21st December - week 3 and chemo number 2 under my belt, yay me!!!

I have rested completely over the last couple of days and thankfully my blood count had gone up this morning when I had a blood test. I was so nervous about having a cannular put in, but the PICC line specialist that saw me on Monday, came and did it herself and although I found it stressful, it was ok and I didn't faint! My breast clinic nurse had arranged for an alternative therapist to come and see me, so I must have looked like a right lady muck, with the specialist there doing my cannular and my boots and socks off, with my feet up having reflexology and reiki! I did ask for a G&T too, but I had to make do with a cup of tea ;-). I was advised to drink loads of water to help plump my veins up for cannulation and my hand was put in hot water too. The chemo infusion was fine. I had a bit of an ache occasionally when the red cocktail was injected into me, but it was manageable. I was considering having a Hickman line put in, but I will go with the cannular next time too. I must admit, that its been great being able to have a shower again rather than a bath because I had to be so careful not to get the PICC line area wet. The alternative therapist will be there at all my chemo sessions from now on, so that will help keep me calm. I'm also booked in with a therapist for aromatherapy massages every week for the next 6 weeks with a local charity. My boss has raised money for this wonderful local charity, so I will go armed with a cheque for them when I go there for my first therapy in January. It really is amazing what fantastic support is out there! I'm home and relaxing now and I have my supply of ginger biscuits and lemon and ginger herbal tea at the ready. My steroid dose has been reduced, so I shouldn't feel like I'm on speed this time! My breast clinic nurse suggested that I get some Lorazepam prescribed by my doctor, which I can take to calm things down if the steroids make me hyper and shaky again. I am still sporting my fancy bandana and am very slowly coping with the occasional glimpse of my bald head in the mirror. I was going to give my wig an outing today, but having got used to myself with cropped hair, I found the wig a bit OTT and likened myself to one of the Bay City Rollers, so wiggy was relegated back to its hanging place! All is good right now and I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself. Hopefully the next few days will be manageable, which will be good too. I'm hoping to be well enough to enjoy a glass of champers and Christmas dinner with my family on Christmas Day. :-D xx