Chemo School?

Ok...it wasn't really school but it was chemo training.  I can't believe it required training.  But I guess it's something that changes so often that what most people imagine chemo to be like isn't how it actually is. 

On Tuesday, we went in for Chemo Training, blood work, and genetic testing (see, I'm starting to get smart and make them combine everything into 1 appointment so I can save my free time).  I was actually really excited about this part.  I had a list of questions for them and was still jotting them down while we were in the waiting room. 

First, we had to sign consent forms for the genetic testing.  I wanted to go ahead and get it done now since I knew they were already doing blood work (less needle sticks in the long run, each one counts!).  From there, they took me back to the bays where patients were getting their chemo.  I was shocked to see the smiles on these patients faces.  I was so sure I would see people puking everywhere and miserable.  Nope, some were sleeping, some were reading, some watching tv, and other just enjoying their free time to relax and sit in their chair.  It was COMPLETELY different than I imagined.

They put me in one of the chairs and were going to draw the blood from my port!  This was the first time I've seen how it all works.  I will warn people, the needle for the port looks different and it looks long, BUT they don't stick it all the way in!  You have to remember that there are some patients who have ports put in a lot deeper than just under the skin so this specially designed needle has to be long.  And No, don't worry, they can't push the needle in too far.  There is a metal bottom for the port so it only goes so far in until it has to stop. 

Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to use the lidocaine cream to help numb my port area before they inserted the needle because I still have the surgical glue over the incision site.  They did give me some ice though to help numb it.  They told me to take a deep breath and it was over before I knew it.  Something I thought for sure was going to be super painful was actually far better than an IV or even some blood draws I've had in my arm.  I barely felt it.  They went ahead and flushed the port first and I got a weird taste in my mouth (normal).  Then they did the blood draw and then finally flushed the port again.  All in all, it was over in 5 minutes or so.  Too Easy!

Once that was done, it was off to training.  I let them give me the schedule of my treatment and go over what to expect.  Then it was my turn.  I think I caught the NP off guard with all of my questions.  Not in a bad way but more in a good way in that I wanted to be as prepared as I could as to what to expect come Friday and the days following.  She was soooooo nice and really helped alleviate all of my concerns. 

In the end, we left ready more than ever for Friday's 1st chemo treatment!