FEC chemo number 3 under my belt, yay! It was touch and go as to whether I would get to the hospital last Friday after a very heavy snowfall in Cardiff. Having had my chemo delayed the week before due to my low blood count, I was determined to get my chemo! I even googled how long it would take me to walk the route, which was over an hour and with a warning of no public pathways in some areas! I stayed at a friends in Cardiff after my blood test on the Tuesday as snow was forecast and I am so glad I did as I would never have made it in from my house to the bottom of a hill in the valleys! I drove home yesterday, taking in Asda's on the way and am now warm, cosy and stocked up at home recuperating. There was another heavy snowfall last night, so I got home just in time. My symptoms following chemo 3 has been the same as after number 2. I took my steroids, but no other anti sickness tablets. Tiredness (even more than is usual), shakes and breathlessness have been the worse side effects. My appetite is still great, so the diet is still failing! My friends doctor neighbour popped round to give me my injection to boost my bone marrow in order to avoid the low blood count issue again. I have had no side effects (in particular aching bones) from this thankfully. I picked up on a great reading recommendation by a lady on the Macmillan site called: article 3 After the Treatment Finishes - Then What? By Dr Peter Harvey. It's a fantastic read and even though I'm only part way through my treatment, I could relate to it and I will pass it on to my friends and family to help them understand my journey better. I have just had to re-mortgage my house to secure another 2 year fixed rate. To protect me from having to divulge my cancer diagnosis, I have stayed with my original mortgage company. It would have been great to be able to search around for a better interest rate, but this is a choice that has been taken away from me now. I have massive regrets that I didn't take out mortgage protection with my mortgage two years ago. I have a secure job and, at the time, I was fit and healthy!! I always intended to get something set up, but time flew by and before I knew it, it was too late. I nag people now to make sure that they are covered! Most companies won't look at insurance until you are 2 years clear. I'm presuming it will be longer for triple negative cancer. Weather permitting I am hoping to get back to my classes, gym sessions and pool lounging next week. Bye for now. X
