnel) and lunch catered by Henri’s and before I knew it the time was up. I had a little stack of books and mags on my side table and I didn’t crack a spine.

My spa attendant Rosemary donned a biohazard blue coat, hat and the matching gloves. When I asked why, she assured me it would keep the chemicals from touching her skin or clothes if there should be a leak. At this point my husband leaped up and backed away from all of us. Stuart tends to be a bit dramatic. Personally I thought the blue did nothing for Rosemary. I would have chosen a plum to go with her skin coloring. She agreed. I love my nurse.

The second chemo spa was pretty much the same. I was told all my blood levels are spot on except my potassium levels were low. Bananas, tomatoes, potatoes. What?? Potatoes?? Really? Only my favorite food group next to pizza. I immediately scarfed down a bag of Lays.

And so. Two down, six to go. The side effects are not pleasant but I’ll get to that in another post.

Happy Monday all!