Chemo

Day 6 August 29, 2018, Thursday

The first thing I think of when I wake up is, what if the surgery doesn't work? I got

everyone's hopes up. I got ready, woke everyone up, and made breakfast. I couldn't eat

before surgery so I went to watch TV. We had to leave the house at 6:30. I got everyone

out the door and into my Honda Pilot on time. I drove, Bryan was in the passenger seat, Mom,

Dad and Alice all sat in the back.

We walked into the lobby at 7:00 and I had to into pre-op, so I kissed Bryan goodbye. I

told him to move on if anything went badly. Then in moved on to Alice I gave her a hug

and told her to take care of herself. Then I hugged Mom and Dad I couldn't say anything.

We all knew the risks of this surgery. I could very easily die. I turned around and walked

into pre-op. I was in there for about 15 minutes before they wheeled me into the OR. The last

thing I remember is counting back from ten but only making it to 5.

I woke up a short time later. Not a good sign, the estimated length of surgery was 2 hours. I

turned my body and felt a stabbing pain in my arm. Ok so maybe the surgery didn't take

as long as expected. I slowly turned my head to the side. Alice was waiting for me.

"Alice, I'm awake. What happened?"

"Catherine! They said the chemo had collapsed the vein in your arm so they couldn't put it in!

Are you ok?!"

"Calm down, Alice I'm fine. Can you call a nurse, my arm hurts."

"Yup," Bryan came running in when Alice approached the emergency call button.

"Bryan, I am awake I told her to press it." He came over and just looked at me.

"Are you ok?" He whispered.

"Yes, Bryan. I am okay." We sat in silence waiting for the nurse to come. When he walked in I

fell asleep. I woke up keeping my eyes closed. My parents were talking to Dr. Stevens.

Apparently, they had started me on chemo right when they took me out of surgery. The

worst part was they said I could have been in remission by November. Then I opened my eyes.

"Mom? Dad?" I mumbled. " Where are you?"

"I'm right here sweetie."

"Mom, Where is Bryan?"

"He went home to get clothes and get homework from your teachers."

"Oh, ok" I drifted asleep.