Today

I showed up today and before I even got checked in my social work friend and supervisor greeted me.  Then I .started out with a blood draw to get things going.  My favorite phlebotomist isn't there on Wednesdays, but I had a nice discussion with her replacement.  Then I went into the chemo room, took some tylonol and got settled into  my chair, the nurse took my blood pressure, started the IV and gave me a load of benedryl. After about half an hour, started the rituximab.  My professor and friend showed up and talked and kept me company for a couple hours.  The social worker, my former internship supervisor came by and chatted for a while.  Then lunch came.  About then I had a little bit of itchy feeling in the back of my throat.  So they stopped the rituximab for a bit, loaded on some more benedryl and when the itchy went away started it up again.  When it was just about done, the nurse community coordinator came by to chat.  She told me to tell my mom that there were a whole bunch of motherly types, including her and the social worker, who were looking after me here. And to call if I needed anything at all.  Then I wandered to the little boys room, it is amazing what a liter of saline can do.  And in a few more minutes it was all done, the unhooked me and let me go.

Then I went and finished my talk with the social worker, and as I left I walked through the serenity garden, sat on a bench to listen to the waterfall for a few minutes, got really sleepy and took a nap on the bench.  I am feeling a little achy here and there and have had a little bit of inflamation like I have a bit of a cold, and I still feel pretty dopey from all the benedryl, but other than that I feel great.  

So I am eating some left overs and watching Robin Hood, Men in  Tights.  I didn't think I could follow any story line more complex, and this way I get laugh and snicker a bit.

Soon it will be off to bed.