I am woken by a call from ARO. Dr MP has cancelled my referral to Mercy for the MRI and has re-referred me into the public system. There will likely be a bit of a wait time to get in. That’s ok, I think – no payment, no problem. 

The big event today is my first Zometa infusion, back at our old stomping ground, the Infusion unit at the hospital. It’s weird to go back again after my last chemo, nearly 2 months ago. I see some familiar faces amongst the staff and am able to give them my gift from the last chemo. I have my same-as-always nurse, La. She uses a new style of needle for the infusion but it doesn’t go in properly so she ends up having to withdraw it and start over with another. Basically that means I get my port jabbed twice. Twice as much fun equals twice as much pain, but at least it’s over quickly.

La takes my blood pressure – it’s high again. She goes through the common side effects of Zometa (zoledronic acid). We are looking at aches and pains in muscles and joints as calcium is transferred from blood to bones, fevers and chills (usually in the first few days), headaches (already got ‘em), nausea and vomiting, low calcium blood levels, and declining kidney function. Sounds delightful.

The Zometa infusion itself is very quick, just 15 minutes once I’m all set up. No time for chess today – I manage a quick cryptic crossword and we are done. I bid everyone goodbye and Merry Christmas – see you in 6 months!

Before we leave we go to the hospital pharmacy to pick up a repeat prescription. Susannah spies a small blue-grey rabbit toy which we decide must come home with us. We name him Spital (a contraction of hospital) and decide that he will be our hospital mascot. Being a rabbit he is naturally nervous so he will mirror my mood perfectly.

Back at home I get a call from North Shore Radiology. I am thinking it’s to schedule my MRI – gosh, that’s super quick for public! but the caller says, you are due a CT scan, we’ve had a cancellation, can you come in tomorrow morning? My heart sinks and I hesitate before saying yes. This is the CAP-CT scan my Oncologists were talking about awhile ago to see how I’m doing after all the treatment. This scan will tell me if I’m currently cancer free or if it has spread. I’ll probably get the results at my next Oncology appointment on December 21. 

I now know what I desperately want for Christmas.

At Radiation Round 12 in the early evening, the Radiotherapists comment on how proficient I’ve become at the breathing technique. On the way out I grab a couple of sweets from the reception counter – this is my daily reward. I also get more strata gel – I’m applying it very liberally as the itching and redness is becomes more and more intense. Not long to go now though.

On the way home I check my email and see one from North Shore Radiology. I think it’s confirmation of tomorrow’s CT scan but it’s a new appointment for an MRI in the public system on December 18. Things are moving fast again.