Days and Nights with Pole

I knew Pole Newman was becoming a little too attached to me. Long walks around the ward, days and nights spent tethered to one another. But today definitely took a turn. Today, Pole joined me in the bathroom for my shower. Until now, he would still allow me to part with him briefly at times like these, but hook back up quickly. Today, however, I simply couldn't wait to take A FREAKING HOT SHOWER, and so I had to cart Pole along so as not to disturb my 3 hour potassium phosphate drip.


Ah, the things you learn to become adept at! Juggling one arm swathed in plastic bags and tape, Pole sitting precariously close to the shower curtain in the pint-sized bathroom, and trying your damndest to wash your hair and work up a good all-over lather with the untethered hand. By the time they spring me outta here, I'll be Cirque du Soleil material.

Speaking of hair...turns out hair loss is NOT a common side effect of Velcade therapy. Still far from a glamorous experience, but chemo imparts plenty of indignities...at least I get to have hair!

Nausea is not a huge side effect either, particularly with the new anti-nausea meds administered along with chemotherapy.

I wander around here taking poor needy Pole for his walks and it's one hell of an eye opener. Some things to always remind yourself: no matter how bad you think you have it, someone else has it worse...and be very, very careful what you wish for - it might come true in exactly the wrong way.

Word around the ward is they're planning on cutting me loose today or tomorrow. Still waiting for the final word on that.