CHANGING POISON INTO MEDICINE...this is to thank JCPenny's for this contribution to Breat Cancer Awareness mon

This was on a panplet at the cancer center today that I picked up...

In order to not have to do a new sticking for each chemo treatment, I have a tube in my right upper arm called a Picc (some have it in their chest). Each week I go to the cancer center on Monday to have the bandage covering it cleaned and changed( the ones in the chest don't have to do this)

If I am due chemo that week they draw my blood at the bandage change, because if my white blood count is too high they can not give me chemo that week. they always have pamplets and up dates in the waiting rooms. The cancer center is so relaxing and peaceful and comforting and the staff are priceless. everyone is smiling and I have yet to hear a complaint as, "Why me" only incouragements and pleasant conversations from staff as well as patients.

Some times chemo takes from 2 ot 4 hours and the place is still not boring or depressing as one might expect. You can have one family member, friend to come sit with you if you choose to do so and jokes are always keeping us laughing as the chemo rooms are very large. There are tvs but no cable and lots of reading materials...

I get chemo every two weeks now and tomorrow, I will begin mine at 8pm until. If you are dehydrated you get lots of saline not the littl eyou will recieve any way and if your magnesium is low then you must get a whole drip bag full of it then the chemo which is why you never know how long you will be there until the nurse reads the blood test and gets the doctor's orders of what the test says to give that day. If your white blood count is up, they call you the day before late in the evening after the testings to not come in the next day.(smile)

tODAY, my chemo treatment ended me in the emergancy room of the main hospital for 7 hours of testings...will tell you all about it when I feel a little better. (smile)