Well we got the call at 12 yesterday so went straight in to the Marsden where Alex was hooked up by 1pm. Tim & I sat with him while a lovely nurse, Laura, went through what she was putting in the machine. First two were anti-nausea drugs. Then the first chemo drug, this was bright red and went through with saline, the second and third went through with saline and the fourth (which has to be kept covered and away from light) took about an hour to go slowly through the drip (this is already mixed with the saline). As this was being given we went for a coffee and spoke to the youthworker. She said that she hadn't realised that Alex was having the injection that produced more white blood cells (he's got to give this to himself later today) so he may well be able to go into work etc. Laura also showed us the drugs that we had to take home - antibiotics, 2 anti nausea tabs, 1 tab for gout and 1 tab for acid plus tha injection that has to be kept in the fridge. Alex looked a bit pale at the end of it all but with the help the anti-nausea meds, some mints and the Sea-bands around his wrists he didn't feel nauseaus until about 5pm.
He drank lots of water while he was at the hospital and when he came home - his first pee was pink from the first drug which is known as "the red devil!!"! He nibbled on some ginger biscuits and some dry crackers at home. He decided he felt well enough to go round his friends house to watch a film with his mates and managed another snack. Tim went to pick him up at 11.30 as he had a headache & felt a bit nauseaus again - seems to come in waves.
He slept through the night no problem and I had to wake him up to give him the various tablets and some snacks and he went back to sleep again afterwards. He managed to get dressed and come downstairs later for something to eat - so far the ant-nausea tabs seem to be doing their job :) Gone back up to his room now and will be giving hilself the injection soon - slightly scary.
He is being so laid back about all of this, he is amazing - his treatment should all be over by his birthday in June so we will have a big party for him :)
