Hello all,
Well I’m just about to start cycle 4 tomorrow. Can’t believe it’s going so quickly, just 2 weeks left to go. Have had my ups and downs it’s fair to say, hence radio silence on here.
I was very poorly in cycle 2 with neutropenia but we managed to pull it back and carry on with chemo & radio and last week tests showed my liver is playing up and is showing signs of stress (and platelets v low). So will have more tests this week. Had to laugh when my oncologist asked if I’d had any wine! I haven’t even been able to go in the kitchen I’m so nauseous even with my anti nausea meds, toast is exotic as it gets at the moment god forbid anyone even brought a glass of wine even near me!! 
My sense of smell is so heightened too, anyone else had that? I’ve lost 11.5kg since January. Seem to be stabilising now and I’m able to eat small plain meals little and often.
Cycle 2 and 3 were pretty horrendous with pain and I also had some sort of virus too (sore throat, hacking cough, runny nose also got herpes breakout and had my period for 12 days straight!)) because my immune system had crashed I honestly could barely lift my head, not even the energy to speak, shivers, chills and night sweats. I also passed out several times a day whenever I got up to rush to the loo, not ideal! my husband was very concerned as I did look worryingly unwell.
Anyhoo I rallied on Wednesday night / Thursday and feel night and day better! Just got the usual suspects radiation cystitis and some itching but trying to keep on top of those with water and Piriton. Have just ordered some vagisil cream as apparently that also helps with the pain and itching. I have Instillagel too and Polymem dressings are also fantastic that I put on after my StrataXRT gel so far no broken skin or sores! Been having alternate pink Himalayan salt baths and oat baths (moisturising and anti inflammatory). Still haven’t broken out the sitz bath but use my easy bidet water bottle every time! (My new best friend!!!)
My hair is shedding a LOT too, is that normal? It’s also fluffy and dry and not itself at all am assuming it’s all the medications and chemo pills? On the plus side I seem to have a complimentary full bikini wax downstairs!!! 
I hope everyone else is doing ok - so thankful for all the information on here and top tips it’s made all the difference!
best wishes
M x
Stage 3 T4 N2 M0
Oh gosh Prettypinkroses you’ve really been through the mill haven’t you? Although this treatment is no walk in the park I think it’s pretty bad luck that you’ve had such extreme reactions, it must have been just awful for you! I’m so pleased that you’re feeling a bit better now. My hair thinned quite a bit, not that anyone else would notice though & it also went quite dry & as you’ve described ‘fluffy’ on the ends, this didn’t resolve until I’d had a couple of really decent cuts on it after treatment had finished & it was possibly a year before I felt it had got back into good condition.
You’re well over halfway there now & I’m sure the next 2 weeks will fly over for you. Good luck with this week’s treatment & I hope all goes well.
Nicola
Thank you Nikki65 and 1in1500 
just got my bloods and liver results back for this week. Neutrophils are back up but now have Lymphocytopenia and liver results much worse. They’re not stopping treatment. I’ve only got 8 to go and actually I feel ok. Just going to have to be very careful so whole family is going to isolate with me until treatment ends! (End of next week). I’m thankful I just feel so much better than I did. Just have to be very careful (not that I go anywhere but to the clinic and straight back).
Nearly there…. Xx
Hi again Prettypinkroses, you’re definitely not having much luck! But it’s good that you’re feeling ok & your team seem to be keeping a close eye on you & like you say just 8 more to go & you’ll be done. I think the isolation precautions you’re taking are wise with the complications that you’ve had. Good luck for this last stretch of your treatment it’ll soon be over.
Nicola
