It's been some time since my last blog mainly because I have find myself short on time so I thought I would change tack and look to doing shorter and maybe more frequent blogs. Then it doesn't take me as long and those of you asking how things are and looking forward to the blog update are catered for.
So I've had the 4th chemo - only 2 to go...More reveals in the good , the bad and the ugly below.
Friday 14 Oct unexpected scan appointment for a liver ultra sound arrives...really don't like the unexpected as you can't help worrying.
Mon 17 Oct clinic appointment at Derriford. This time with my chemotherapy consultant who introduces me to a trainee doctor (doesn't seem old enough) but he has a nice way and covers all the usual questions on how I have been how have the side effects been etc. he confirms that the CT scan came back clear but showed a shadow on my liver they want to check. This confirms the liver ultrasound appointment I received unexpectedly. He confirms they think it is benign and not a secondary but want to check(again until this is proven this is a worry!)
Chemotherapy consultant back and does a manual check on my lymph nodes and checks boob - includes tape measure check on lump. Feedback great in that lymph nodes back to normal and tape measure test shows lump reduction 2cm or so.. this will be supported by a further MRI scan to check change in lump.
Trainee doctor boy then redoes same boob tests under guidance of consultant - how times change as now letting a "stranger" touch my boobs at my age!
I did say at the end of the last blog that I would look into communication between those in wellville and us in Tumour town. As this is a wider subject and I don't want to upset anyone I'll tackle this in a later blog.
So here goes...
The Good
- Time is flying so that I have chemo 5 of 6 next Thursday and the final chemo just before Christmas then chemo finished.
- The diagnosed Haemangeoma on my liver is common and benign and needs no treatment. So scan results all in and I've passed.- well done me.
- Hospital phobea completely gone.
- Got a friend for Wiggie Wig - called her Sarah(you know who you are) - my blond number.
- Had a fun time at the MacMillan Look Good Feel Great afternoon- recommended for any of you going through this. Shared Wiggie Wig around and met some lovely people and got some great free make up and tips.
- I am fully fuctioning a week after chemo - working hard and trying to fit in exercise time in the 2 weeks before next chemo - walking and cycling as spending a good week sedentry which so isn't me! (Don't want a lardy arse- its so easy to lose fitness and takes longer to get it back).
- I have been advised by several ladies that chemo is the worst of the treatments to be faced and nearly over now.
- I have an appointment fixed with the surgeon next week to learn what they are proposing and why. Lots of qustions ready to be asked etc. This also will I hope sort out my treatment diary so I'll know if we can fix in a week away skiing if I have an extra week before the op in January/Feb as would like that carrot to look forward to.
- Will be enjoying Christmas a week later than you lot as will be recouperating but then looking forward to moving into 2012 with chemo behind me.
- Spending the later part of recouperation time being creative while brain power resumes. I gage my recovery on how quickly I can complete a difficult Sudoko. In "normal" times I can do one in minutes as I recover it starts by taking a day until about day 4 when back to normal. I call this my "sudoko chemo brain test".
The Bad
- Last chemo it took an hour for the lovely chemo nurses to get the cannula in my hand - had to change to right hand in the end so that chemo could start. I am just taking it in my stride but it is making it harder to get my head in a positive place immediately leading up to the chermo day which is not surprising really.
- The injection I have the day after the chemo is something I don't look forward to as a) I hate needles b) it stings and 3) it makes me feel crap on Saturday- achey and flu like as it makes joints - neck, back legs etc ache as it makes the bone marrow produce blood cells. I did learn that each injection costs £640 but again as I know the side effects go it is easier to get through.
- More queasyness building with each treatment but again popping the antisickness pills work - just need more and need to take earlier.
- The chemo after the 4th time does seem to have hit my hormones. I am having lots of "hot" times and finding I am unexpectedly tearful especially if anyone is nice to me. I have no control over this and find it a bit unnurving as I don't usually blub so much. In hot times I wip off Wiggie Wig and pop back on when passed. Can see that from a temperature viewpoint I am "lucky" to be having chemo in Autumn / winter as might overheat in the summer.
- Doctors are way worse that nurses at putting in cannulas. There seems to be a pecking order. I had bad brusing from cannula in arm for second MRI scan but it was nothing compared to the 2 doctors doing the ecosound of the liver! No problem at all when blood taken by the blood extraction nurses. Currently bruise free..
- Worried about the next treatment - The Op as never had one. So need to chat to surgeon, breast nurse etc to feel positive about this. Any positive advice gratefully received.
- Frankly bored at having to consider keeping away from communal areas and avoiding infection. This just really means avoiding people. I am in the office working during days 10-14 my apparant vulnerable time but would work from home if anyone in the office poorly. Not been to cinema, theatre or gatherings for months so again will be overdosing in 2012 to catch up. As well as holidays & travel.
- Soooo looking forward to not being defined by this and back to being me.
The Ugly
This is where I upload the photos of friends and family trying on Wiggie Wig which shows to us wig wearers that if you don't take time to consider your wig placement you can just look wierd!
So stick with me on this one and I'll upload some photos anon.
Next blog will be in a couple of weeks with updates from my appointment with the surgeon etc.
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