Saturday 27th September
My routine is now mouthwash in the morning followed by flush and twist of the PEG, paracetamol 4 times a day and 8, or as close to 8 Fortisip drinks per day.
Sunday 28th September
Same routine, but I have decided to cut out one lot of paracetamol during the day, but still trying to have 8 Fortisip drinks a day even though I am eating small meals during the day.
Noticed a small lump on the inside of my left arm, just below the joint, it looks to be on one of the veins, is red in colour and painful like a bruise when I put pressure on it.
Maybe it is a bruise, so decide to leave it for today and see what happens during the day.
Monday 29th September
Continue with the routine, even tried a cheese sandwich, which was ok, but the bread took a while to chew and swallow, needed water to wash each mouthful down.
Decided to ring the hospital Oncology Triage regarding the lump in my arm, after speaking to them sent photos and had a call back where we agreed to monitor it and if it gets worse of doesn’t improve then request a review by my GP.
Tuesday 30th September
Continue to flush and twist the peg as I have done every day since it was installed, take paracetamol each morning, but not during the day unless I feel I need some.
Still eating small potions and occasionally get a hint of a taste but I find that food tends to leave a “taste / Feel” in my mouth after eating, so have taken to using the fluoride mouth wash after meals. Some foods cause a little soreness on the sides of my mouth but its not too painful.
Wednesday 1st October
Has a follow up phone call from the hospital regarding the lump in my arm and as it hasn’t improved we agree I need to get an appointment with my local GP.
Thursday 2nd October
Today I got to test the new NHS booking system to get an appointment with a GP, so I fill in the forms on line, via the NHS app, and submit my request. I included my concern bearing in mind what I have been through this year !
Within 2 minutes of submitting my request I receive a phone call from the surgery and have an appointment later today at 14:36hrs… impressive!!
Saw the GP, who also didn’t know what the lump is so arranged to have blood tests and also put me on a 5 day course of antibiotics and if nothing changes then go back to see the GP.
Friday 3rd October
Added the antibiotics to the “Spreadsheet” and start taking them 4 times a day either an hour before eating or two hours afterwards.
What Have I learnt?
My spreadsheet skills are still there since retiring !!
Don’t ignore lumps that shouldn’t be there…… get them checked out !
Bread is not my favourite food.
