Well today is my final day on Chemotherapy. In some ways it has gone really quick but the journey seems longer and both Mark and I have learned so much along the way. You are given so much information at the beginning and although there are many gaps in what you are told, i can't imagine any way you could take it all in if you WERE given everything at the beginning. This is one of the reasons i began this blog... to help others who are like me and need to what, what and how things are going to potentially affect us.
I arrive at the unit for the 9.30am start and my weight is fairly stable again, that's good then. I feel so much more upbeat today and have done my utmost to be as well hydrated as possible. Unfortunately the canula was still an issue but eventually had it on my right hand again but in a more suitable position. At least I can read and eat etc this time. The nurse said i should have said something last week about not being able to to my snacks etc but you don't like to make a fuss do you? I asked her about how a decision in using a PICC line as opposed to cannulation might help going forward. I told her I had a 'plan - pending result' of perhaps moving onto 12 months (24 infusions) of Immunotherapy and she said it would be a worthwhile discussion to have since I have had such problems so far. One for the Oncologist I reckon.
The day passed quite well today although there were a few stops and starts with the canula and the pump. Managed some lunch and some rest. The guy opposite looks pretty fed up so we chat a while which I think cheers him up a little. One person arrived early in the afternoon for their first treatment but hadn't been to get their blood test... the poor nurse did everything to explain she was going over and above to get her results through but language barriers can be challenging.. bless her! I think it worked out ok. This one thing i will say... when you are in the unit, you can hear what others are saying and sometimes it can be heart rendering, other time enlightening. I also hear of all the bloopers people make with medicines... i have made my own chart which i think I may try to find a way to upload somewhere that you can adapt. I also now use my phone alarm set for different days with the meds listed on at the prescribed time. it keeps me aware and on track too.
I got over to Radiotherapy early today and Mark arrived but had no place to park! Morrison's it is then for now! On leaving, the nurses said... and now... for the best reasons in the world... we don't want to see you back!! ME TOO!
Week 6 - Day 2 - Radiotherapy 'Sunbed' Day
Today I have made up a goody bag of posh biscuits, fudge and confectionery along with a personal thank you card to hand into Chemo for the wonderful staff there. Again, as I handed it in was told... '"Thank you so much, it is really kind of you... but we don't want you back!" hee hee.. I hope not too. I also know my granddaughter with her mum and my youngest daughter are visiting Legoland today... looking forward to hearing how they are enjoying it along with the inevitable photos.
Radiotherapy went without a problem as usual. It is actually quite relaxing as long as you forget what is actually happening! One thing i hadn't realised early on is that they 'kind of' have a mini CT scan each time although the images are not as clear so they know exactly what is being targeted. you can see the plates open in the screen.. then as they check, they then close and go through a preset cycle. You get to know where you are in your cycle to and the surroundings usually have some nice light up ceiling pictures above to lighten your mood. One of our machines has a blue sky with foliage, another has an astronomical theme! Very Star Wars!
Week 6 - Day 3 Radiotherapy 'Sunbed' Day
Today i was a bit upset due to a family issue. You may or not have red my profile but my son in law died back in April when he was killed in front of a train. He had been under the Mental Health care team and he had been discharged apparently but evidently still in deep mental trauma. Yesterday my daughter had had a long awaiting review meeting about the draft report and there were some seriously failings identified. I couldn't help but think my darling granddaughter might still have her Daddy if things had been different. I needed a big cuddle from Mark when we set off for radiotherapy. I was still obviously thinking about all the information she gave me during my treatment and the tears trickled a little no matter how hard I tried to hold them back. I composed myself enough to hide it a bit but will need a good old chat later once i get to read the full draft report. Mark and I discuss it and it really helps focus my mind in me and the here and now. He is so protective and worries if the stress is good for me or not. I feel I need to know though.
Later on that evening i call my daughter and find out more and she was amazing! told me things she had missed out that, it seems she had inadvertently given me only the bad points, and none of the good points that may have softened the news.. ah well. Not to worry.
Week 6 - Day 4 & 5 Radiotherapy 'Sunbed' Days
Both days are pretty much the same and uneventful. The usual lie down, measure, line up, shuffle up, shuffle down.. here we go... whizzy round machine and then.. all done. The staff I must say are always excellent, chat to you in a friendly way and really do listen to everything you tell them so my advice is ANYTHING you are concerned about, please do tell them, they can help or refer you to where you can get help.
On the Day 5 I had my Oncologist's review and as it is my final week on Chemo and next week he is on annual leave we catch up a few things and what to do if i need help, advice or have any problems. My CT scan is booked and the review, ready to see how my treatment has so far has worked. As long as my tumour has not grown or 'progressed' I should get approval to move onto Immunotherapy (Durvalamab - also known as Imfinzi in the USA). If i get on to it, I plan to do a different blog for that, so watch this space. I request more 'magic medicine' This really has been my saviour... i can eat less mushy food with it although don't overdo the hard food ss they can still cause soreness in your oesophagus. It is Antacid and Oxetecaine Oral Suspension (Supplier Rosemont) in case you ever want to request it. Best collected from the hospital pharmacy for reasons you will see next week! I asked him on Marks behalf about how i might now cope with the steroids next week but he reassured me it was fine as they are more about protecting my body from the Chemo sickness etc rather than anything else.
Over the weekend I found I was a fair bit more breathless than usual but not sure if sunnier weather was a factor of it was just me. Shaky legs started again and Mark questioned the fact i won't have steroids to get me back on track next week. Otherwise, I had a lovely chilled out weekend, updated my facebook friends with my news and the family too of course. 3 days left on treatment then i can ring that bell !!!! Wayhay!
