This time last year I had no idea what was in store for me. I only knew that I had a tumour and surgery would be required - probably with a course of radiotherapy and/or chemo.
12 months later I've been through chemoradiotherapy (5 and a half weeks of radiotherapy with low dose chemo), a few weeks off and then major surgery (permanent colostomy and successful removal of tumour and all surrounding area), and most recently 5 out of 8 cycles of chemotherapy. I didn't realise what a long haul it would be.
Mostly, I think I can be proud of myself for coping so well. I've managed not to get too scared and imagine the worst. I'e been fortunate that I've not been too poorly. I have experienced some unpleasantness but have bounced back each time - whether from radiotherapy 'burns', surgery or chemo side effects.
The latest situation is that my sixth cycle of chemo was postponed because of low blood counts. Another delay. Any more delays after this and the rest of the chemo will be cancelled. I had a blood test on Friday which showed my bloods were borderline. This was repeated on Tuesday and the assumption was that my immune system would have had a few more days to recover and it would be OK, but in fact they were worse.
For those who know about these things - my neutrophils were down to 1.34 (should be at least 1.5 for chemo) and my white blood count was down to 2.0 (should be at least 3). I have not shown any obvious sign of infection, but I was rather tired. Apart from that the past few weeks have been great - lots of energy for home, work and play!
There is light at the end of the tunnel. I am quite well on oral chemo only (even if my bloods are low all other side effects are minimal). The last possible week for taking medication will be the first week of the school holidays. And that should be it. Now all we need is for B to get a new job (preferably back home and not a weekly commute away) and we can start to feel more settled again. He's been fantastic support through all this even at a distance (as have been my parents - big thank you - and other family and friends), but how much better it would be if he was home. xxx
