Today November 5, 2014 started with the hardest of goodbye’s to my girls Ch’i and Liliana. I stifled cries the entire way to Brisbane.
After checking in to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, I had surgery to insert a Hickman’s Catheter (with it’s own ‘serial number’ and identification card:-), it has three lumens to administer chemotherapy and other drugs, take blood, give blood and platelet transfusions etc. It was inserted through the jugular vein, then goes to the heart. After all those surgeries to get my chest/’breasts’ looking as good as they could, I now have a couple of ‘bullet holes’ where this central line has been inserted!
It was time for food, before my first round of chemotherapy, which was to last five days.
This was my first meal after surgery and last before chemo started – not exactly gourmet…..
No time wasting here. Later that night came the heavy stuff..
I couldn’t sit still, so went to the entrance of the Bone Marrow Transplant unit and Skyped my brother Dave as the first lot of drugs went through.
It wasn’t long before they took hold.
I needed a blood transfusion. First one I’d ever had. (I’m A+)
And I learnt how to Skype the puppies!
Sleep wasn’t easy in a shared room…..As awesome as 19 year-old Ash was, there’s no joy in sharing a room and bathroom when you’re having chemo. There was no escaping the fact that we were both sick. To be frank – it’s disgusting.
Here I am showing off my new jarmies from my friend Lyndall..
Paul and I wondered what the hell was in store next..
I willingly demolished the crappy hospital food (most of it). Must be the steroids.
I found myself laughing hysterically with my Mum – I’d made it through 5 days of heavy-duty chemotherapy!!!
I Skyped my husband and fell asleep while doing so…..
I began to learn the language of haematology…….
Also had my first platelet transfusion.
Had the dressing changed on my central line.
And had the stitches removed from my back. (You’re the best Bec!!)
Couldn’t help but do the thumbs-up with my Mum, Cousin Matt and his wife Jodie.
Encore Performances 