Hey all,
Been a while since I last blogged - but just wanted to update with some good news really.
Mum has now had 4 sessions of chemotherapy. After the first 3 they changed the recipe slightly to E&C which is quite heavy going, as the drugs can have an effect of the kidneys so they have to be administered I part chemo IV then 1 part saline IV - resulting in 8 hours on IV and Mum needing a wee every 10 minutes! Wheeling her drip to the loo with her !
The plan is to give her another 2 lots of the chemo, the Radiotherapy started 2 weeks ago also. She has to go twice every day for 3 weeks (not weekends) - she is slapping on the aqueous cream and not feeling too bad to be fair - just a bit tired and pissed off with the journey to the hospital twice a day (about 45mins each way on a good run). The only problem has been low red blood cells, so she has had to have a couple of blood transfusions. Not ordinarily a problem but the bloody place was rammed full of people coughing and spluttering and saying they've got flu. I got quite cross and told her she MUST ask for a private room next time rather than be put at risk by these germ ridden people.
Dunno if I've mentioned before, but Mum is ever so tiny, she's like a little sparrow, has always been very slim, but what with all this she has lost some weight and is feeling a bit more delicate, so the last thing I want is for her to pick up infection.
The husband has been tolerable I'm pleased to say. Obviously I don't like the man, but I'm putting on the facade for her sake, so all is quiet. I haven't been able to see her for a couple of weeks as I've had a terrible sinus cold, but that's on its way out now and so I hope to go round next week. She's worn out with the RT schedule so isn't really up for visitors anyway so she says she hasn't missed me !!
On another good note, she has got a gorgeous wig ! I couldn't believe how amazing it looks - just like her own hair and style, but better! She thinks she will be quite disappointed with her own hair when it grows back - and especially as it will be grey!
Saying all this - its excellect news and all indications are good, but I just can't let myself get any hopes up. It seems people don't ever actually beat Small Cell Lung Cancer, they just stave it off for a while. I'd just like her to be pain free and happy again - for a little while at least. Time will tell.
Thanks for all your support - I love this place xxx
FormerMember
I'm so happy to read how your mum is doing Sims. I think you must be feeling quite relieved that she is doing quite well so far. I'm also glad that you're not getting any more hassel from the husband. Onwards and upwards my friend. Gentle hug for little mum. Thanks for the update.
Hi Simone and how wonderful to hear how well your Mum is doing. I know you say your Mum is ever so tiny, plus she's lost a wee bit of weight - but God, she must be very strong inside to cope with the treatment she has had so far. I often say to people that I don't know where we get these stores of strength from, but thank God we do seem to have access to them. Infections when you have a low red blood count are always a worry. I sometimes used to feel like I was ducking and diving all over London, which must have looked really strange if anyone could see me on CCTV, someone would cough and I'd dive out of their way, then someone else would let go of a sneeze and I'd take off like I had a rocket up my bum, lol In the end, we just have to take what precautions we can, but at the same time remember we need friends and family around us.
You're right Simone, in what you say about small cell lung cancer (extensive). We can't be cured, but we're alive today and to live one day at a time is all we can do. I never take my eye off of the ball, and I make plans for a future that Mick and I will have for as long as? Who knows? So, laugh, listen to the music and dance, make memories to cherish and hitch a ride on any passing moment - who knows where it will lead. You'll get there sweetheart, hold on tight to all that you love, with lots of love kate xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phoenix, LindaJ and Kate thanks so much, you do make me smile xxx
Its certainly true about finding reserves of strength you never knew you had - I am amazed by Mums resolve. We've had dreadful snow down here the last 2 days (I know, in Dorset!), I'm going to ring her later and see if she's been making it to hospital ok.
It's lovely to hear such positive stuff from you about your lovely mum...I'm so pleased for you both. The wig bit made me smile though - fancy preferring a wig to your own hair??? Mind you, I wear my hair very short - always have done - but a couple of years ago I tried on a long blonde wig at the Ideal Home Show in London and I thought it looked wicked...my friend thought I looked like a man in drag though!
Speaking from experience, I hope that the treatment continues to work in a positive way and staves off anything worse....that's what I would give my right arm for with my beloved mum, just a little bit more time - so you go girl! And make the most of the times you spend together, do silly things and kiss and hug lots - make really happy memories for when you need them xxx
