Day 1
Well, I had my first chemo 'outing' yesterday. I went to Clatterbridge Hospital on Wirral and was impressed with the friendly staff and their thoroughness and professionalism.
I spent 2 hours having an infusion of Oxaliplatin. I had heard that the drip can sting and was pleasantly surprised when I felt nothing. However, right at the end I got a severe,burning sensation which spread from the site of the canula right up to my elbow. (must remember to ask them to put it in my left hand next time). It's still a bit sore now but it's not a major problem.
I have had a slight feeling of nausea, but I'm taking my anti-emetics regularly which seems to be controlling it quite well.
Day 2
I have some aches and pains in my back and hips, but I'm not sure that's down to the chemo - I think it's more about that I didn't sleep very well last night.
I have had my first dose of Capecitabine (a big dose 1800 mg) - so far so good but I've got to take them for 9 days.
I've just been for a short walk over to the pharmacy to buy a digital thermometer - an important task for the next 6 months or so, monitoring infection through temperature.
Staying positive - focused on getting better. I'm finding writing about my treatment quite useful, and also sharing experiences with both users of these fora and people I'm meeting during my various hospital experiences.
FormerMember
Hi Andy,
I'm being "treated", term used loosely, "watched" would be a better word perhaps, by an oncology team at Clatterbridge too. It really is a friendly place isn't it? The care I've received from the team, especially the lymphoedema nurse and the physiotherapist has been great, and my trials nurse is lovely. Really impressed by the CT/x-ray department too, other than the necessary hour long wait while you sip that noxious liquid, I've been straight in and out, it's so good to see the NHS working so efficiently.
Yes, I used to have all my chemo in alternate arms, and my veins have recovered very well and it only finished in June.
Make sure you rest a lot and drink plenty. Water for preference. You may need goggles when you are out for a walk, because your eyes may water a lot. I used to bathe them in spring water on a cotton pad, very cheap from Tesburys.
It will come to an end eventually, and you will feel a bit grisly while the chemo leaves your body, then about 8 weeks afterwards you will begin to feel much better.
Don't forget to have your Flu innoculation, your immune system will be very fragile. Keep your distance from people outside the family. and avoid crowds.
Of course, staying positive is really good. but you have to be sensible as well.
Excellent report Andy. Some of the fear and trepidation is now resolved for you. Once we get started I think it just goes better emotionally. Waiting around and worrying about the unknown is tough. My hubby is in that place right now as we are a week from leaving and then two weeks from starting his Stem Cell Transplant journey. Carry on and please keep us posted, all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. We want to know how you are getting on. Best, Lori
Hi Andy - and didn't you do well? Sorry, a bit Bruce Forsythy, but true none the less. Various aches and pains I think are par for the course with this bloody disease, plus a few restless nights. Still we manage to come through it all, don't we? I'm glad to hear that you are staying positive and focussed on getting back to your state of good health, Keep writing to us about your treatments, or anything else you feel like taiking about - I think we're all good listeners on this site. I wish you a really speedy recovery and hope your path remains clear for you, with love kate xxxxxxxx
Woke up on Thursday felt fairly well, despite lack of proper sleep. My brother called me from Australia to ask how I was and I made the mistake of saying I was feeling prety good. After lunch I hit a bit of a wall - felt really tired and went back to bed for a couple of hours. My taste buds seem to have packed in and my appetite has suffered, but I'm still managing to eat - it's vital to keep up my strength.
It's kind of weird when you come to take your tablets - you know you are going to inflict more side effects but you still swallow them down.
<strong>Day 4</strong>
Still little sleep, so decided just to have a rest day. Really enjoyed watching Andy Murray beat Federer. Stayed in my pyjamas most of the day - found that actually preparing food is the hard part - once prepared I actually quite enjoyed it despite the lack of taste.
I'm going over to our local pub shortly with my wife and son and hopefully will enjoy a meal cooked by somebody else and a change of scenery.
My main objective now is to get out on my motorbike - I will be 6 weeks post op next Thursday and I have 3 days off the tablets - so fingers crossed.
