14 Days
Have you ever gotten sick and had to take antibiotics? Usually you get a 14 day prescription and you have to take every bit of it to make sure you are over whatever it is you had.Â
When I got out of the hospital this time, I was told I needed to get 14 days worth of several drugs…all intravenously and over a six and one-half hour period. I go to a transfusion unit, take some premeds that essentially knock me out because of some side effects, and six hours later I get to leave. That is, unless I am there on a day where I need platelets and blood. Platelets take one hour. Blood takes three hours for each – and sometime I have to have two bags.Â
If I have to have potassium and/or magnesium it is another four to five hours. I just recently began being able to take the last two in a portable portion. Pierce takes care of unhooking them, flushing the line and giving me a bit of heparin after they are done. Â
I get to know the staff at the ATC transfusion unit at MD Anderson Cancer Center real well. They are some of the kindest and most patient people I’ve seen. Â
There are patients I overhear who are rude and very unkind to the staff. Of course, many of those are suffering and trying to deal with their cancer in different ways. The staff knows that, but I know it takes all their skills to be patient. Â
I can tell you they don’t get enough of a salary to warrant some of the things I hear people saying. I said that once to one of the staff and she said she was not in it for the money. She loved helping others get through those tough times. Â
“It is her calling.†she said.  Â
So, when I feel a bit impatient and want to go home after ten or more hours of being there, I do my best to be patient like they are.Â
They inspire me to be the best patient I can be.Â
My wish for you today is that you are inspired by the people that come across your path…whether it be for one minute or 14 days. Â
~ Joellen