‘The lady next to me in chemo today had a bad reaction. The nurses came flying. Vitals were taken, IV stopped, O2 applied and the curtain drawn, so I can’t tell you more. Even her husband wasn’t allowed behind the curtain. He did remain calm. So I started thinking, what if I had someone with me? How would she react? I’ll give a couple of scenarios because I can use a chuckle.

Beth, my daughter, would of course take charge and “get someone’s ass over here”. During the commotion, she’ll be hoping the nurses won’t ask her to do anything that would involve touching my skin. Then she would wonder if all this activity will affect her Wifi connection. Seriously, you want this woman on your team. She identifies the problem and can either make it go away or find a way to deal with it.

Betty, my childhood friend and I graduated from nursing school together. She practiced nursing all her life so I’m sure if any stethescopes are lying around, she’ll be lifting one and using it on me. She’d take charge and start ordering O2 sats, saline and who knows what else. I want her on my team.

Mary Ann is a friend of 46 years. We raised our babies together. Now having Mary Ann in the chemo room is not recommended even though she means well. I believe she would be on her phone calling her connections (ER doctor, periodondist) and getting their opinion. Never mind that I have the most knowledgable doctors and nurses right there. I want her on my team….just not in the chemo room.