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Quite groggy from the last chemo, but I just wanted to document that it was nearly as smooth as silk. After listening to my tale of woe from the last time, the lab nurse spent a good 15 minutes finding just the right vein. It was on the side of my wrist, right over a nerve, which made it uncomfortable once the infusion began, but a couple of warm compresses opened everything nicely.
And I had been having a very rapid heartrate, which concerned me -- as I thought, it's due to chemo-induced anemia, which is forcing my heart to beat faster to keep me oxygenated. Kind of like being at high altitude, in a way.
And it seems that my immune system should be back to life in about a month! Just in time to kiss babies at Thanksgiving.
Infusion nurse: "I mean this in the nicest possible way -- I hope I never see you again!"
Arigato Gazimashta to you, too!
I'm not sure "Congratulations" is the right response, but it begins to say what I mean. You have come such a journey, dear one, with dignity, humor, your razor sharp insights, solid reflections, and such style! Thank you for sharing the journey with those who love you in this way. I for one am proud to know you.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure "Thank you," is the right response, either. I'm not out of the wilderness yet, and even afterwards there are some as-yet uncharted lifesyle changes to traverse.
ReplyDeleteBut it's very good to have this section of the trail behind me. (More beating of this metaphor into the ground in a later post!)
And as we approach All Saints, I am very aware that my own "cloud of witnesses" includes many members of what used to be called the Church Militant; those who are running all around me, and who yet find the strength to cheer little me on.
I am so glad that you have reached this milestone and, yes, I hope that she does not see you again! Although "thank you" may not be quite the right thing to say in reply, it worked as well as anything to acknowledge her sentiments. With any luck, you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by babies you can kiss and family & friends!
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