Hello!
So, sis has not been to school today. Chemo and Radiotherapy as usual this morning which all went swimmingly. Mum even managed to get a car parking space in the radiotherapy car park for once! Then there were blood tests, I guess to see what effect the Chemo has had so far (6 days). Results were as follows:
white blood cells down from 6.8 to 4.5 (normal is 4-10)
neutrophils down from 3 to 1.8 (normal is 2-6)
platelets down from 337 to 265 (normal is 150-400)
... Apparently this all means 'no action required yet'... so I can only take that as good.
They also said that if the Chemo was going to make her feel nauseous (possibly cant spell!!) she's have felt it by now, so thats good, doesnt look like she will be getting any sickness (easier to spell) from the Chemo (Temodal).
After blood tests she had a wig fitting/discussion appointment. She didnt accept the fitting in the end. She wants to wait and see what happens, how bad it is, and how well she gets on with hats and scarves. It takes 1 week to make the wig if she changes her mind in the future. Also they mentioned something about hair extensions to help cover the baldy bits. All sounds good to me.
Me:
My main work-friend came back today after a 2 week course. We don't really talk much outside of work, but have a good old natter at work. So I told her all about the last 2 weeks with sis starting her treatment and me finding out the tumour was more serious than originally anticipated... She's a good listener, ooh's and aar's in all the right places and isn't afraid to ask questions about it. It was good to talk face to face with someone. Somehow talking it through again, although the facts sometimes hurt and are upsetting, and dredge up feelings which are scary, talking helps. And it helps me come to terms with whats going on. I feel much more accepting today, and thats somethig which is building up as each day I wake up and remember whats happening. I know I have to accept whats happening, and I know I cant be negative. Somehow its easy to be positive in front of other people. I've got good at telling people that it will be fine, as if talking about a sick hamster - not my only sister. Now Im also getting good at not actually being secretely negative which is a good step and is also helping reduce my stress levels a bit!!
Well, I think I'll go cook dinner now... tonight... Chicken Fajitas!!
xxxBigsisterxxx
