Girls Day At "The Spa"

I do not know if I have mentioned here before just how much I despise going to the oncologists office, either for check ups or for chemo.  The atmosphere there is just so depressing and scary.  There are so many people there and a lot of them are older or in much worse shape than me.  It is just the saddest place to be.  The night before chemo I always get an anxiety attack.  The dread just envelops me.  By the day of my chemo, I am over it and just do what has to be done.  My doctor's office tries to compensate...the decor is nice and comfortable.  Plenty of friendly staff.  There are just too many sick people there, and we all know why they are there.  So here is the point to this:

Yesterday, my day of hell chemo turned into a little spa day.  I was lucky enough to have my two girls from work, Diane and Jennifer, with me the whole appointment.  Needless to say, I was there a long time.  Wait times at the clinic are horrendous.  So, we three who have known and worked with each other for almost 20 years spent the time catching up, laughing, telling stories.  It was so easy for me to forget the anxiety and where I was.  Once Diane joined Jen and I the time flew so much faster.  It helped to also visit with a pharmacist who works at the clinic.  We all three worked with her off and on over the last 15 years.  I do no think my girls truly understand just how much their time with me meant.  It made a very depressing and dreaded event turn into one of fun, friendship, and laughter.  So with all of my heart I thank them.

Now I am just waiting for my dreaded side effects to kick in.  I figure I have about another hour before I start to feel bad for the rest of the night.  Generally, nights are harder for me than day.  I start my days later than normal and end up in pajamas by about 5 every night.  Sitting on the sidelines watching my family do dinner, baths, and bed.  By Saturday, I expect to feel the worst.  But, this is my last time with this chemo.  Praying the next chemo is a little nicer to me.  On a bright side, I don't have to shave any more.  It also takes me 15 minutes tops to shower, dress, and go.  I do not feel I look that much different than I did before cancer, at least in an outward appearance.  I have not lost much weight(unfortunately...I was hoping for at least 50 but now just 8 pounds are off).  There are many possitives for me right now.  Half way done....trying to stay positive.  Hope everyone has a great weekend.