Wednes"BAY" Week 3... On a "Toxic Tuesday"

I just wrapped up my 3rd week on Bay 80-6946.  Because of the holidays my infusion was moved up to Tuesday (I know, just like old times), in order to have routine lab work the day after the infusion.  I'm not required to have lab work the day after every infusion, but it is required on the 3rd week of this clinical trial.  The 3rd week also requires another 12 hour long day on infusion day.  The infusion itself is only about an hour to an hour and a half, however I'm suppose to hang around  the rest of the day while being monitored... vital signs are periodically checked and Pharmacokinetic Samples, or PKs are taken.  Talk about a long da... Oh, did I lose ya with the big word???  If so, no worries!  Let me explain...

Pharmacokinetic Samples or PKs are blood and/or urine samples that are collected before, during and after my treatments. These samples can tell us how high the level of the drug gets in my body, how long the drug stays in my body and how my body gets rid of the drug.

Now you're up to speed with whats going on AND you learned a little something.  But before I sign off and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, I have a few shout outs to make in the spirit of Thanksgiving...

Thanks to the American Cancer Society for hooking us up with free lodging for the night.  Ooooh, how that helps us out!

Thanks to the gentleman blaring Christmas music for 12 hours straight in the infusion room.  I think I can make it till Christmas 2012 without hearing another Christmas song (insert sarcasm)!

And thanks to the great Chemo nurses in the infusion room. One in particular nurse stands out... But maybe that's because she helped me get through the last couple of hours of Christmas music. She was the night nurse who wore cowboy boots, called me mija and kept a stack of prayer cards in her pocket.  Thanks Maria!

Happy Turkey Day Y'all!