I’m getting this drug every three weeks at UCSF. For the first dose I was in a private room and they did tests every hour for 6 hours. This one was more like my other experiences with chemo.
Except chemo I did in Panama and Mexico. So here it was all in English. When I checked in I could talk normally. I didn’t have to practice Spanish and have my Google translate app all ready. I also didn’t have to pay $5,000 every time and hope insurance reimbursed me (they did.)
The clinical trial is mostly free. There are a few things insurance pays for but it’s all handled by the hospital.
I start with a blood test and then meet with a nurse practitioner in this weird exam chair.
Then I’m all hooked up and sit in a chair in row of other people getting chemo. My skin looks freakishly wrinkly in this photo. I’m not sure why. It isn’t normally like that.
The view out the windows is nice. Not the sweeping ocean view of Panama’s chemo center but nice.
The food in Mexico was much better. There I got a full breakfast, lunch, ham sandwich, fruit and cookies. Get you get one saltine. Only one as the sign says.
The biggest and best change is getting to see family after treatment. Joey turned 19 and we got to celebrate with her which was awesome.
And I get to see my friend Robin. She lives in Mountain View so not super close but has been nice enough to drive up to see me.
We’ve been friends since freshmen year in high school. I think we are about 17 and 18 in these photos. It’s been so great to see her.
The drugs make me feel pretty crappy the first week but then by the second week I’m just tired and by the third week almost back to normal.
One side effect is I shrunk.
Some of the drug must have gotten on Jeff because he shrunk too.
The throwback pics are awesome!
I love that you’re surrounded by family and friends. I miss you and think of you often. 🥰