I've been diagnosed with cancer and am starting an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. It will last for about four months.
Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells, which cancer is. Unfortunately, it also kills white blood cells, which are one of our body's main defenses against germs, bugs, and bacteria.
Normally I ride my bicycle to work, but that's not going to be possible during treatment.
So, I've started taking the bus.
I am a transit proponent, and don't mind taking buses and trains. I live in Seattle and work is about eight miles from where I live.
When I asked my Oncologist about riding transit, he suggested I wear masks to avoid inhaling germs and bacteria while riding. He also recommended having hand sanitizer on me.
In the few weeks between my surgery and starting chemo, I rode the bus and paid attention to the sanitary habits of my fellow riders.
Goodness!
Some of my fellow riders are either uninformed or not following guidelines they've been shown for how to sneeze, cough and/or hack while on transit. The more I saw, the less I felt bothered by wearing a mask. I've seen people sneezing and coughing and not covering it, the same again and then they grab one of the poles, sticking their fingers in their mouths, rubbing their hand under their nose as they sniffle, etc.
I had my first chemotherapy treatment yesterday and took two buses in this morning (I missed my one-shot bus). I put on the mask as I saw the bus approaching. I was able to sit by myself and as other riders got on, they avoided me. I suspect that they think I'm a carrier.
Masks are only good for about 20 minutes, so I swapped for a new one as I waited for the second bus.
Once off the bus, I removed it and walked to work.
My hair is going to begin falling out in about ten days. Generous artist friends have agreed to apply henna tattoos to my bald head. I can't wait to see how my fellow riders behave on the bus when I'm bald and riding transit.
Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells, which cancer is. Unfortunately, it also kills white blood cells, which are one of our body's main defenses against germs, bugs, and bacteria.
Normally I ride my bicycle to work, but that's not going to be possible during treatment.
So, I've started taking the bus.I am a transit proponent, and don't mind taking buses and trains. I live in Seattle and work is about eight miles from where I live.
When I asked my Oncologist about riding transit, he suggested I wear masks to avoid inhaling germs and bacteria while riding. He also recommended having hand sanitizer on me.
In the few weeks between my surgery and starting chemo, I rode the bus and paid attention to the sanitary habits of my fellow riders.
Goodness!
Some of my fellow riders are either uninformed or not following guidelines they've been shown for how to sneeze, cough and/or hack while on transit. The more I saw, the less I felt bothered by wearing a mask. I've seen people sneezing and coughing and not covering it, the same again and then they grab one of the poles, sticking their fingers in their mouths, rubbing their hand under their nose as they sniffle, etc.
I had my first chemotherapy treatment yesterday and took two buses in this morning (I missed my one-shot bus). I put on the mask as I saw the bus approaching. I was able to sit by myself and as other riders got on, they avoided me. I suspect that they think I'm a carrier.
Masks are only good for about 20 minutes, so I swapped for a new one as I waited for the second bus.
Once off the bus, I removed it and walked to work.
My hair is going to begin falling out in about ten days. Generous artist friends have agreed to apply henna tattoos to my bald head. I can't wait to see how my fellow riders behave on the bus when I'm bald and riding transit.
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, it's commonplace for people to wear masks while riding public transportation. I'm not clear whether they do it to protect themselves from the germs of others, or to protect others from their germs -- I've heard it both ways. What's interesting is the anonymity the masks provide -- it's hard to ID anyone in a mask.
Take care... I'm thinking of you.
- Tina
Thanks for your report. The information about the limitations of the mask is new to me.
ReplyDeleteBald + mask and they'll probably put it together that you have cancer. Bald + henna tattoos covering your head + mask and they'll probably think you're a performance artist. Add some angry beat-style poetry to complete the look. The seats around you should clear right out.
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