My first chemo ... a room of LIFE?

From my chemo sister on another board, I expected there to be a sense of gloom at the infusion stations. But instead, there was a real spirit of "We're ALL going to beat this" in my area. Not at all what I expected.

The nursing staff agreed that going for that five-year mark and beyond was NOT impossible. They have seen all sorts of Stage 4s pass that mark. Very difficult ... yes. But not impossible. But they reminded me ... one step at a time. First, get through the neoadjuvant chemo and get an all-clear for surgery. Don't get TOO far ahead.

The people at other infusion stations asked the dietician and nurses questions, showing a real interest in their care, and we all chatted. I learned about things from them, such as using ice water for hands to minimize neuropathy if I need longer-term or closer-together chemo sessions, and unlike the "innernet", the nurses explained when you would want to consider this. (So far, with my schedule, they did not believe it necessary.) Unlike my gloom and doom doctor, the onco nurses were cheerful and positive. 

I realized that every one of the people at those stations was a warrior; even the ones who didn't say much. To put yourself through chemo was a sign that you were NOT going to whimper in the corner. I said a prayer for each and every one of them ... "A", who was originally diagnosed with Stage 4 primary peritoeneal cancer, the woman in her 20s with leukemia, the Stage 4 breast cancer patient across from me, the quiet lady listening to all of this, but offering positive thoughts. I learned about different experiences with chemo, and how they coped.

There were some amazing people at the infusion stations. People who taught me real courage. My prayers and good wishes go out to each and every one of them.