108. Still in one piece

Appointment 1.30
Location: usual oncology treatment suite.
Treatment length, including flushing: 30 mins.

Great. We’ll be home by half-2 and I can let my legs and feet bask in the sun and read my Kate Atkinson.

Reality:
Arrive 1.10. Trail around ground floor admiring some artwork and the pianist who was in fine form with something classical today (So he CAN play more than WWII songs after all).
Register with desk at 1.25.
Check I AM on list as Dr D had questioned that.
Trip to the loo.
Sat and waited. Rustling and discomfort by 2pm. “Excuse me, what time was your appointment?” The answers from both were 1pm. Oh dear.
Trip to the loo.
Eventually each went, as did many others, and we still sat there.
Trip to the loo.
The nurse came at just before 3 to fetch me, ever apologetic and asking about my last blood test (when I had my last chemo).
“We’ll need to test your bloods.” My heart sank - I’d warned D of the possibility. How long would it take? “An hour or so. Make it an extra half hour.”
Another trip to the loo then down to Costa. We actually drank tea/coffee OUTSIDE (but under vast canopies so there was less for D to object to. He was happy because his favourite support staff was on duty and brought him cheese and pickle sandwiches on the ward!

This is the closest most of you will get to seeing the mysterious Dennis!

Back at 4.15, no results. Talked to neighbour - he’d set off at 12.30, it was now close to 4.30 and all he needed was an injection! (Myeloma?). The other neighbour had started chemo at 9.15 and was due to finish in another 80 minutes! One chemo takes 4 hours and one takes almost 5!!
Chemo started after 5, a short flush, then the zolendronic acid, then a 10 minute flush she cut short. No untoward effects then and none so far but fluey feelings are likely, I’m warned. The nurse was having a dicky fit because the pharmacy had forgotten my prescription for calcium tablets, which I’ve not been great at taking. I explained that my GP now prescribed them and I had ample, thus making her day. She explained why they are so important with this treatment so... I had today’s now. Tutti Frutti flavour ie. slightly sweet chalk. This is part of my prescription drawer:

Under the surface are duplicates and stuff I hope never to take again!

OK, lets hope things go well tomorrow...