My tummy hurts.
I probably have a tummy-bug, since my daughter seems to have the same thing.
Before going for chemo, we went to see the doctor on duty at our medical center, just to make sure that I was OK and not contageous.
I learned something new from the doctor. When I told him I was nauseaus, he responded: "No; you are not." (I think he liked the shock affect) Apparently, nauseous means "causing nausea". (i.e. if I am nauteous, then I make other people want to "throw up"). "You are," the doctor continued "nauseated." ("Which," he added, smiling, "is much easier to spell.")
Nauseated or not, I could go to chemo. So I went. I was anxious about arriving late, especially since I made a committment to arrive early on days that I receive Herceptin. However, last time, I arrived on time and they didn't start the Herceptin until close to 12:00, so I knew there would be time.
When I arrived, I was informed that there will be no electricity after 4:00 and the doctor recommends that you come back tomorrow. Tomorrow would not be convenient for me, for a multitude of reasons. I stood firm. I wanted the treatment today. It was obvious to all (the nurses and the doctor) that that treatment would need to be at a faster rate. I stood firm. "There is enough time," I insisted.
"You understand," the doctor explained, "that, no matter what, you are done at 4:00. The electricity is going out and we will not be working."
The pressure was substantial, but I had experience. "There is enough time," I repeated, calmly. (I was a little anxious about getting it wrong, but not able to show any doubt, lest I have to come in the next day) "There is enough time," I repeated, again, perhaps to reassure myself.
I finished, along with another woman, at 3:55 -- with five minutes to spare!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
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