Day 5 of chemo is complete! For those that are following along, that means our first session of treatment is all wrapped up. Unfortunately, there are some post-chemo drug treatments that require us to stay another night, so that has required some creative ways to pass the time. For example - there are 27 ceiling tiles in our hospital room. Cutting edge stuff right?
Tom has been sleeping quite a bit which means his body is busy ninja-ing (made up word?) this cancer. He also had a bit of a rough afternoon/evening, but while he was awake a bit this afternoon we decided to come up with the Best/Worst list for a 5 night stay at a hospital and figured we should share. In theme with our 5 night stay, we’ve done the top five for each – in no particular order:
Tom has been sleeping quite a bit which means his body is busy ninja-ing (made up word?) this cancer. He also had a bit of a rough afternoon/evening, but while he was awake a bit this afternoon we decided to come up with the Best/Worst list for a 5 night stay at a hospital and figured we should share. In theme with our 5 night stay, we’ve done the top five for each – in no particular order:
Top 5: Best Things About a 5-night hospital stay
- There is a frequent buyer card for the cafeteria! I’m not trying to show off, but I’ve almost got a full card punched.
- Visitors – lots of love and non-hospital food deliveries have stopped by when Tom has felt up for it which helps pass the time.
- The staff – doctors, nurses, technicians, transport, housekeeping, social workers, cafeteria staff and volunteers. Everyone has been SO wonderful – and we’ve meet a few characters along the way too. Though we must say a special shout out to the nurses that are second-to-none and have been AMAZING.
- Lullaby – At our hospital, when a baby is born they play a 10 second clip of a sweet lullaby over the intercom across the whole hospital. A sweet reminder that good things happen in hospitals too and better days lie ahead for us.
- Love – perhaps a strange one, but a very real one. Have you ever watched people at an airport right after the security check point when they are hugging the person they came to see? It’s usually quite a joyful place to people watch! Same here - despite lots of sadness in a hospital there is an incredible amount of love and care happening around us at all times – in a weird way it’s a very special place to be
Top 5: Worst Things about a 5-night hospital stay
- We are not earning hotel points for our stay here - those that know me know I’m incredibly proud of my hotel/airline points and ability to cash them in for awesome trips.
- Vampires. Lots of people come in and out during the night, and often draw blood.
- Beep Torture – Tom has been on at least two IV’s at all times and sometimes up to four when he’s having chemo. If the bag is complete, or there is air in the line, or if it just wants to remind you that it’s there it beeps. And beeps. And beeps. Until one of our amazing nurses comes in and stops the madness.
- “Average size” – Most medical facilities, clothing, etc. is made for your average size person. This means they are about 5ft. 7inches. That’s a little challenging for my 6ft+ tall husband. Just picture that scene in the movie Elf where he is showering in the little elf shower and the shower spout is in the middle of his stomach.
- TV Channels – yes, this one seems ridiculous, but when you are married to an obsessed Cubs fan, this certainly makes a difference when the limited channels means that he can’t watch all of the Cubs games while they are in the hunt for the post season. The good news is we will be home for the big game on Wednesday. :)