We were told at the beginning of the chemotherapy that the side effects become more pronounced as you go through the treatment. Indeed our consultant said that the previous two gentlemen in my position only managed four treatment cycles out of the six that are normally prescribed.
Up until now I have felt that it has all been quite manageable with a repeating pattern of, first week feeling drugged, second week tired, and then recovering during the third week in time to start again. However I am now halfway through my fourth cycle and I am finding it much harder than the previous sessions. This is the first time that I have actually felt nauseous during the first week, but the main difference I am noticing is the tiredness. This isn’t so much feeling sleepy, but an unnatural lethargy with absolutely no energy to do anything. If I do try to carry out a fairly simple task, I find that I break into a sweat and my head begins to thump! I end up sitting down again pretty quickly.
It’s frustrating to be feeling like this and I will discuss it with the consultant at our next appointment, but I have read a bit about it and I think I understand what is happening. Docetaxel, which is the chemotherapy drug I am taking, is designed to kill off fast growing cells, wherever it comes across them throughout the body. Clearly this is mainly aimed at the cancer cells but it also destroys other cells including bone marrow which is responsible for producing red and white blood cells. I think the tiredness I am feeling is down to being anaemic caused by a reduced red blood cell count.
SCIENCEY BIT
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body without which your body cannot function correctly. A single red blood cell last for about three months in the body, before it is replaced by a new one made in the bone marrow. This is a continual process with new ones being made at the same rate as old ones dying off. As long as this is kept in balance then the body keeps ticking along nicely!
With the chemotherapy drug damaging the bone marrow every three weeks, the body is unable to produce the blood cells at the same rate as they die off naturally. When you reach 12 weeks into the treatment you start to reach a low point in red blood cells and so become more and more tired.
I have every intention of finishing the full six treatment cycles, but I think things are going to get harder from here on. One thing is for certain, I am going to need a lot more sympathy from wifey!
We are looking forward to seeing Ellie when she comes back from Manchester. She has done incredibly well by raising nearly £2,000 for the My WiSH charity. Well done Ellie.
