Side Effects!

Today, I went for a blood test in the morning.  Got to the lab at 9:40 a.m. and was done with the blood test before 10:00 a.m.  Since I had to be fasting for the blood test, I took a meal replacement drink with me and had that, afterwards.  Then, I drove to the clinic for the radiation treatment, directly, instead of going home and then leaving for the clinic.  I was almost an hour early, but they took me in almost as soon as I got there, which was very nice of them.

Afterwards, I sat in the waiting room to be called in by the nurse.  5 minutes into my wait, the fire alarm went off!  Apparently, they were having a scheduled fire drill and we all had to participate!  I got my exercise for the day climbing flights of stairs (the radiation clinic is in the basement of the building).  After the drill was over, we all went back into the building and I had another short wait before I was called in.  The nurse took my weight and pressure, etc. and then the radiation oncologist examined me. 

There are some minor side effects:  the skin on that side has a slight pink color now, and there is some swelling.  The nurse asked if I've noticed if that area is warmer to the touch and when I said yes, said to wring out a wash cloth with cold water and use it as a cold compress.  She also gave me some sample sized tubes of an ointment to use, twice a day, once after the treatment and once before going to bed.  The doctor asked if I was experiencing any pain or if the area was tender to the touch and I said no.  So, treatment will continue without any delays.  I feel blessed that my side effects to date have been so minor and without any discomfort. 

After that, I came home, had lunch, checked and responded to emails including a couple of work emails (even though I am officially on vacation today and tomorrow), and took an afternoon nap.

Later in the evening, I video chatted with my daughter, watched some TV, and did a bit of decluttering:

Decluttering for July 25

10 books
1 broken fly swatter
2 sets of 4 sewing cards
1 bag of yarn and other craft supplies
1 gravy boat
1 reading light
1 DVD
1 artificial flower arrangement
5 gift bags
2 food containers
= 25 items

I've decluttered 325 items so far in July.  I am three days behind, but hope to catch up!

Today, I am grateful for:

- Pleasant clinic workers who accommodate me even when I show up an hour early, if their schedule allows it.
- Side effects that are relatively minor and pain-free.
- Free ointment samples.
- Afternoon naps.
- Video chatting with daughter.

Friday's to do list includes:
- Dr's appt. with oncologist & hydration session
- Radiation treatment
- Pay bills
- Decluttering

How was your day?  What have you planned for Friday?