After 100+ visits to the clinic, and a series of unintended trial-&-error experiences, I have come to realize (develop) an outfit that seems to work best for the needs of the various procedures, and the realities of contending with the environment/temperature of the infusion center - all while maintaining an appropriate fashion sense. It’s not a uniform uniform (not the exact same clothing combo each time), rather an assortment of apparel that speak to the aforementioned considerations.
No matter the time of year, it starts with a short-sleeved shirt. That's not always logical for sub-zero New Jersey, but it is critical for allowing easy and unconstrained access to my veins for infusions. Previous combinations of chemos used a protocol that involved inserting the line in my hand (that's another story), but for now it goes into the inside of the elbow. I happen to be blessed with good veins that seem to be holding up to four years of frequent injections - so the ease of accessing that entry point keeps my veins and my nurse happy. Having a needle and tube in my arm also makes it challenging to wear a hoodie or sweater, but even in short sleeves, the infamous "warm blanket" will do the trick to keep me cozy during infusion.
Whatever the temperature is outside, it's always cool inside the clinic. The institutional air vents are long, thin openings that run on the ceiling - right above where the patient chairs are located (A cruel coincidence? I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say "no"). Regardless, a hat is also critical for staving off the persistent flow of cold air pumping down on my head. Plus, it gives me a chance to stay warm while being cool as I proudly rock a Wild or Twins cap.
Shoes that easily slip on are another "hack" aspect of my uni. Each visit starts with an intake session of vitals such as: temp, BP, heart rate, oxygen levels, weight (along with inquiries into: any pain, fatigue, and do I feel safe at home). Slipping off my slip-ons helps me speed the weigh-in process. Paired with my most lightweight slacks helps me keep the pounds down (I mean make the weight more accurate). Fortunately, I have black, beige and gray super-lightweight "travel trousers" which pair nicely with any Polo in my wardrobe.
I spend a lot of quiet time in the chair thinking about life; my loving family/friends, my health, my future, my fate, my blog - and of course, my outfit that I'm going to wear for the next visit. Do you think I've been hanging around Angie and the "girls" too long ?!?!
