On Friday May 8th, I learned that I get to eat breakfast for the foreseeable future! I’m part of a clinical trial which is examining the effects of food on absorption of a new drug which is under examination here, and not yet available by prescription.

Some of the testing supplies

I started Monday the 11th, with a long (8:00am to 5:00pm) day at the hospital. Some excellent nurses poked a needle into me which remained there for the course of the day so that at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the day they could collect blood samples to analyse how this new drug was doing in my bloodstream.  Several times they also attached about ten electrodes to my skin to record how my heart was doing. There were a few other tests which also occurred in a blur of a busy day. These were all a routine part of the clinical trial.

One poke lasts the whole day!

Electrode for the ECG

Vomit bucket unused! 🙂

I didn’t feel like a guinea pig, though. I felt very well cared for by skilled (and happy) professionals who made a long and tiring day as enjoyable as it could possibly be. Well, they didn’t give me chocolate, but one nurse who was going on break near the end of the day even went so far as to ask if she could bring me something.

Over the day I learned a bit about them and their families and observed some of what their job was like. It’s a small unit with a lot going on. Patient care comes first, and they always seem willing to answer questions or stop and talk. At times during the day they were very busy: one patient forgot to come in for her morning appointment and had to be squeezed into the crowded afternoon schedule. Another patient had to be whisked away for some additional tests, with many repeated explanations given to the patient as well as three accompanying family members. Blood samples were spun out in the centrifuge, chairs and beds were rearranged in intricate patterns, and scheduling at times seemed like an advanced logic puzzle.

Monday morning this tray was filled with empty tubes. Late in the afternoon, the timer counts down to the last set of blood tests for the day!

My morning was basically non-stop tests, with little downtime in between. Two nurses were needed at times because some tests had to be performed simultaneously. The afternoon was a bit quieter, with time for short walks around the hospital between tests. I enjoyed visits with my husband and another friend, and did a little reading.

I went back for a shorter visit with fewer tests the next day, and again this week. I will be spending time (mostly short visits) with these nurses weekly over the coming months. I could think of worse things!

So far, this drug seems to be working! I am still coughing, but much less often – and it doesn’t feel like I may explode whenever I cough. I’m tired, but less so than I was in recent weeks. I’m sometimes short of breath, but no more than before and perhaps even less. I am thankful!

I’m also thankful that the side effects seem better than with the previous drug. It’s hard to say at this point, but I understand that usually side effects decrease after the first week or two and this is what I’m hoping for! So far, there has been a fair bit of nausea but no vomiting. My tummy is upset a lot of the time, but this may fade. No visual disturbances, so I may try driving at night again at some point.

So far, so good!

Last time I asked for prayer for my side which was extremely sore. I rejoice to report that the pain is completely gone and has been for some time. Very thankful!

We continue to be grateful beyond words for the countless ways so many people show us love and kindness. The other night as we sat down to a meal which an amazing woman from church had prepared and delivered to us, my 8yo daughter leaned onto my arm, looked up at me and said with the most beautifully expressive voice, “We are so blessed!”

Yes, we are!

We are so grateful for the thoughtful generosity of so many!

Gerberas are the happiest flowers!

Spring is bursting out in our garden!

Our garden changes too quickly in Spring!

Another glimpse of Spring in our garden!

Check out the texture on this tulip in a public garden!

Wood duck: the other day we noticed a new neighbour!

Group hug! Goodbye to good friends who came for a visit!