Today I woke up with a single appliance left in reserve after changing out again last night. I found a really good video online that suggested some things that I had not tried before that I am trying, mainly one where I rotated the square barrier 45 degrees to apply in as a diamond which allowed the adhesive to attach to skin that had not received quite so much abuse. I even felt confident enough to shower with it (which also could help since previously I had been taking bird baths, first because of the infusion pump, then because of my fear about the seal, so there was certainly some potential for body oils to seep into the area where the adhesive sits. I am hopeful that this will last the expected 3 days.
My stress was relieved when the nurse came and had 4 appliances with her, then later my Amazon order came with the parts I needed to assemble another 4. In addition I spoke with a representative from another appliance manufacturer and have samples on the way, expected tomorrow. To put a cherry on it, the nurse confirmed that my normal order had been processed, and I received both an email and call from the vendor that it was on the way, along with a tracking number. I should be well stocked by the end of the week, and hope to keep the 8 appliances that I currently have on hand (not counting the one in my emergency kit) as a reserve supply.
As for the chemotherapy part of things, I feel good, with no obvious signs of side effects yet. Maybe a little sensitivity in my gums, so I am using a soft bristle tooth brush now as suggested. Around the nurses visit I worked a normal day again, and continue to feel good about having that to focus on during this process. Some folks then they hear that my chemotherapy is planned for six months think that is a long time, but when I challenge those same people to develop a new product in the same six months, it all of a sudden seems very short.
Frank and Liz fly back to Pittsburgh tomorrow. It was awesome having them here and I will miss the company, but Isabella and I are ready to get back to a little more routine, and I am certain that Frank and Liz are more than ready to get back to their lives. Thanks go out to my niece Emily and nephew EJ for their efforts keeping things going back in Pittsburgh while they were here.