Candid Moments From Cycle 2 - In the Hospital
Howdy from the hospital! Day 3 of 5 underway, and there have been moments of uggghhhh and moments of aha!
I decided to share the top half of this second hospital visit in a photo diary. A small word of warning: A couple of photos show some of my medical markings (nothing too graphic!) and a candid (albeit rare) sighting of a not-so-happy Meg (oh!)
Thank you for keeping me sane with your words, prayers, and encouragements. My cousin and bff since day one, Sarah, created another support outlet via a GoFundMe page. It is there for anyone who feels inclined; however, please know that the support you have all provided already in other ways has lifted me out of my dark moments. Thank you for keeping the lights on in my spirit!
Pre-admission: Docile as a lamb on the outside, raging like a bull on the inside. We arrived at the expected check in time of 8 am. This is photo was snapped at 11 am in the cafeteria. The breakfast eggs churn in the belly of this beast.
Pre-admission: Rare footage of Lil Miss Sunshine showing a choice finger as the clock struck 12 pm (hour four of waiting)
Post-admission: Oh! Lil Miss Sunshine flashing a more frequently used finger of affirmation. All they had to do was give this girl a bed and let her unpack her creature comforts!
I find it valuable to spotlight the positives: although the Stranger is running amuck (not for long) in my body — I’m still able-bodied. Even with bouts of nausea and fatigue, I’m able to get around the ward like the shiny 36-year-old with gumption that I am!
Picc me, choose me, love me!
Did you know: A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) is inserted into a large vein in the upper arm and threaded through the vein until the tip rests in the superior vena cava (the large vein located in the chest directly above the right side of the heart). Wild! This is where they pump in the chemo juice!
I set up my desk space to begin, slowly but surely, connect and respond to all of the lovely people who’ve reached out to me during this journey. I have a page in my journal dedicated to ‘Those in my Corner,’ and I write down all of your names. Reading your words brings the color back to my skin and the spring back into my toes.
Left to my own devices, I will have a full and emotional phone conversation on a banana.
Second visit and I’m already far wiser on what essentials are needed to outlast, outwit, outplay hospital food.
This is my niece Brooklyn, one of my champions and dearest little friends. She created this astounding portrait of Fred and George as she knows I miss them a lot when in the hospital. I’m so lucky!
This is the artist formally known as Kennedy, also my niece and a star in my sky. I am so freakin’ grateful.
Not even the nutrition nurses can escape my puns. No one is safe!
PleurX catheter? I hardly know her!
Did you know: this indwelling tube is placed to drain recurring, excess fluid buildup (pleural effusion) caused by cancer. When I first arrived in the hospital in March, the drain couldn’t drain fast enough. This fluid around my heart and lungs explained why I couldn’t catch my breath. With each drain, they pull less and less fluid. The chemo treatment is working! I will admit, the draining is painful AF. A bit like a stabby stabby stab between my ribs as a vacuum pulls out the fluid and the air inside me with it. I curl up like a spider on its back. One day, I will bid her adieu. Until then, the PC and I shall carry on together.
During my stay in the chemo ward I enjoy my morning laps with a cup of jo. My favorite part is visiting the horses.
Caught on cat cam! Two brothers duke it out at 6 am! The fur flies! In the end, they will take a snack break and reconvene for brotherly cuddles.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing in the chaos and comforts.
With love and progress,
Nutmeg
