So, almost two days down, 4 to go until I receive my stem cells back… not going too badly.
The first day was interesting… as some of you may or may not known, most drugs given to us in hospital are diluted in saline – this is, I believe, because it is a solution that integrates well with the body, and doesnt adversly effect the drugs (correct me if Im wrong anyone!).
However yesterday I receive my drug from a glass jar, rather than a bag, which I immediately was different… and it was because it was infused with alcohol base… so I was warned I may get a red face, feel like Ive had a hard night out and may wake up with a hangover! GREAT! Considering Ive never HAD a hangover I wasnt looking forward to it.
Well, the red face certainly happened, and the nurses had fun teasing me about it, although I get a red face at the slightest of exertion as well, no matter how fit I am, so it was bound to happen! I also felt the effects of the alcohol, but I am happy to say I wasnt stumbling out to the car… too badly anyway.
I also received my CADD pump, which is currently whirring away giving me my 2nd dose of at-home drugs. It has to stay permantly attached my to line, which makes getting around a little bit harder, but its in a bag, with a long line so I can sit it on a chair outside the shower so it doesnt get wet, and so I can roll around at night without yanking it out of me, or the pump.
Its set for 7am and 7pm. I get 50mls of drugs over 3hrs each. Its not too bad, and I didnt hear it start this morning since I had it under a pillow on the bed. No adverse effects from it yet.
I am starting to feel a little “full” which I got from the Hi-Dice as well, but its not as bad as it was yesterday or this morning.. just a little bit of reflux I think.
This morning was also my first visit to the ward for my Itoposide (at least I think thats what it is) infusion. Very quick 20min one, but we waited for over an hour for the pharmacy to deliver it! Whilst there we saw most people from Hematology, so I recognized a few people, but there was one poor girl who looked miserable and was on her last day of chemo and didn’t have a line, and apparently has had a horrible time with veins this last week. The nurses were telling her abour it, and I really wish I had spent some more time talking to her. I doubt she was much older than 18, and she looked happy to see someone a bit younger (most people you see around the hospital are 40+ ). I think she was an oncology patient. Poor thing.
Anyway, so its going ok so far. Im handling it ok, and Im feeling ok… So much so Im still able to do a bit of work, which im happy about.
So thats it for now – unless I realise Ive forgotten to talk about something, in which case I shall be back 
