My platelets were back up so cycle three could go ahead on Tuesday. It was a bit of a shambles in the clinic and I'm glad I was on the ball and kept asking questions as it could have turned out quite differently.
For my 10am appointment they were already running an hour or so late. I was due to take a new anti-sickness Aprepitent an hour before the chemo so I asked about this the minute I sat down in the chemo suite just after 11 even though they weren't ready for me even then. Just as well because I don't think they would have looked at my notes until they were actually ready to start delivering the dose, and that would have set me back another hour.
Actually, I was set back another hour and some because when they were ready to start prepping me for the IV delivery I asked if I was to be given a lower dose given the low platelet count last week causing delay, and borderline neutrophils the cycle before. Well, it wasn't on the notes but fortunately the nurse checked with the Dr who said I must be put on the lower dose - reduced by 25%.
So, I went off for a cup of tea and cream bun while the pharmacy made up the new batch. Still, I'd rather be delayed but end up with the lower dose, than go home on time with a wretched few days ahead. Even at the end of it all, there was a further delay with them sorting out the right dose of capecitibine tablets for me, and I never did make the switch from one milder anti-sickness to the other (cyclizine instead of metoclopromide).
I am relieved to say that I feel much better this time round than last. The stronger anti-sickness medication (which is specifically for the acute phase sickness post-drug delivery) seems to be doing the trick. I think I am just getting the slightest hint of nausea when it is wearing off. Or maybe I just need more consistent sleep - S decided to wake me at 5.25am this morning. No wonder I'm having to go back to bed once the girls are off to school and nursery.
When I have been up and out of PJs I seem to have a bit more energy than the previous cycles too. I just hope this lasts and it doesn't all go down hill tomorrow when the course of Aprepitent and the steroids wear off.
It's a long haul. If I have no more delays the final cycle should be given at the end of June. I have many plans for the summer - a little birdie tells me there is a party to look forward to on 9 July so I hope to be fit enough by then, And then there is Holiday School... etc etc
