Hi Ladies and Happy New year to you all.
Well I spent New Year's Eve in the Chemo suite yippee! Nurses were as last time, really caring and attentive. Annoying thing was the results for my blood tests taken on 29th weren't in so had to have a blood test before we could start. Happily the results came back quickly. Some have had to wait 2 hours before they'd arrive back. ! That'd do my head in. Next time I'll remember to call the chemo suite the next day to check they're back.
All bloods good so weighed, loads of questions asked. I'd kept a daily log of all everything, how I felt, side effects etc. Then canula fitted had pre-meds, took half and hour then another half hour wait before first drug given. That took 3 hours. Throughout Barry the lovely volunteer was coming round with tea and coffee, biscuits, sandwiches at lunchtime with yoghurt and bananas and even some chocolates after.
The nurses constantly come round and monitor you, chat if you want or leave you to snooze whatever, they're brilliant! After 1 drug ended a quick flush through then second started, took just over an hour and a final flush through.
I had significantly less hair this time - I'm like a mohican in reverse, very wide parting with wisps at the sides. Will wear my turban next time. Interesting to figure out what stages people are in their treatment, some like me balding, some wearing turbans, some with a good head of ne growth and even a chap with green hair - he was a real live wire!
Arrived at 10.20 and left at 17.15 so another long day. Didn't stay up welcome the New Year in, normally in bed by 10 and read 'til 11 so no change there. However woken at midnight by our local millionaire's fireworks. Had to admit they were stunning, no expense spared. They didn't bother the cat or the dog which was good!
Feel good today. We took down the tree - Mr Bah Bloody Humbug got his way - he'd threatened to do it yesterday when I was at chemo but I gave him a very hard look and just dared him!
Anyway I know what to expect so hope the side effects don't kick in until day 4 like last time. TBH it was only day 7 which was really bad. I could cope ok with things ok.
Happy New year and big hugs to you all, Barb xx
Happy New Year Barb 
It does sound a long day, so glad the nurses are great.
I’ve been told to get my bloods done at my GP before my chemo - this does not fill me with confidence! So much potential for getting lost - even if I can get them to do it at short notice. My nurse says I can just get them done at the hospital, bt that is quite a drive away, but I suppose I will need to go there for a COVID test anyway
laughed at the millionaire fireworks! We have one of those too - unfortunately we need to stand in the lane to see them, so we just get the sound. Hope the side effects are bearable- with no surprises x
Hi GwenDot I was initially going to have my bloods done at my GP's surgery an 10 mile drive away but then thought I've got to have my swab at the hospital, an 11 mile drive away, so thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone. however, due to the bank holiday the lab was closed so I ended up doing 2 * 22 mile round trips anyway!
It might be a good idea to give your chemo suite a quick call on the day your bloods taken just to make sure they've got them. It'd be awful to have to wait up to 2 hours to wait, you ant to get started!
Big hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Sarah16 I did remember to ask but forgot to message you. She said whatever works best for you. My GP prescribed Laxido (Orange flavoured)and Optilube, both work well for me. I found Dulcoease and Dulcolax both made me feel nauseous.
Hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi GwenDot I've also used Senokot in the past but have found the GP prescribed ones seem to be a bit stronger.
Hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
