Preparation: my Dexamethasone (or ‘Dexa’) has been consumed on schedule and I’m ready for the next cycle. The symptoms from my infection have all subsided, but my gorgeous wife is suffering from a proper bout of flu. She has a very nasty cough, lots of phlegm and is achy all over; the good news that, at the moment, I am able to look after her a little, which is a nice feeling for me.
Treatment: my gorgeous daughter Cassidy came with me to the Cancer Centre today, I wanted her to see the environment in which I’m being treated, but she did find it very hard to be there. Although she found it hard, I’m glad she came along to see the centre and get some sese of what’s happening to me. I was pretty much on time, but I had to wait for a while for a cold capping machine. I knew the drill this time, I was ready for the somewhat painful first 10 mins of cold capping, then I was chilled down. The ‘Doce’ was then introduced, slowly for the first 15-30 mins and then up to full speed; as I have had no reactions to the Doce I’ll get it at full speed next time. All straight-forward, but how will I react?
Day 1: it’s Saturday morning and, as last time, I’m feeling fine physical, I’m very pleased … Saturday afternoon, now there’s a difference, I’m starting to get tingling on my tongue, my mouth is drying out and I’m feeling quite tired. Not awful symptoms, but I’m taking it easy today.
Day 2: I’ve been absolutely knackered today, very sleepy, I’ve been napping for most of the day. I did manage to surface for a lovely supper prepared by Cassidy: Thai Green Curry broth with chicken, tofu and noodles. Fortunately, my taste is still good at the moment, but he tingling on my tongue and dryness is a little worse. Heavy arms and legs again, but no tingling or numbness so that’s also a positive.
Day 3: pretty much the same side-effects, but I’m feeling less tired, which is nice. Overall, I feel very positive, I was prepared for a more difficult time than on my first cycle. If anything, I’ve had less side-effects so far. I’m not complacent though, the side-effects lasted a week last time, so still three days to go.
Day 4: getting breathless on the stairs today from the anaemia, which has kicked in properly now, pretty much ‘on-schedule’ compared with last time. Overall, I’m still quite tired, but it’s improving. The tingling on my tongue is less and I’m well enough to go out for an Indian meal with my gorgeous wife this evening.
Day 5/6: the tingling on my tongue has now disappeared completely, some tiredness, and of course the anaemia, are my only issues now. I am very happy with this, I am so lucky, I had a ‘good’ first cycle and this one has actually proven to be easier if anything (so far!). If I can avoid any infections next week, I will be over the moon.
