So the Glomerular Filtration Rate test was done, a boring few hours at the hospital...
1. Injection of radioactive substance (smaller dose than PET scan so no need for the metal syringe the time)
2. Return at one hour intervals for blood to be taken via cannula - two vials each time, with the last two being at half hour intervals
No big deal, just a bit boring, another day off work. Take a book / iPad / walk.
Next day I received a phone call from the cancer centre asking me if I had had the GFR test. Told them I had, so they suggested a date of 20th July for the start of my chemotherapy. Not ideal, was hoping it would be earlier as we are due to go camping on 23rd....mentioned this and they were aware, but said it was more important that I don't have more than 3 weeks between that and my second dose (which they want to do on 10th August - the day we come back from holiday!).
Anyway, all good, starting to get nervous about it now. Here's what I know so far about the 'drill' for the Chemotherapy...
No more than 7 days before my appointment I have to get a blood test done - they sent me one of those blood test envelopes with the appointment letter. Go to GP or drop in clinic at hospital to get it done.
Turn up on the day - 8.30am - sounds like there will be a few of us who will be having the treatment. There will be a joint session providing information on the treatment, then individual session with nurse to answer any questions. After that, wait for drugs to be put together (sounds complicated) and then in to a communnal room for administration of treatment via cannula.
They offer complimentary therapies to aid relaxation / ease stress - hypnotherapy, massage - a friend of ours (who is having chemo at the same time) had a foot massage and acupuncture! Think I'll pass!? It's not that I'm sniffy about these things, but I suspect the introduction of more needles would just add to my stress, plus, compared to many chemo treatments, mine is (fortunately) pretty mild in comparison, so not stressing about it too much. Our friend is having more rounds of something more harsh so fair play - take all the help you can get if you think it will help.
Don't know much else at this stage, I've used the community to read a few carboplatin diaries, very useful. Looks like days 3 and 4 might be the worst for feeling bad - so our first couple of days camping could be interesting!! Days 10-14 will be low white blood cell days, so avoid infection / contact with people - quite easy sitting in the middle of a field I guess?
Anyway, may start a diary of my own to share my thoughts - may try to squeeze in an update before we go offline for a couple of weeks.
