Tijuana

 It's only been a little over 24 hours and it seems like I'm buried in information.  Like "buried in a pile of puppies" kind of buried.  Not that other kind of buried.  There's been a lot to keep up with--settling into our hotel, scoping out the area, coordinating with the clinic, and day one at the clinic.  

The area where we're staying is called the Playas.  We're a short walk from the beach and border wall--simultaneously barely Mexico and very Mexico.  At first, walking around seemed like taking one's own life in your hands as the rules of the road seem to be a bit, ehhmm, loose.  Though it's not at all obvious, the drivers are very aware and courteous to pedestrians.  It's a nice balance as the beach has an incredible energy of people, color, art, and the ocean, while where we're staying is very quiet and park-like.  Best of both worlds.

The beach and the border

It is a bit odd to be on "vacation" except it's not really vacation.  The clinic, BajaMed Gate, will coordinate my entire itinerary for nearly everyday, so we're just told where and when to show up.  In a way, it's a little scary, but on the other hand, it's an incredible relief to entrust decisions to someone else.  I think that can be one of the most exhausting parts of being a cancer patient (really, any medical issue), is all of the tiny decisions I make everyday that aim me towards or away from progress.  I felt much better after meeting everyone at the clinic today, and the other patients, too.  It's definitely a place of serious healing, but also the energy is very light and very happy.  

Today was an initiation day.  Tour the clinic, meet the people, get bloodwork, get an updated ultrasound, have a consult with the doctor (who is awesome, talked to us for a long time, and asked a TON of questions), and learn about the routine.  I also had an IV of Vit C, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc that will help maximize efficacy of any of their treatments.  They're going to take all of the information gathered from today, look at my past imaging, and present a course of treatment tomorrow.  

There are two in-house chefs that cook very delicious food for everyone while at the clinic, and also send us home with food for dinner.  We have a little kitchen in our hotel room, so that works out really well.  

All in all, a busy day that helped alleviate any nervousness that had been brewing.  This guy helped a lot...

This is Lobo, a 14 year old GSD.  He lives at the clinic...and wears a tie. 

The "living room" at BajaMed Gate.