I finally moved into the BMT Isolation Unit on Friday afternoon. I have many lovely things on walls and shelves to distract me from the hospital look in the unit. They let me out (does this sound like boarding school?) for the last time yesterday and I was collected by a friend to have lunch in Newmarket. I will be in for the long haul for 3 - 5 weeks.
As I went about my day I had a sense of: last time I will collect my daughter from school for a while, last time I'll see my cat, Diaz, until later, last time I'll share time with Grant in the house for now etc etc.
This is a well-run ward hosted by a fantastically organised nurse who inspires great confidence. He told me to look at this time as just 3 months out of my life while working together for a cure. He said they like to work in the present with any side effects or reactions that occur as every patient responds differently. Also, I learnt that because I haven't had any previous chemotherapy treatments, and am relatively healthy, my immune system should bounce back quickly and I'll be out of here sooner. I'm especially impressed with him as he has found an extra table to enable me to use the computer with ease.
The last two days I've been experiencing some nausea but I've found that they've got really good drugs here to control it. It's hard to tick the boxes on the menu list when I really don't feel like eating anything. Today the nurse has hooked me up to an iv fluid and chemo drip which will be my constant companion for two days. Apparently I will be weeing frequently as a lot of fluid goes in to protect my bladder lining from the chemotherapy drug. I'm feeling cold and can't imagine wearing the summer clothes and nighties I brought with me without jackets and wraps.
My nurse has just kindly offered me an extra anti-nausea drug as it's lunchtime and I just can't face the thought of food right now. He put the drug directly into my line so that it would take effect fast.
The powers that be allowed me to bring in my lazyboy rocking chair! It's a perfect place to sit and watch the changing vista outside the window. The view is leafy and picturesque as I look out onto the main entrance to The Domain. I see many people on a mission to get some where - walking along the street, crossing the road and waiting at bus stops.
I am as the Elven Queen, Galadriel; powerful and knowing. I entrust these caring souls accompanying me on my journey as I walk towards the light...
