Total Pageviews

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2nd Maintenance Dose Of BCG

Had been watching the weather forecasts and was hoping the snow would hold off, peter out or at least be timed so it wouldn't interfere with my 2nd dose of BCG.  After last week's snow (forecast of 5 to 8 inches) resulted in 18 inches of heavy wet snow I wasn't thrilled about the original timing for this storm.  Happily it came on Tuesday and only dropped about 5 inches of fluffy white stuff.  

We have been in an arctic blast  so one cannot ignore the accumulation since it could result in turning into concrete.  Last week's storm of 18 inches was washed away with a 'warmer' storm of 2 inches of rain. I do not see that happening this time.  So I was able to do clean-up Tuesday night.  

This morning, the sun was out, but with a breeze, arctic air and a wind chill, it felt like 8 degrees.  I had refrained from clearing my car off last night because we had some sleet/frozen rain which iced up everything.  But my decision was a good one.  It was very easy cleaning the car off since the 'crust' of ice didn't penetrate the snow.  Thank heavens for small favors.

Having nearly a half hour for travel to N Andover, I was prepared for any traffic or train crossing which would add to my commute.  Once again I was fortunate to have light traffic and no trains to worry about.  I did eat up some time looking for a place to park.  The parking lot stripes couldn't be seen so people parked where ever they liked.  I did snag a spot way at the end and carefully traipsed over iced cover sidewalks and took my place in queue at the doctor's office which was quite busy.  There were four windows for check in, but one said closed, two had patients at the window and another had no one present.  Eventually, the medical professional with the closed sign called me over.  I decided it was in my best interest to not mention that her window said closed. I was there, so I'd let someone else provide that unsolicited information.

My record was reviewed and certain statistics were verified while she grabbed a specimen jar for my obligatory sample.  She directed me to the rest room area and said, "You're all set".  Thank you!

I was doing my thing and was interrupted with knocks and heard, "Anyone in there?" "I'm in here."  "Ok, sorry."  I heard.   A few moments later another knock and similar exchange.  I assumed it was someone else, or they really had to go.  When I opened the door to leave, there was no one there.  We'll never know now.  I rejoined the throngs in the waiting room. 

It wasn't too long when I heard my name called.  I was grilled on my stats and was allowed to proceed.  We came to my now favorite examination room (or at least my most frequented). I was told to prepare my self and wait for the Physician's Assistant, Patrick.

Not long after, as I sat swaddled in my napkin, Patrick knock on the door and entered.  Mystery solved, I had him last week but didn't catch his name.  He went through his spiel, adjusted the table and arranged his implements.  He announced that he was going to get the medicine.

A few moments later he did his thing, quickly but with some discomfort, then said "I'll see you next week."

I got home and did my 2 hours of marination.  As the day progressed, I felt very blah and had some blood (which is normal).  So I'm taking it very slow today and will dispense from my daily walk  (extremely cold and low energy). I'm hopeful that the side effects will start to calm down by tomorrow.

Post Script: 

Day two: Still feeling achy, with stuffy nose slight sore throat and periodic coughing.  Still feeling cold and chilly. Voice is scratchy and tight feeling.  Refrained from participating on online sessions.  Did manage to play live stream, but I played all instrumentals. Took a Covid Test and it came back negative.  Still having difficulty passing urine.  Although the burning has subsided, the frequency is concerning.  I got up two times last night.

Day three: Still feeling flu-ey.  Muscles hurt from coughing.  Went through two boxes of kleenex.  Appetite is pretty non existent.  Been able to have Progresso soups I had on hand.  And insult to injury..I have a touch of vertigo.  I've canceled all my performances this weekend.  Frigid outside, good time to stay put and recover.

More to come!

No comments:

Post a Comment