July 4th: emi_d_123 | A day at the ♋ infusion clinic 

As im watching back, I'm realizing all the little things I wish I had included! - Wear a shirt that gives the nurses access to your blood. I get an IV in my arm, so I wear short sleeves. If you have a port, something with a low/stretchy collar or buttons makes for easier access. - You can bring a friend to hang out with you! Especially nice for the longer infusions. - Before your first treatment, your doctor will probably tell you how long the infusion will be. That's likely just the time for the main mediciation you're there to get. Budget 30-45 minutes on either side for pre-infusion setup (like getting your IV in and that Benadryl dose I mentioned) and post-infusion saline flush. - Ask your doctor if you should avoid Tylenol/Acetaminophen/Paracetamol the morning of. At this clinic you get a dose when you arrive, it helps reduce the chances of an immune response/allergic reaction to your infusion. That's also what the Benadryl is for. - Your first infusion usually takes the longest. They'll start you off on a really slow drip, and raise the rate over time to make sure you don't have any side effects/bad reactions. I had a mild allergic reaction to this medication on the highest drip rate, so I have to get a slightly slower drip than usual. - Yes, you might have an allergic reaction. Most of these treatments - Chemo, IVIG, the medication i'm getting - intentionally attack parts of your body, especially your immune system. So it might fight back! But slower drip rates can keep your immune system from noticing. - I always have to pee a *lot*, both bc I drink a lot of water to help them find my veins and because all the medication is mixed with saline. - My clinic is inside a hospital, so you can order lunch from the cafeteria. Worth asking about any food-ordering options before your first day.

I was surprised to see the big room with all the patients. Places I've experienced in Europe usually have individual rooms. Much more private and also safer, but I guess also more potentially lonely? I've never thought about that.