Disappointment!!!!

Today was to be my next to last chemo.  I could actually say I was excited at the prospect of this infusion being finished and having only ONE MORE TO GO!!  Of  course, I learned a long time ago that any decent plan can go to crap in a short time frame.  This can also be said of any medical treatment.  I have not written because overall I have felt good and wanted to maintain the positive vibe from the last post.  I have exhaustion, fever, chills, leg pains, and neuropathy(especially of the feet).  Those are my major symptoms.  My new medication for the cough and or gag cough has really helped to suppress any episodes of vomit....just one this last two week session.  I can live with these things.  I space out my energy to maximize it's usefulness and try to rest as much as I can.  Including keeping my feet off the ground.

Anyway, today was chemo #7 of 8.  I am ready for my 35th year of life to be over and this portion of cancer treatment to be completed.  I was ready to get this under my belt.  Again, my girlfriend Jennifer Cooper was my driver and dedicated support system for the day.  She has sacrificed so much to come and sit with me during these chemos.  I am eternally grateful for her as my friend, and the relationship we have.  She has done so much to support me and my family during this time.  I will be forever grateful and love her until my last breath.  But, not to get off topic, we get to the doctor at 11:30.  The parking lot and waiting room are packed. Bad sign....swallow first Lorazepam for nerves.  We wait and then I am called back for my blood work.  I get the same girl who one month ago took over 30 minutes to access my port.  Well, today was the same.  I smile.  I only have to do this for chemo ONE MORE TIME.  Then I find Jen in the very full second waiting room.  After an hour of waiting here, we are ready to eat.  So, I call my girls at work.  Amy does not disappoint.  Fresh Milano's....stromboli and garlic knots.  We still have not seen the doctor and our food is here........what to do.  Eat the garlic knots and Bam...we get called back.  And we wait....wait....wait...wait.  We finally eat the stromboli and now I am on the computer checking my files.  WHAT???  They were open for public viewing.  I now knew my labs were good for chemo #7.  Waiting, waiting, waiting.....do I hear something.  Why yes.  It is Marcus, Dr. Tauer's FNP going over my chart with a NEW PERSON.  Well, now I know why we have been waiting so long.  Here comes the new hire FNP asking questions, going over labs, blah, blah, blah.  All looks good, Marcus will see you soon.   WHAT????  It is now 3:30.  I have been here 4 hours and still face a 4 hour infusion.  Really!?!?!?

So, now I have permission to go to the chemotherapy infusion waiting area....to wait.  And here comes my infusion nurse.  Not good.  So, she says as I am laughing hysterically, I have talked it over with the late infusion nurse and our supervisor and we feel it will be better if you come back tomorrow.  WOW!!!!  Surprise, we had to wait so long we have run out of time.  Sure, I say.  I can be a team  player.  Good says the nurse, can you come tomorrow at 7:30 AM.  Now I laugh...again.  I am usually not up at 7:30 but sure.  Why not drive from Lakeland into rush hour traffic in the morning to complete my treatment.  Team player and all.  Well, I ask, can I also get my Neulasta shot tomorrow so I don't have to come back on Friday.  Ummmm....no.  Come back Friday for that.  I AM NOT A HAPPY WOMAN.  I now have one more night to dread my chemo and extend my time until I am finished.  This just sucks.  But hey, what am I to do.  Well, I will open my mouth next time to the physician and explain some of the lacking efficiencies in his office.  If I don't tell him, he may not know.  This just bothers me...period.

So, tomorrow Tim starts the morning at 6:50 heading in to get my treatment.  One more stick.  Luckily, my neighbor came by tonight with her portable DVD player and an entire collection of TV shows for me to watch to help past time.  That put a smile on my face.  Also, we had dinner with the Evans, so tonight was good overall.  Just not what was expected.  Tomorrow, I will get my 7th of 8 chemo doses and come even closer to ending this battle.  I am ready to win and be completed.  Elisha will come and complete my infusion time with me and then we will treat our self to lunch.  Just because.  Hope all is well for my followers.  Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, cards, calls, and treasures.