Long day yesterday! Got to the hospital around 1.45 and left at 10 to 6!
Chemo day centre was very busy, most probably because it was the first day back after the Easter break. Eventually got into me treatment chair at 3pm and then sat ignored for another hour. Eventually hubby went to explain to the sister that I had 2 appointments in radiotherapy one at 3.30 for an info chat and then treatment at 4 and so a mild flurry of activity ensued. Blood pressure still sky high! It was OK to go ahead with the antibiotics prescribed for the cellulitis which was a big relief.
The mitosmycin, a surprisingly bright purple mixture, was delivered though the central line and then the nurse tried to set up the other drug which I am to have over the next 4 days by continuous infusion. An hour later there appeared to be a problem with the pump with nothing coming out! A quick ring to pharmacy meant that they would have to make up another dose and so I was sent off to radiotherapy well over ran hour late, and then had to return afterwards to be attached to my pump before going home!
Radiotherapy was a doddle after that, and they did not seem to be too concerned that I was late which was a relief. Seemed to get me lined up very quickly and it was all over in no time at all. Back to chemo and was attached to my ‘satsuma’! The pump is round with a slightly orangey tinge and looks rather like a satsuma or perhaps even a time bomb! This will be my constant companion for the next 4 days and sits in a small hand bag strung over my shoulder and hangs by my waist. It is a bit of a nuisance and gets in the way a bit specially getting in a tangle when I am getting dressed and undressed I have found so far! But what the heck- it is hopefully doing the trick of helping to zap the big C! I even remembered to drag it off to the loo with me in the middle of the night which was one of the things I was panicking about, waking up and forgetting I was attached.
Felt a bit sickly this morning but too the pills and feel a bit better since. Taste is altering already and I see what folk mean about the metallic taste. Even water tastes this morning!
Off back to the hospital at 2 today. Will have to try a different route as because the French fishermen’s strike in Calais Operation Stack is in operation on the M20 motor way into Dover ferry port and so the large juggernauts are stacking back up the motor way causing chaos and long delays. Even yesterday evening they were backed up as far as the Maidstone turning and meant us sitting in a long queue to get off the motorway!
Radio, blood test and to collect antibiotics to apparently to start taking in 2 week time and a preventative measure. More rattling!
FormerMember
That you are "on-line" so to speak. I find the radiotherapy in Nottingham a doddle - the girls here are very good and work people through very quickly - even when they have breakdowns and planned maintenance. Keep up the good work
Well done for getting off the starting block. I only had the oral chemo with my radiotherapy.They said it is as effective as the intrevenous stuff, if so I don't know why they don't give it to everyone as it is much easier and you just take it at home.
I had a sheets with all the days of treatment which I ticked off every day and that way it seemed to go very quickly.
It's a bit embarassing showing your bum every day, particularly when you get a young lad aout 18 lining you up !!!
I wore slip off shoes and trousers with an elasticated waist, so I jumped on the bed and just slipped them down, a bit less embarrasing.
Its funny with the paper they put over your bum, like it makes a difference!!!
Don't forget the cream. I used it twice a day and only got sore in one bit in the crease towards the top of my bum. where I think I must have missed the cream.
