3rd May
I've just returned from Weston Park Hospital after having a blood test and a consultation. Chemo starts tomorrow and since I do not yet have a PICC Line or Central Line fitted into my main artery I will remain in hospital for the first stint of 46 hours. After the first session the rest will be as an out patient, taking the drugs home in a pumped dispenser . Since this is my first treatment session blood test samples were taken for Tumour Markers, Blood Count, Liver & Kidney Function and a Blood Bank Sample (DNA etc)
Once in the consulting suite I met my Oncologist Specialist who went over my treatment and began an obvious sales pitch for recruitment to take part in the latest trial called the SCOT TRIAL.
The trial involves a selection of candidates with 50% having the full 12 sessions whilst the other 50% have only 6 sessions since there is some evidence that 6 gives the same benefit as 12. Having already read the trial paperwork at home I had already consigned myself to NOT take part since if the cancer comes back and bites me I would regret it for the rest of my remaining life. HOWEVER the sales pitch was so strong that I volunteered for the trial weighing up that I could opt out at any time if I got selected for the 1/2 measure and that trial volunteers are more closely monitored for the cancer coming back which could easily be the case even if I don't join the trial.
*** STOP PRESS*** - Just taken a call that they have lost my samples between Weston Park and Hallamshire Hospital so I have to go to Bassetlaw Hospital "GYNAECOLOGY" Department in the morning for more samples to be taken. They will get an almighty shock (well a shock) if they try to give me an internal. Mind you I've always considered myself to be a bit of a lesbian.
Anyway WHAT ELSE CAN GO WRONG?
On a personal note I'm currently reasonably fit considering it's only 6 weeks since my surgery and if it wasn't for my imminent chemotherapy treatment I would be ready to get back to work. In preparation for treatment, when the weather has been dry I've been getting my self prepared physically for the poisoning effects of the drugs. I've had a few days out walking building up the distance and on Monday Graham and I had a decent walk over the moors behind Chatsworth visiting en route some of the bronze age settlements and burial sites including Hob Hurst's House. The return leg back to the Robin Hood pub was particularly rough going over pathless, tussocky moorland, heather and bog, the only pain felt was a slight twinge around my scar.
Other positives are that our leak in the garden was fixed by my Uncle Barry and Bob has just just passed the tomato skin that I thought might get stuck. Oh and the Oncologist said that I'm OK to have a couple of pints of Tetley's Smooth tonight at the Parish Oven quiz
Just another note to say thanks to everyone that reads the blog - If you want me to know that you are following then please sign up as a follower
I'll let you know how I get on on Sunday evening when I come back home
Lets hope I feel OK for next week's quiz night
