Delay

I was ready. I had done much of my "prep list" and made necessary arrangements at work, and my port was beginning to heal. I had told my support system the schedule, and I sat in the recliner yesterday evening, stocking up on Scriptures to quote if things got bumpy.

So I wasn't prepared when the doctor called and told me they needed a few more tests before she could order my chemo! Turns out the conference group was concerned about my heart and suggested we run an echocardiogram. I told Dr. Young I had done a stress test recently and everything was fine, but she explained that while that was excellent, this looked specifically at the heart valves, things that don't show up on the stress test.

If my previous chemo had damaged the valves or weakened the walls, they would be thinking about one of the chemos that has been known to cause such damage itself. OK. So today I go at 9am for an echo to the Paul Yu Cardiology Center at Strong.

I check in, sit for only a minute, and am called back by a pleasant young woman with a cheerful smile. Change into a gown, and lay on the table on my left side. This is very much like an ultrasound, complete with goo. It was interesting to see my heart on the monitor, and as she located each valve, she would listen to the sound. She explained that each valve has a distinctive sound, and you could tell from any aberrations what might be problematic.

Some people have what she called 2 cusps and some have 3 (normal). I had 3. That was good. People with 2 have a greater tendency to develop calcification and other problems.

We struck up a conversation about second careers, which this was for her, and the delights of single parenthood. We chatted as she swirled the probe around under my arm and across my chest. A pleasant passing of time. A hour later I was headed to the lab for bloodwork, and then headed home.

So. I decided to catch up on laundry from the trip, and went downstairs to start things going. My neighbor came out to chat, and insisted that I let her do the laundry! "But I feel fine," I protested. "I don't care, you should be resting up. Now shoo and let me do this for you. I insist. It's such a small thing."

Wow! A reprieve. I accepted with thanks. And when I got back to my apartment, I decided to use my time to clear away some of the accumulating stacks of stuff in my bedroom. I made good progress and felt much more in control afterwards. That could be important if I get to chemobrain too quickly, and the doctor tells me that is part of the regime.

I didn't even have to make dinner. Since I was supposed to be having chemo, one of my friends had already sent over a delicious casserole which we enjoyed thoroughly. I am positively pampered - how thankful I am to be undergoing treatment here with so many hands to help. So much like the first round in Illinois where I also thankfully received much help. How blessed I am!