Chapter 15 – Round 3
And off we go again, pre chemo blood test and oncology today. Oncology reports are very positive, as the lump is much softer and harder to find.
Found round 3 really hard. As I write this I am feeling very sick and tired. Had the steroid intravenously today for some reason which I was warned would make me feel worse. This was a complete understatement, but I am remaining positive. I will be taking an anti-sickness tablet in a moment so that should help.
I have a fantastic friend who took my son to school again today after driving me to my 8.30 chemo. She is a star as she also picked him up from school so I can rest today. Here is hoping I feel better after an early night!
I can spend the next couple of weeks carrying on with Christmas shopping.
Chapter 16 – Finishing Christmas Shopping
Think I have finished and got the last presents now. I bought some wine, chocolates and a Christmas cactus for my mum’s lovely friend and her husband, as a thank you for supporting my parents during my treatment. My mum’s friend was a lollipop lady for my sister and me when we were at primary school. It has really comforted me to know that being miles away from my family there is someone there to take them out and keep them company.
Just about everything wrapped now, just husband’s to do and I need to talk to “Santa!”
Chapter 17 – Aching
Oh my goodness do I ache, my legs and feet. I have early stages of osteo-arthritis in both hips which is made worse with this horrible medication in my system. And from what I have heard the next stage will make it worse – joy!
I am taking paracetamol as required to take the edge off the pain, but it does not really make a huge amount of difference.
Chapter 18 – The weekend before Christmas
And at the end of a good week, I am OK except the muscles. We are off to Nottingham this Saturday to see Andre Rieu’s Christmas Concert. After a 5½ hour journey in horrid fog with lots of accidents we arrive. We check into our hotel and get to the room. My husband is tired as he drove all the way.
Just as he lies on the bed he gets a text to say the show is cancelled. One of his orchestra members has had a heart attack and is in a critical condition in hospital. We stay anyway and drive back next day. We had a lovely meal in the hotel that evening. There was a group of people at the hotel who were also meant to be going to the concert.
Journey back is only 3½ hours which is much better, partly because we avoid the M25 this time just in case.
After a couple of hours at home, it is 9 Lessons and Carols at church. I am singing in the choir once again and am doing a reading. I am really looking forward to this service as it must be 30 years since I have sung in the choir at it. It will be my last service at church for sure now as I need to start taking it easier as the chemo changes next week and I am getting more tired.
Chapter 19 – All change
Today I had the change of chemotherapy. A friend from church came along for some reassurance.
The chemo was shorter only an hour and a half. There were no immediate side effects like metallic tastes in my mouth during treatment.
I feel pretty OK after the treatment and get ready to think about a family Christmas at my sister’s.
Chapter 20 – My little man
My little man had a small operation yesterday too, so all go!
My wonderful husband took charge at hospital, just in case because I am going to have chemo tomorrow.
The whole experience made me very emotional as our son was so brave. I think had our brave 8 year old been sad, I would have been braver.
Still we both have an excuse to cuddle up on the sofa and watch DVDs together.
