I start my chemo sessions with the best intentions. I have The Power Of Now I can read. I have guided meditations I can do. But, chemo is just like a cross-atlantic plane ride. At some point you just want to zone out. The point happens pretty quickly for me. It’s like I’m in the middle seat between two burly men who are hogging the armrests and I just can’t get comfortable. I’m there for 5 to 6 hours and can’t sleep because the “pre-meds” make me jumpy and high. Not, oh lovely I’ve had a glass of wine high but a, “yuck! my legs are twitching! My head is spinnnning”!

I found one drug that is so powerful that it actually curbs all side effects or put another way, curbs life. Television.

Although we have 6 viewing screens in the house (4 computer screens, 1 older TV, and 1 BFTV) we do not have any television access. We think we are pretty special for this, as you can probably attest from speaking to us or reading our blog.

After not viewing TV regularly for more than ten years I can clearly see the dumbing down hypnotic effect it has. I turned the TV on shortly after my first drug was administered. I was completely absorbed for hours even though there was nothing good on the 70+ channels. I think for the first hour or two I was consumed with disbelief. I guess at some point I was cooped and became enthrawled with Project Runway. So much so that I worried chemo would end before the show did.

Now there is something seriously wrong with that.

This week I’ll be visiting the library for a good book on tape.