Had a feeling it was going to be a long day. A new anti-nausea drug seemingly shot up her resting heart rate to 120 on tuesday and had stayed there. A check in over the phone confirmed they wanted her to come in for an evaluation today. It was also blood draw day and surprise, surprise, her lines were clogged… With the swelling in her ankles, the Doctor worried about a blood clots going to her lungs which would be consistent with the shortness of breath and very high heart rate. So, yet another chest CT, and xray for the clogged picc line and an ultrasound of her legs to check for clots.
But good news in the end. No blood clot. They are still concerned about the heart rate, so we have to give up on the new drug. A shame, as it did help. So yet another new drug to try. Its in pill form, but its long acting.
Yesterday was a really, really bleak day for Kathleen. We are speculating the Nulasta given so close to the end of the chemo just wipes her out. I could barely get her going this morning as it was a real struggle to get dressed and into the car for the 10am appt. As we suspected a long day, we packed IV gravol in our mini cooler bag. Good thing, as by 12:30 when we were waiting in imaging, the nausea was coming on strong. No where to go, other than the little change room. So, drugs in the closet. The old gals in the waiting room gave us a funny look coming out no doubt wondering what we were doing in there together for 15min. I should have given them a suggestive glance
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
Oh man!!!! I just feel sick about the journey you are on right now. I don’t know what to say except that I am sending you both a huge hug!!
As aptly said on Cod Co. a while back: “you must be just about drove cracked” I don’t know how you summon up what it takes. I guess it requires time in the closet. Eventually, we all have to come out!
Mike, I was thinking of something i have heard you say just a few times, when people give you “those” looks: No, for f*/@+ sakes, she has cancer!
This is all irreverent and possibly inapporpriate which is why i don’t usually post! but you know it is sent with love, the twisted kind
Kathleen, hope tomorrow is a much better day. sending you hugs and happy thoughts.
mo
HI Mike and Kathleen,
You know what that nurse was thinking. Two obviously in love people in the closet for 15 minutes….
love Judy
Hi Mike & Kathleen – so sad you are going through this very difficult phase. Wishing you strength, sending you hugs.
Deanne
Dear Mike and Kathleen, I continue to be amazed and inspired by your ability to make the best of a very rough ride. Kathleen, your smile from the tiny closet space is so heartwarming and shows your remarkable positive spirit. I don’t know how you do what you do, but you are really incredible. Mike, your sense of humour is stellar and makes me chuckle actually, laugh out loud. I think of you both each and every day with warm and caring thoughts, love and appreciation for the two of you.
Sending lots of love to you both. Keep smiling that beautiful smile cuz. Talk soon.xoxo
the old girls were probably wishing they were in the closet with you Mike. lol.. Kathleen, our prayers are with you…love you lots
jacquie and mike
Your smile from the closet is something else to behold! Your love and courage is unstoppable! Thinking of you! Hugs!
Kath and Mike, thinking of you!