The Journey Now: Part 6

77 Days

That's how long I've been working this chemo.  This leg of my journey began last August, but this chemo, the "easy to moderate" chemo that was only supposed to be 12 weeks, is 77 days old today. It will stretch out three more weeks, with at least more weeks of recovery. I updated my work email notice today, although my doctor's paperwork always anticipated an April return. I hoped to make it earlier, but I probably won't be up for a real return until then.

My Updated Chart

This week's chemo begins the last big round.  They always schedule an oncologist appointment before the round. This week, my doctor was out, so I saw another member of her practice.  I liked her especially well because 1) she didn't minimize my reaction to Cytoxan; it was serious and 2) she agreed: my reaction will be bad, once again.

So, Nurse Ratched, this message is for you: 

No, It isn't just that I reacted badly. The Cytoxan is making me crash, my physical reaction was dangerous and my emotional reaction justified. You really should have acted a bit more responsively when I called; the doctor said so. Oh, and if you can't tell the difference between a dangerously sick chemo patient with neutropenia and someone with, say, a cold, you should stop being a chemo nurse.  

This was only one nurse in my chemo clinic, but she was the one who took my call. My bad luck, I guess. The doctor encouraged me to take my narcotic painkillers.  I'm sure hubby will make sure, when I'm that sick again. I'm not crazy about them, but I guess it is better than being fully engaged with just how sick I may become.

The doctor also prescribed neupogen for the three days following this round. That means I'll be back to being bone pain sore, but I was anyway.  Another reason to be free with the Norco, I guess. Fine.  Bring it on!

I am still fortunate: Just Three.More.Weeks.

Been through chemo? Did you have a Nurse Ratched of your own?  Please share your thoughts.