Oh That Blanket

The United States Military has discharged me once more 50 years later.  I left the VA hospital at Ft. Mylie about 2:30 today and just got home, grabbed a pint of green tea ice cream and away we go.

I went in on Tuesday and immediately discovered I would not have Wi-Fi [they are getting it though].  I have some catching up to do.  Bill and arrived at about 8:45AM having been told the earlier you get there the faster you will get a room.  We were finally told to walk over to the hospital at 10:30.  My room was ready at 11.  It was worth the wait.  It’s a single and the only room with a view of Ocean Beach through the dancing feather tops of the cypress that surround the campus.  I had a semi-private bath shared with the adjacent room but he was non ambulatory so I was it.  I packed but did not need to.  Everything was provided.  I had comfortable XXL cotton scrubs [switched out every other day], all necessary toiletries [donated by local hotels and spas], and a comfortable magic bed that did everything you asked it to do [the linens changed daily].  My friend, Dennis, was the first visitor and he got to watch the infusions of the chemo.  I was hooked up to saline for a while to make sure I was hydrated and Nurse Sheila and assistant arrived with the stuff.  This was quite a project.  They wore protective gowns and special gloves to handle this liter bottle [a glass bottle that looked just like Absolut Vodka] with those scary danger logos on everything.  It was all scanned a dozen times with nurse and asst. checking back and forth finally hanging the bottle of the tree with the greatest of care.  The IV connections were also special so that not a drop could escape and touch anyone or anything… and they’re gonna pump this stuff directly into my vein?????  Within 10 minutes I felt a great deal of pressure on my chest.  Sheila was standing there the whole time while I was chatting with Dennis.  She disconnected it and came back after I had relaxed and reconnected it.  About 20 minutes later while talking to Dennis my teeth started to chatter.  As the rate of chatter increased I pressed the RED nurse button and Sheila rushed in and disconnected again.  By then I was unable to even say a word the chattering was so rapid.  I was given some Demerol to calm me down and was hooked up again a short while later.  As I got groggy Dennis departed and I dozed.   I slept very fitfully waking every ½ to 1 hour.  Toward midnight I woke freezing cold and cold for the nurse.  I told her I need more blankets.  A moment later a diminutive Philippina Angel floated in carrying a preheated fluffy cotton blanket which was gently placed over my shoulders.  I went back to sleep and managed several 3 hour naps.  But, Oh, that Blanket!!!  Sometimes the simplest pleasures….