Today is the first day for me in the hospital, the first day of three days of augmented ICE, which seems likely to turn into four days. My admission was booked for 1 pm, and I got to my room around 5:30.
So far, aside from not being able to bend my arm because of the IV, it hasn’t been too bad, but that’s because the chemo hasn’t started yet. It’s supposed to arrive shortly. But here are the highlights:
1. I’m a little bummed about the predicted nausea, because this menu looks pretty good with a selection that includes short ribs, vegetable stir-fry and Asian dumplings. There’s a breakfast burrito special on Wednesday, and I am already looking forward to it.
Tonight I ordered the mozzarella sticks, one of my very favorite things to eat. There were only three through. I’m kind of concerned about how much hospital food costs. Is it like a hotel minibar? Otherwise, I’d be eating some spring rolls and pizza right about now.
2. For the next 10 hours or so, I have to pee in something called a “hat,” a habit I hope to break myself of before returning home so things don’t get awkward.
3. I have to take this IV stand with me everywhere for the next few days, including the shower.
4. I miss my boyfriend and my cats.
5. My bed puffs up and sighs every now and then, so it’s like being on the chest of a sleeping giant.