A longish day
What a great post by Petra today.
I am sensing some blog envy here and I would not be surprised if plans are afoot for a mirror blog site hosted by her. Stay true to the original people!
Today started with school drop off which was fine and then a drive to Monash Hospital for a pre chemo blood test. Have to make sure I have enough red and white blood cells to nuke!
Traffic was horrid and the relatively short trip took well over an hour. I was a little anxious as I had made a commitment to be in the office mid morning to work on something so this delay was starting to stress me out somewhat.
Having finally arrived at the hospital car park I managed to drive up to the only boom gate that was out of order. Maybe the absence of any other vehicles in that lane may have been a giveaway, but I just thought I was being clever and entitled! Let me say that as soon as I approached the boom gate there was a flurry of activity behind me with a string of cars also lining up to beat the traffic. Pushing the button for service I am sure I was redirected to a call centre in Hyrdrabad where the call center operator proceeded to confirm the obvious that the boom gate was out of order and for me to call back at 10.00am. That was really helpful. After some waving and reverse gear chicken the string of equally annoyed drivers managed to reverse out and join the long line of cars approaching the only operating boom gate.
It was all working beautifully so far.
After a few calming deep breaths we approached the research haematology unit who are running the trial to give blood. Unfortunately, no one was there who could take blood so another slight delay. Whilst I was waiting the Professor running the trial appeared and we had a brief chat. I told him the vein in my left hand was sore and he confirmed rather casually that, “it had collapsed”. “Most patients on the trial have experienced collapsed veins” he said. “Its nasty stuff that chemo” he said with a smile.
“Really, how nice. Good to know I am consistent” I replied.
“What do we do tomorrow” I asked. He said “find a vein further up your arm”. “Great strategy” I suggested, “Perfect”.
Anyway, the lady with the needle arrived and I gave my donation and we were free to go.
Managed to get to work just before 11.00am and in time for the first meeting. Worked to about 4.30pm and then left. It was far more draining than I expected but I was glad that I made the effort.
Met the family at the pool were the girls swim and we decided to all go out for a pre chemo dinner. A nice big steak at Squires Loft and a good hearty red.
Arrived home to a message from the Doctor saying my blood work was perfect and to be at the hospital at 9.00am.
All primed for tomorrow.
My Unplanned Sabbatical 
All the best for today. As inappropriate it might sound, Saskia is clearly a beneficiary of your illness. She can’t wait to spend the afternoon with Lessi and Lili.
It’s Tuesday morning…thinking of you guys today. I must say, I’m very impressed with Petra’s “Deal Review Board approach” to this round. Hope it’s right on strategy. xx
Thinking of you as always – hope it’s not too bad for you – let me know if there is anything I can do. Love to you and all. xoxo the Addamos
Just logged on and read some gorgeous posts from you and Petra. Love those photos. Thinking of you today and wishing you all the best. Love always Sally, Sarah and Elizabeth xo
Hi Serg and Petra hope the week is going as anticipated and no worse! I did read Dalwoods blog and it does highlight “the women behind the man”. Tell her nobody irons nurse’s uniforms anymore their drip dry. Im on cooking duty this week so cheese ad crackers for you.
cheers ange and tony
Hi Duchinis
What a wonderful team effort…although I understand the girls are busy at school on treatment days.
I guess we do go through ‘reality checks’ during our lives of different degrees and you’ve all been dealt a big one – especially you Serg.
Don’t know what we can do to help. Perhaps a big tray of lasagna ready for dinner on your next treatment day?? Please let me know when it is and I’ll drop it over.
The Styles
xxx