Well, I really don’t have much to say this time! This last chemotherapy cycle has been pretty uneventful. Having had two full sessions there is now a pattern to how I feel. During the first week I have a drugged feeling, a bit hungover and tired. The second week is when my immune system and red blood cells are knocked about a bit. This leaves me feeling tired most of the week. The third week is recovery time. This gives me time to build myself up ready to be poisoned again. ‘Poison’ is the word that the consultant used to describe the docetaxel chemotherapy drug that I am having. It was slightly alarming to hear that, but actually it is a good description of what your body goes through. The dosage is worked out carefully according to your height and weight, as it would not be good to receive too much.
Having now had several visits to the MacMillan cancer centre at the West Suffolk Hospital, we have been very impressed with the communication within the department. Whenever we have had appointments it is very apparent that all the staff have clearly discussed my case in advance. The appropriate drugs are all ready for me. Even when I have had go to the pharmacy to pick up the metformin for the clinical trial, the receptionist seems to be expecting me and finds my medication immediately even though there is a room full of people waiting. It makes me feel like I am having private medical care in an NHS hospital!
One good thing from this last cycle is that I did not lose any more hair. Having lost a good amount last time, I thought it would all be gone by now. So, for the time being I still have some, although it is all grey. It will be interesting to see how it regrows. Our JustGiving page was very successful when Dan decided to shave his head in support of my hair loss. Ellie has now declared that she is going to do the same in a couple of weeks time. She is going to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children suffering from cancer. We will post some before and after photos later.
Anyway, I am all ready for tomorrow. Six weeks down, twelve to go.
