T-2 to first Chemo

2 minute read time.

In the last 8 days I have had a rollercoaster of emotions. Last Sunday I visited my best friend, who lives some distance from me, when I left I burst in to tears.  Not because I hadn't had a good tome - indeed it was a lovely visit as always - I cried because I saw how normal their lives were and realised how much my life had changed.

On Monday I saw my doctor for a review of my case. I became very upset and she held my hand and reassured me. She also signed me off for 6 months. That seems such a long time.

Monday night my husband was feeling really down. I have been on the other side with my previous husband’s cancer, so I know how hard it is for the partner of a someone living with cancer. We held one another and talked.

Tuesday I had a conversation with Carol which greatly helped me. (Thank you) Also thank you to Macmillan for providing this service and thank you to everyone who actively supports me and others. It’s reassuring to know there is an army of support to tap into when needed. I hope that doesn’t sound to gushing – it is sincerely meant.

Wednesday my sister and I collected my wig. I had my hair cut short and decided to wear the wig, which matched my original length, when my husband came to pick me up. I thought he wouldn’t notice as he didn’t know I going to have my hair cut. He noticed straight away. 10 out of 10.

In the evening I finally got around to reading the blurb the hospital gave me. Scary stuff especially the risk of having low white cell counts and catching colds, flu etc...

Thursday – I hunted the house high and low for thermometers – found two. Cleaned, scrub and polished all surfaces. Considered re-homing cats for less than 1 second – I could never do that. Cancelled planned evening meal at restaurant with 12 work friends as some were coming down with colds - too risky this close to my first treatment.

My hands were drying out and starting to crack from all the hand gel I had been using and an untimely outbreak of thrush in my mouth (from using asthma inhalers) require medical intervention . A quick call to my GP secretary resulted in 2 doctors phoning me at home. (Just like a London Red Buses - you wait ages for one and then 2 turn up.) A mad dash to surgery & boots to pick up the prescription – copious amounts of yet more hand gel applied. Exhausted!

Friday - spoke to Cancer Key working - she reassured my about how the hospital will be able to treat me if I get an infection. Much relief:)

Delivery man just call - I have forgotten that I had ordered 3 fruit trees, rhubarb and gooseberry bushes before this started - they are going to be delivered this afternoon. What I’m going to do with them I just don't know.

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Stop panicking it doesn't do any good. I have just finished my 8th out of 12 chemo and not had as much as a sniffle. Even though others around me were suffering colds and flu. The hospitals are well equipped to deal with emergensies. I too have a cat and I change his box, I just make sure I do it carefully. Plant your tree's and watch them flourish knowing that you will be able to enjoy their fruits. Big Hugs Julie XX

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Julie

    Many thanks for your reply. You will never believe this, but since I posted this blog I have started to come down with a cold. So much for hand gels. Ha ha ha.

    Downed lots of vit C fruit jucie. Hubby made me hot drink with rum - very nice.

    Lets hope it goes by Monday.

    Hugs back x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Tiger

    I know how you feel- went through it myself!

    but stop panicking- I did nothing different barring wearing gloves ( nicked from the hospital- or 'relocated') when gardening- I finished chemo in may- carbo/taxol for OC.I made sure Iwashed my hands more in my 2nd week- as thats when you are most vulnerable, please dont try to eliminate all bugs from your area, as they do help you with your immunity.

    my doc told me that for some reason when you are having chemo you are less susceptible to colds and viruses.

    I ate healthily- lots of organic fruit and veg, and fibre filled meals, and I managed all 6 chemos without missing one or being deffered.

    If you want more info- or any questions you have- no matter how stupid you may think they are, please contact me.

    A tip I found useful- wear gloves before going for chemo- it helps with finding the veins- took me 3 sessions to figure that out!

    take care!

    sue

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    hi tiger510, ijust finished my second of eight all i'v had is felling tired and pins and needles , i'v had more problems with the four days of steriods. hope it goes well for you. jon devine jnr.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I agree with everyone, try not to panick, I had 6 session of chemo 3 weeks apart last year.  My darling kids had every bug going in that time, flu sickness you name it one of them had it, I was the healthiest person in my house lol.  I did try and relocate them for 6 months but for some reason no one would have them!!!! The hospitals are excellent at picking things up if they think you are coming down with something and your GP, I had to ask my Gp to stop stalking me as he rang so oftern.

    Take care and good luck with your treatment.

    Helen x