It is just over a week since I had my last round of chemo and it has pretty much taken me the whole week to recover form that bout. I was far more tired than I remember from the equivalent chemo cycles in 2008.
I don't know if I am romanticising the last round, or whether it actually is harder this time - probably some of each.
Again, the actual day in the hospital went smoothly, other than a very embarrassing need to go to the toilet every hour. I can't contain it at the best of times, but the main function of many of the drip solutions is to (re)hydrate me. The end result is that the liquids pour out of me almost as fast as they are pumped in to me. Glasses of water and cups of tea just make it all worse, but I have to say that being pampered like that is rather nice, and as for the foot massage (I know I have mentioned it before, but, you know.........)
The aftermath again proceeded much as advertised. The next day (last Thursday) was relatively straight forward, not too sick, but easily tired. Friday more sickly and more tired. Saturday, more more sickly and more more tired.
The other side effects were also present - particularly the constipation. Fortunately the lovely nurses gave me some nice medicine to make it go away. It took time, but eventually relief was on hand.
The week off fairly flew past - going to work every day is such a delight. The only problem is that it seems that I overdid it a bit.
Part 2 - Sent Home in Disgrace
Each visit to the chemo ward is preceded by a blood test. Yesterday I duly went to my GP for my blood test. The blood test checks a number of exciting things, one of which is my White Blood Count (which is a measure of how good my immune system is). The WBC count should be 3 or more. Before the start of the treatment it was 7.2. before the second treatment it was 3.2.
Yesterday, even after two weeks without any treatment, it was measured below the Magic 3 - (2.6, I think), so when the ward called me for the regular day-before check-up they warned my that I may not receive the treatment today. I arrived for my appointment today and was taken in to the ward and stuck with my needle.
The nurses took another blood sample to repeat the tests. The sample was whisked of to be tested again and in the mean time I was given the first drip - a saline solution for hydration. just as that finished, the news came through and my WBC count seems to have dropped further - although I don't know what the actual value was. Maybe, just maybe I should try to take it a bit easier.
As a result I was sent home in disgrace, my head in my hand; shame filled my every pore. I have an extra week off and everything slips by a week.
I have to admit, I just went home and bummed around for the rest of the day - I decided that if I was too ill for chemo, then I probably deserved a day off work - maybe that was wrong, but there you go.
I still get to go back on my birthday - no more news on the campaign for a second birthday - the kids are behind it (they think they will get more birthday cake) but Helen doesn't see the need. I will press on with this though. If you want to add your support to this worthy cause, please contact me. I may have to start a petition on the Number 10 website - I am sure that David Cameron would be very interested in this.
Enough already - my daughter wants to see what drivel I have written this time, so I will finish here. I am not expecting much in the way of symptoms this week, what with the lack of nasty chemicals and stuff, so there may be another longer gap - unless blinding inspiration strikes.
best wishes
Graham
P.S. congratulations to Becky, who has just been awarded a scholarship to study in the US next year. :)
The week off fairly flew past - going to work every day is such a delight. The only problem is that it seems that I overdid it a bit.
Part 2 - Sent Home in Disgrace
Each visit to the chemo ward is preceded by a blood test. Yesterday I duly went to my GP for my blood test. The blood test checks a number of exciting things, one of which is my White Blood Count (which is a measure of how good my immune system is). The WBC count should be 3 or more. Before the start of the treatment it was 7.2. before the second treatment it was 3.2.
Yesterday, even after two weeks without any treatment, it was measured below the Magic 3 - (2.6, I think), so when the ward called me for the regular day-before check-up they warned my that I may not receive the treatment today. I arrived for my appointment today and was taken in to the ward and stuck with my needle.
The nurses took another blood sample to repeat the tests. The sample was whisked of to be tested again and in the mean time I was given the first drip - a saline solution for hydration. just as that finished, the news came through and my WBC count seems to have dropped further - although I don't know what the actual value was. Maybe, just maybe I should try to take it a bit easier.
As a result I was sent home in disgrace, my head in my hand; shame filled my every pore. I have an extra week off and everything slips by a week.
I have to admit, I just went home and bummed around for the rest of the day - I decided that if I was too ill for chemo, then I probably deserved a day off work - maybe that was wrong, but there you go.
I still get to go back on my birthday - no more news on the campaign for a second birthday - the kids are behind it (they think they will get more birthday cake) but Helen doesn't see the need. I will press on with this though. If you want to add your support to this worthy cause, please contact me. I may have to start a petition on the Number 10 website - I am sure that David Cameron would be very interested in this.
Enough already - my daughter wants to see what drivel I have written this time, so I will finish here. I am not expecting much in the way of symptoms this week, what with the lack of nasty chemicals and stuff, so there may be another longer gap - unless blinding inspiration strikes.
best wishes
Graham
P.S. congratulations to Becky, who has just been awarded a scholarship to study in the US next year. :)
3 comments:
"shame filled my every pore,"
Drivel indeed.
Good lord.
Hehehe, I liked it really..
x (from Becky)
Second birthday is very essential, I think, Helen what are you thinking? Two birthday cakes are always a good idea :o)
Oh and well done Becky, have told everyone I know about your unconditional uni offer ( did tell all and sundry about Claire's offer too ), I generally get the reply 'who on earth is Becky?' at which point I launch into a long explanation of who you all are, peppered with lots of stories, and by the time I've finished most are asleep or have disappeared altogether! Anyway I can expand my pride in knowing you to your scholarship too. Ramble over xxxxx
Oh dear me, forgot to say who I was! Should I say or should I leave you to figure it out ????
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