IVs and ipods

It is a Friday morning after a night of work and I am sitting in the outpatient infusion clinic waiting for my medicine. A few years ago it was discovered that I have Iron Deficient Anemia. The treatment, for me at least, is infusions of Venofer. "Venofer® (iron sucrose injection, USP) is a brown, sterile, aqueous complex of polynuclear iron (III)-hydroxide in sucrose for intravenous use." Source

I now go to the hemotologist every 3 or 4 months and have blood tests and talk to the doctor. She evaluates the levels and decides if I need more treatments or not. So far I seem to need them every 12 to 18 months. For some, one series of treatments is basically curative and for others they need them continually so I guess I fall in the middle which isn't too bad.

It doesn't take long since the volume is small and if I go right after work I am out by 9-ish and on my way home.
Needles don't bother me either so the whole process is quite simple. I have to add the nurses in these clinics are wonderful, skilled and compassionate.

The kids have asked what the medicine is like so I have included pictures to show them. It is a lovely brown liquid which looks like rust in a bag.



A very positive part of this whole "ordeal" is the new prospective it has given me on life. In the same clinic some people are getting chemotherapy. These patients come in with coolers of food and snacks, magazines and if they are lucky someone who can spend the day with them playing cards or just keeping them company. Chemo patients often spend the entire day getting all the medicines they need. Each person has their own "cubby" with a reclining chair a small table and a television. There is a curtain you can use to close off the area if you desire, so privacy is available. As I am having my treatments, and not fallen asleep, I have heard patients cry, talk softly and even get sick. It is sad to hear. Of course I have no idea why anyone is there as they don't know why I am there but today I was surprised to see so many young people. I have even encountered people I know and sadly one of them didn't survive her breast cancer... my point is it has made me decide to try and enjoy myself more. It is very evident that life is too short.

What do ipods have to do with any of this? Instead of watching tv I bring my ipod and listen to music and write. Music is very soothing for me and with the warmed blankets they have it can actually be an almost relaxing time. Almost... Between my ipod and BlackBerry I am not sure which I would be more lost without.

I also wanted to share this picture which shows a garden outside the oncology building. It isn't in it glory right now with the daffodils wilting and the pansy's just getting started but I think it is inspiring and creative.



And PS.. I have lost 5 pounds.. it has given me a bit of incentive to keep going. :-)