Every other Thursday is chemo day.  I only have 1 more before heading back to Houston for an update on my progress.  I actually don’t mind chemo day.  It gives me time to be alone, and focus on myself.  I walk past all of the other patients with my head down and my headphones in.  It may seem a little harsh, but I am NOT one of these people.  Some of them look like they are in very bad shape.  Some of them are grumpy.  And others of them clearly don’t have the support system that I do.  I would like to help those the best I can, but I would rather not associate.  I’m sorry.  I just can’t do it.  I’ll just go about my business, be strong for my family, and leave the bandana’s, head shaving, wheel chairs, and oxygen tanks for the next guy.

I check into Hotel Chemo, and start on my puzzles.  (I’m lucky to get 2 pieces in the right spot).

I wait until they call my name.  I feel like I am in 2nd grade again on the first day of class.  “Earl Clark!!”  I just go with it these days, when usually I would correct them that I go by Joe.

I go to the back and take my seat.  I get a NEEDLE stuck into my chest, which isn’t the most pleasant experience.

Here is my view

I usually sit on the IPad and listen to drums beating, or soundscapes to get me in the right frame of mind.  At this point, it’s around 7:30am, so no one is even there.  It feels like a library.

After about 6 hours in this seat, I am on my way home.  When I get home, I get hooked up to another drug for the next 46 hours.  A nurse comes to the house to hook me up.  Naked is good.  Don’t be shy people!!  Just wanted to give you an idea of what it looks like….

Notice the shave job on my chest.  The MOST pain is taking off the damn tape!!!!

This happens on a Thursday, and I’m usually pretty exhausted and queezy until Monday or Tuesday.  This round seems like it’s a bit more tough on my body.  My limbs don’t work the same or something.  It’s a bit more difficult to get going in the morning.

It’s Saturday now, and the nurse comes by to get me unhooked!  Party time!  Except, I’m still going to be feeling the affects of it for the next couple days.

She takes my blood pressure and temperature, makes sure my heart is still beating, and has me walk a straight line to check for sobriety (not sure why).  Then, she is off!  I asked her if she can find me some pot today.  Her response, “Well, I don’t know if you want to go to that side of the neighborhood.”  Me neither… 🙂