DAY 1 REPORT

BEP CHEMO BEGINS — PORT SURGERY, DRIPS, AND 10,000 STEPS

First day on BEP in the urology ward: frustrated by limited nurse answers, CV port surgery, saline and liver-protection drips, chemo at 10am — and still hit 10,000 steps.

I was a bit frustrated by the lack of information I was getting from the nurses this morning. Apparently they only get one or two patients per year on BEP. The lack of quality had me concerned. I will try and get more answers from the main doctor tomorrow — he was away.

Officially the drips start. The official battle begins.

Day 1, urology ward

Looking for people my age

I also tried to see if there is a meet-up or way to communicate with young adult cancer patients. I am in the urology ward and everyone is seventy-plus. I wanted to connect with people a similar age, but I have been told they do not have a system like that — I have to depend on the nurses.

CV port surgery

Had the CV port surgery today. That was way more painful than expected. They put through a bunch of tubes and now I have to carry this medical equipment card if I need a CT scan for something else, as it would react.

IV pole with saline bags and infusion pump in hospital ward — Saline and liver-protection meds running through the pump.

Drips and chemo

Some saline water and meds to protect the liver. Chemo is starting at 10am. The official battle begins.

Garmin watch showing 10,139 steps at the hospital bedside — 10,139 steps on the ward — goal hit anyway.

Soft-serve ice cream and anime on a tablet in the hospital room — Small comforts: noodles, journaling, anime, and a late-night treat.