Back in the Saddle Again

Did you ever have one of those situations where you feel uneasy, but you can't figure out exactly why? That's how my morning began. Eventually, I figured out what was going on. 

I am back at Club Sunnyside for round one of consolidation chemotherapy. It hit me as we were walking from the admitting desk to the Oncology department on level 4A. The last time I checked in here, I felt lousy and arrived on an ambulance gurney, and although I had to stay a month, when I left I felt good. This time I came in feeling great and arrived under my own power. After the chemotherapy, I know I will feel less than great for a while. 

In the night, when I woke up with this uneasiness, I was reminded of the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night he was arrested. He knew He was going to go through a very difficult and painful time, and worst of all, He would be separated from His Father. He even prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Well, I felt a little bit like that about checking into the hospital again. I know it needs to be done, but I also know there will be unpleasantness that follows. 

Once I arrived back in the Oncology department, my fears were quickly allayed. There are so many familiar and kind people here who saw us through my last stay. They all greeted us with honest affection and welcomed us "home." 

Once I was settled into my new "digs" at the Club (Room A453), Kari, my trusty NP, came by. She said, "You'll do great. You'll wonder why you are even here." She told me the feeling of fatigue and perhaps a little "neutropenic fever" will happen once I am home. My RN concurred. I would rather feel crummy at home than here at the Club, and I am ready to settle in for the next five days. The first chemotherapy hook up will happen this afternoon, so in the meantime, Jill and I are enjoying reconnecting with the staff, and we took an early walk. The weather forecast is for a temperature of 103 degrees today. 

This is familiar territory, and as someone has said, "This ain't my first rodeo." 

 
The happy couple returned to the Zen Garden this morning.


Comments

  1. Kathy LoweAugust 12, 2021 at 2:38 PM

    I do hope and pray you're feeling better than you thought you might, today. And such a great picture of you and Jill. Hugs and my love to you both!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomAugust 12, 2021 at 2:48 PM

      Thanks, Kathy. Please see my next post. You will find it encouraging. I am doing so much better than I had imagined.

      Delete
  2. Char ClarkAugust 24, 2021 at 6:28 PM

    Praying for you, Tom. Love reading your blog. You are a great writer. Praying for Jill too. Hopefully you feel our Love and Hugs that Don and I are sending you. Love this picture of the two of you. Saved it to my photos.

    ReplyDelete

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