The PICC line, for those (like myself) who were unaware, is a line inserted into a vein in my non dominant forearm that extends to the heart. I'm glad I was ignorant until minutes before the procedure, because that is the stuff of nightmares for me, even if the actual result felt, at worst, a bit weird

It's hard to sleep some days, procedure days especially.

Hospital gown, pre PICC

I feel like a pear

Outside RVH

Outside RVH

Still a pear
There are many sorts of chemotherapy. Which makes sense, cancer is a collection of diseases of various tissues.
There are many sorts of chemotherapy. Which makes sense, different tumors and different cancers are going to have different vulnerabilities.
There are many sorts of chemotherapy. Which makes sense, side effects are an important consideration, and the risks must always be balanced with the benefits of the drugs.
There are many sorts of chemotherapy. Which makes sense, some are used to prepare for surgery, or to remove the cancer completely. Others are palliative, used to prolong life and minimise pain.
Friends, my chemotherapy is palliative. Which isn't to say my oncologist has given up on me, this round of chemotherapy is simultaneously the correct standard of care and the necessary first step to get a more advanced treatment.
The PICC goes in tomorrow, and the first round of chemo starts the day after. I've never been more tired and overwhelmed in my life.
My parents are visiting this week, which is a great comfort, and they've brought my best poodles, Annie (golden labradodle) and Bessie (black standard poodle). I've saved this post for the day I got lots of good photos, maybe it'll help lighten things a touch.

Posting with my skulls

Some friends joined the skulls

Annie the labradoodle

My mother

Bessie is too energetic to easily photoshop

Still too active

Still too active

Bessie yes, me no

Damnit Annie, Bessie was so good here

I finally caught my poodle

My best poodle ❤️

She bopped me pretty good because she wanted to trot around again