The Dreaded Chemo Day

Since the day of the news that I had stage 4 colon I knew chemo was coming.  Healing from surgery  required a respite.  I don’t know what has happened inside my body (going for scans soon) since then but this time has been great emotional, educational and spiritual preparation.

Yet the dreaded day was coming.

That first day was yesterday.  Actually the treatment started yesterday and continues until Friday.  As I write this, next to me there sits a fanny pack holding a pump and a tube leading to a port implanted in my chest.   The chemo is being delivered over two days with side effects to follow.

But, back to the dreaded day, and in particular “the dread” of how horrible this could be...

Nothing could be further from the truth.  The day was just terrific – can you believe that?  Can you believe that starting chemo would be a good day – a great day?  Amazing, huh?

This place (The Block Center) we have chosen is amazing.  The entire atmosphere and everyone we meet is lovingly committed to my healing.  This is an important concept to grasp.  Generally speaking in standard care, managing cancer is the goal for people like me – extending life a few years is as much as I can expect.  Healing is not realistic.

This was my day: (Lonni was there throughout taking notes and keeping things straight, something I need desparately.

          ·         10 am arrival, welcomed, shown around the chemo side of the operation and given a room.  Each    person has a small private room for their chemo day, nice feature that reflects BC values.

•         Chemo nurse hooks up the port, starts with pre-chemo medications drips
  ·         Extensive talk with Physician’s Assistant regarding what to expect – dizzying amount of info – side effects etc.  Reiterates the commitment to work hard to lessen side effects as much as possible.  (She expects me to remain pretty active throughout. ) While this can feel overwhelming the confidence of the BC staff walking along side me is very tangible and comforting.  This woman, like everyone we encounter knows her stuff.  I am cleared to start chemo.  This clearing protocol happens each time chemo is delivered.
  ·         Penny Block PhD (wife of founder) runs a group from noon to one.  She brings a salad and her special cookies to illustrate what can be done to make acceptable good food (how about chocolate chip cookies without sugar or chemical sweeteners!) and a short lecture on how exercise of the body and mind fit into the healing process.  The rest of the time was spent with folks sharing their experiences.  It is certainly true that the toughest cases come here!  I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to have come here early in the battle. 
  ·         While the meds are delivered I mill around the large demonstration kitchen.  It is filled with foods and snacks that everyone (including visitors) can enjoy.  Lots of terrific ideas to make the diet of no meat (but fish), sugar or dairy, possible.  This room with its glass wall is center stage, physically and demonstrates the significance diet plays in healing.  A meal is cooked every noon day except Wednesday.  Lonni begins to record all these great ideas.
  ·         Next is the physical therapist who tests me for neuropathy to start with a baseline.  Neuropathy (numbness and tingling) in the fingers and toes is a side effect.  She talks a lot about exercise and its importance.  

Finally, I purchase some supplements.  For a guy who never even took a multi-vitamin (insert question here: “And how is that working for ya, big guy?”), this supplement thing is totally new and a major league change.  Diet and cancer fighting supplements are critical to the plan.  The number of pills and capsules is amazing – reading about the role each plays is very interesting.

 The atmosphere of the BC is laid back and filled with, “what do you need?”, “sure you can do that!”, “yes bring your friends”  and also includes a lot of laughing and kidding around – just my kind of place.  Before the day is out Dr. Block drops by for a cameo meeting and handshake.  I thank him for hanging in there over the years so that when I needed it this place was here. He reminisces about the serious attacks first from establishment medicine and then from the alternative crowd.  Standing in the middle of the road means you get hit from both directions, he said.   It is interesting to note here that while conventional medicine has not embraced the alternative approach Dr. Block is now on staff at the University of Chicago medical school where he teaches integrative care.  History of medicine clearly shows it to be a slow adaptor – which is quite understandable.

I only thing I would change in the whole place is that I don’t think Packer fans should be allowed to speak in the group!  Not this week anyway!! J

Well, that is probably more info than anybody needed.  If you have made it down to here, you might have a particular concern for yourself or another.  If you are interested in visiting the Block Center  (for any reason) let me know and we can time it with my visits.  I’d enjoy the company!  The BC is are very welcoming.  Email me at glenk@circleurban.org with any questions or requests.

Your prayers, love and support continue to bath over us.  Thanks so much.