Well it is that time of the month when I have returned from my latest chemo session and on this occasion ... there is not much to tell!
My blood results were good on Friday which meant today could go ahead. The other pre-requisite was taking 3 sets of tablets (more steroids) in advance to help guard against an allergic reaction, vomiting and fluid retention.
The great news is that for the first time in a treatment session the nurse managed to access the port first time - woohoo!
The treatment itself took a little over two hours to complete as they do it as a very slow drip infusion to start with - the first 20ml was dripped in over 24 minutes. They gradually increased the pace over two 12 minute increments checking I still felt fine after each lot and then pushed the remainder through quite quickly. So in treatment terms it was easy peasy lemon squeezy.
So... the next 3 weeks will find me keeping a diary to track which of the symptoms I experience with this new drug. I know that the 'don't mix with the humans' days start two days earlier this time ie on day 5, but given that with the FEC I actually felt cr@p from day 5 rather than day 7... we'll need to see how this one works out. With this one you have to take extra meds from day 5 onwards so they obviously expect the side effects to be more extreme... only time will tell. I'll keep you informed.
Here is a reminder of the fact sheet if you are interested:
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel
In addition to monitoring my health progress I'll also be trying to make some more headway with my dissertation. I must admit it is proving quite hard to get back into the swing of it. However, I now have my chapter layout in place and have started making some progress on my research methodology but really need to forge ahead on my literature review. I think I will need to put a study buddy in place so that we can help push each other along to make sure we both make good progress. I think I know just the person to approach so a keen and cunning plan is in the making to help keep us (even though they are unaware at the moment!) on track! It is for such a good cause... I know its such a good cause so I will be re-energised!!! Promise!!!
Thats all for now folks!
Noj x
