Camp Chemo

Monday I had my first chemo treatment. Walking down the hall towards the chemo room, I didn’t know what to expect, but as we rounded the corner, Herb, my fabulous chemo nurse turned to me and said, “Welcome to Camp Chemo”. As soon as Herb said that, I knew I was going to be OK.

Here’s what chemo is like at California Cancer Care in Greenbrae. The chemo room is an L-shaped space with a view of Mt. Tam. There are about 10 loungers set up, each with an IV pole where the bags of medicine hang. My meds were in four bags (1 anti-nausea, 2 chemo drugs and the study drug), with each drug given one at a time. So, I was in the lounger for about 3.5 hours.

I have to admit, cancer aside, it wasn’t a bad way to spend the afternoon. The nurses in the chemo room are unbelievable—they are extremely compassionate and skilled, and on top of that they bring everyone drinks, homemade banana bread (made by Herb), pillows and blankets. There is jazz playing and a view of Mt. Tam. I had my MacBook and answered emails, surfed, answered texts—really, how often do you get 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time like that?

As of Wednesday (or Day 3), I’m feeling good. I managed a visit to the gym this morning, and felt a bit nauseous during the workout. My friend Lisa Travaglini reassured me that she felt nauseous too—it wasn’t the chemo, the workout was just that hard! So far, so good!!!