Conversation with his hairdresser after 2008
chemo treatment:
Hairdresser: “But you were grey, almost
white, and your hair was curly and course.
Now it’s chesnut, straight, and fine.”
John: “Yup.”
HD: “How’d that
happen?”
J: “Color by
Chemo. I don’t recommend it.”
Conversation with dermatologist
when first lesions appeared in 2008
On
March 21st, I met with the dermatologist, who examined the area and
seemed quite bemused. This doc was
probably late forties or early fifties.
Clearly, he had seen skin lesions of numerous types, and yet, “What is
it?” was repeatedly met with “I don’t know.”
I remember joking that his group should change their sign from “Advanced
Dermatology” to “Not So Advanced Dermatology.”
Comments and
conversations about chemo’s crazy toxicity
2008 Chemo treatment
(escaping the chemo ward)
We
decided to go to the courtyard. As we
approached the elevator, a nurse came running toward us and with some apparent
consternation asked, “Where are you going?”
We told her that we were going to the courtyard for some air. “You can’t do that!” she responded in an
urgent tone. “Why not?” I asked.
“Because, if your chemo bag broke or leaked, we’d have to call
HAZMAT.” She wasn’t kidding.
2008 Chemo treatment
(sneaking away from sleeping Lynnee)
I
don’t recall, I think Lynn stayed over and slept in a chair that night. During the course of the night, in addition
to the chemo, I was feeling the effects of nicotine withdrawal. With the first dousing of chemo complete, I
had only a saline drip hanging. So, I
asked the nurse on shift if I could bum a cigarette (she smoked), go to the
courtyard, and quell my nicotine DTs.
“Absolutely not,” she said.
“Cigarettes are bad for you.”
“Yes,” I said, “But really, you are pouring chemicals into me that
should they leak, you’d have to call a HAZMAT team to clean up. Really, how much is a cigarette going to
impact my chances of survival?” I still
find that whole memory surreal.
2008 Chemo treatment
(the infamous “double flush”)
More
recently, I was given an obligatory, “Instructions for Oncology Patients”
handout. It included symptoms and a
standard “Please call your Doctor or Home Health Nurse if you have any of the
following occur when you are home” sections.
Nothing new here except and in bold-faced type, “Double flush your
toilet for 24 hours after receiving chemotherapy.” I had never seen that before. So, I queried the nurse about it. “What’s with the double flush thing?” I
asked. “It’s precautionary,” she
said. “Might residual chemo hurt a pet
if it drank out of a toilet that was flushed once?” Again, she responded, “It’s
precautionary.” “Yeah, I get that, but
we don’t have a dog and, as far as I know, my wife hasn’t drank out of the
toilet for many years now. Could the
chemo pee or poop eat through the porcelain?” I asked. “Look, it’s just precautionary,” she said
again. “Might someone using the same
once flushed toilet have their pubic hairs fall out? Or, will the single-flushed water generate a
chemical chemo hand that grabs a user’s genitals and pulls them in?” In short, I never did get beyond, “It’s
precautionary.” I’ll keep on it and let
you know… The double flush remains a mystery.
Humorous tidbit,
ReplyDeleteAfter one of those early chemo treatments, John and I were enjoying a libation on the deck and settling the affairs of the world. After a while, he got up and went to the trees to relieve himself. He had told me of the toxic nature of his pee, so, in fun, I asked him what would it do to the tree. He told me if the needles started to drop off the tree, I should cut it down. I asked him why. His response, in mid stream,----"It's precautionary." True story!! The tree---it survived the pee, but is leaning to port following hurrican Sandy.
I was wondering if anyone was recording some of the family stories that are being shared so, when the time comes, Annabel and Eliza can listen to them.
ReplyDeleteI can just hear John telling these items as I read them. He is still making me laugh. Thanks for posting these Lynn...I know they are helping me.
ReplyDeleteReading "Juan-John"'s journal entries--his unflaggingly witty observations on all topics--reminds me of his speech at our wedding three years ago. The day was a blur and I don't remember every detail of what he said, but I do remember my heart swelling with love and gratitude as I listened to him speak. He talked about enduring love and commitment...about partnership and parenthood...about passion and even *gasp* sex! He was the last speaker, and he brought down the house. The people who came to share the day with us were laughing and crying at the same time. In true Juan-John style, he mixed observations from his own experience with his uniquely articulate speaking style, spiced the whole thing up with some inappropriate jokes and his own loud laughter, and created a magical few minutes that I will remember for my whole life. Thank you, Grandpa Juan-John.
ReplyDeleteI just loved the "double-flush"! Typical John. And Lynn, I hope you are not drinking from the toilet!!
ReplyDelete