I am about to feel like a rat running on a wheel in a cage. Yep.....it's clinical trial time. I went to the hospital today and met with my new team. I had 7 vials of blood taken by my own technician. Apparently with the trial things are all so controlled so I had a special tech take my blood and not the usual girls that I've had over the past 6 months. I had to fast for this blood test so I was ready to chew my arm off when I got there. After blood work I went to Tim Hortons to get a muffin and a coffee. I always buy the receptionist a coffee too. I know her order off by heart. I guess I've become a bit familiar with the cancer centre!! I went back up to the clinic to eat my muffin and drink my coffee. An elderly woman was arguing with her son and the volunteer about not wanting to do the symptom chart because she didn't want her son to know how she was feeling. I had to chuckle. I can only imagine this will be my mom and I some day.
I got called back by a new nurse and sat in a room to answer a BUNCH of questions. Most of which I had to answer "No" to. She'd ask me a question and I'd say "No" or "None" and she'd flip 3 pages. Apparently I am to healthy and so is my family given the lack of family history and the lack of medications I am on. She said I was her easiest one yet. Again I had to think "This is why I don't belong here". After my personal interview I was ushered over to the scale where they took my weight and then took my height. They also measured my waist and hips?! Maybe I'll get some kind of cute cape or something to wear while I'm running on my wheel. The oncologist came in who is new to me also and did a look, listen and feel. She said I am the picture of health and all my counts and vitals are good. Great!!! So maybe a few less laps on the wheel will be required if I'm in such great shape now. She talked about the trial and how I'll get the placebo or the medication that I will take twice a day for 5 years. I come back every 6 months for blood work (7 vials) and a look, listen and feel. I am to call if I have any problems of questions (as long as it's during business hours) and I will come back Monday for a pharmacy teaching and to get 6 months worth of pills. I didn't have the heart to ask her when I get my cage and my wheel. So off I went saying good-bye to all my "friends" there. It really does feel like a little family to me and my home away from home. I couldn't help but notice the new people in the waiting room looking so nervous. I remember feeling that way and now I walk in and know everyone and talk to them all as if we're best friends.
I am happy that I received another clean bill of health and that I am going to be part of research. It feels good to be able to give back to the medical field. Who knows.....I just may like being a lab rat!!!
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