First Treatment; Seven to go!!!

This was a good day. Leisurely breakfast, time with my daughter and David, gradually making our way after lunch to Grand River Hospital.

Grand River Hospital hosts the Regional Cancer Centre. Thanks, Ontario for such a wonderful gift. And thanks to the Balsilie family for the beautiful building! Now that is a great investment, Mr. Balsilie, and I assure you it is much more appreciated than any hockey team that you might have invested in... I have invested in many a Blackberry during my career, and I am grateful that I am benefitting personally from your family's generosity.

First we had pharmacy teaching. The pharmacy teaching  went very well. The Pharmacist  was very helpful, explaining, clarifying, answering questions. I like it when professionals treat you like an adult. Even if you are sick, you are still a person with an intellect, with questions and concerns.

In the Chemo Suite, I preferred to sit. A call from my son John in Los Angeles was just the thing to get me started. After that I could turn off my phone. A quick visit from the most amazing chaplain John at Grand River Hospital. It was good to see him. I don't need to see him all the time, but this first time it was good. It centered my thoughts on hopeful things.
Lots of interaction with volunteers, and staff, all of them cheerful, hopeful, pleasant and respectful. My chemo nurse did all the work, giving me all the medication and information I needed. After two hours I was free to go.

As we left the hospital, a quick message from my friend Sara made me feel peaceful. I am being such a baby, aren't I? Sara knows about these processes from the inside, and her questions and comments made me feel calm as I left the safety of the hospital and went home.

Tonight we are having Vietnamese beef and noodle soup. Simple, not too salty. It is ready. And for good measure, David bought me some crackers. But I hope I may be spared the nausea. I intend to be vigilant about taking the enti-emetics and have no desire to be a hero.

So, it is time I got going. Sunny evening; soup's on. Family around. We are not alone, thanks be to God!

May is the best month for pilgrimage. Daffodils blooming, poppies everywhere, and mustard seed blooms covering the mountains of Northern Spain.  I will see you around, surely, on the wonderful way to Santiago.