Here We Grow by Paige Davis

Author:Paige Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press
Published: 2018-05-22T04:00:00+00:00

I wake up early the next morning, listen to my chemo visualization, and then dress in a button-up pastel shirt and leggings. I cut my hair a few days ago as part of a three-step strategy to prepare for losing it, and I’m loving my new bob. My port, which was surgically placed a week ago, subtly protrudes just below my right collarbone. This is where the chemo will be inserted. I place the lidocaine cream carefully over the port with a Q-tip and then cover it with Saran wrap as instructed by the nurse. By the time I arrive, the port site should be numb enough so that I won’t feel the needle.

I fix a light breakfast of oatmeal and toast so my stomach is properly coated. My BlueAvocado bag, which I packed the night before, is stocked with healthy snacks of popcorn and a turkey sandwich, hard lemon candies to override the metallic taste of the chemo, my favorite blanket, new headphones purchased special for the occasion with an Amazon gift card given to me by my high school friends, my favorite water bottle, and my computer so I can watch movies. I’m ready to go.

Mom and I arrive a few minutes early. We meet with Debra, my Austin oncologist, and her physician assistant Sara. They are both warm and welcoming. Debra compliments my outfit and gives me my chemo binder full of information about the medications and expected side effects. The nurse takes us back to the infusion area, a room with lots of natural light and cozy lounger chairs lined up in six rows. I ask if I can sit by the window. The nurse tells me that usually they like first timers up-front in case there’s an allergic reaction and emergency, but she’s happy to make an exception. I settle into the chair and wait while the nurse gathers the various medications. As she prepares to insert the needle into my port, my mom grabs my hand.

“Take a deep breath. In . . .” the nurse pokes. “. . . and out. All done.” I’m surprised that I don’t feel anything.

She talks me through the protocol. “First, I’m going to take some blood and make sure your numbers are good to tolerate the treatment. Then I’ll give you some Benadryl to prevent any allergic reaction. This may make you a little sleepy. Then I’ll give you a steroid, which will help to prevent the nausea from getting the best of you. It may hype you up. And finally, we’ll start the AC treatment.”

All of the bags of medication hang from the IV pole to my right. The AC is bright red and labeled with a big warning sign. I close my eyes, put on my headphones and listen to my chemo visualization as the chain of events occurs. I’m not feeling anything out of the ordinary. In fact, I’m pretty relaxed and surprised by how friendly everyone is. Volunteers offer foot massages and donuts. Having my mom by my side and people checking on me feels very nurturing.

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