So, I have chosen to write a blog, as things were going really well until this week...
Back to the beginning
May/June
My partner (Nic) and I had just moved house, after getting engaged at the start of the year. Things were going well, but I had the itch, everywhere. This itch would keep me up all night and I could not sit still in the evenings constantly needing to get-up take a stroll, undress and ITCH. It made me incredibly irritable and complete unable to function, taking me to the brink of exhaustion. Frequent trips to the doctors and blood tests was not progressing well with standard response that it must be an allergy episode. Throughout all, I had an enlarged lymph node but the Dr would put this as a symptom.
June/July (Diagnosis)
A Dr eventually agreed that it looked "interesting" and so was off for an X-ray that day and awaited a CT scan. CT scan goes ok, until afterwards when my realisation that a needle was still in my arm meant I started to get very woozy and so was put on a bed for recovery.
25.06when seeing the DR to review the CT results were not back, but the X-ray pointed towards Lymphoma "if there was a cancer to get then this would be the one you want". rang me later to confirm CT results were in line with expectation. So I was referred to the specialist.
26.06 - Phone call from specialist, need to do a biopsy on Monday can I come in for bloods today.
Biopsy, Nic comes with for support. Not an enjoyable process, get incredible woozy, sweat profusely, Nic can't watch and so leaves room part way through.
09.07 - finally meet specialist, biopsy has confirmed cancer Hodgkins Lymphoma, will need a PET scan to confirm staging but will stat chemo in a couple of weeks
In the meantime need to perform some tests to baseline my body, Lung Function, Cardiogram. Discuss potential of infertility so book into sperm bank, don't want future regrets.
17.07 - PET scan, travel all the way to Cheltenham with Nic. As k if she can come in, but not allowed due to radioactive sugars, start injection and woozy everything goes black. then have to laydown for an hour struggle as had to starve from midnight.
July/August/September Treatment (ABVD)
24.07 - first treatment session with Nic, back to passing out when the drip starts. Door open, fan on, eventually come round, and so it begins 30 mins drip 1. Ice lolly for next injection. 1 hour drip 2. 2 hours drip 3. Woah get home can't eat dinner but not too nauseous. 3 days later no toilet movement so get some Movicol and Bisacodyl from GP, takes a couple more days but does trick.
07.08 - Sis and Dad (Mum was due to take but dodgy throat night before). had some diazepam didn't feel too different but not as woozy this time.
21.08 - Sis takes, forgot diazepam but cope with the drip completely, really getting on with it now.
04.09 - Sis takes me again, needle put in but flush blows vein. Woah looks like a hill has appeared on my hand, so on to next vein, more success and the drip begins.
11.09 - realise no stomach movement and not had any Movicol, manage to go next day, not pleasant very painful.
13.09 - wake-up and throat feels sore. Temperature 36.4 all good. Call Chemo team not to concerned but get GP apt via 111. See GP no sign of infection, but anti-biotic prescription just in case. Get home, violently sick feeling rubbish, Temperature 36.6, Ring Chemo team again not worried.
14.09 - Nic and I have a head cold, both struggling so take time off
15.09 - PET scan Mum takes. no issues with the drip all straight forward
16.09 - Specialist apt, chase PET scan results. So results not perfect hoping for no glow signs, therefore advice is to change chemo regime. BEACOPP-14. Meant to be stronger and more intense, 6 cycles to go.
That brings us to today, start BEACOPP on Monday, so get to watch England Rugby tonight and then a proper weekend off before back on it. Hopefully rest of these will not be so factual
