Today we found out that John probably didn’t sleep too well last night as yesterday he had to take several steroids pre-Chemo today. A side-effect of steroids is not sleeping. On Tuesday he had the second hormone implant (Zoladex), and blood tests. The results of the blood tests were very encoraging: prostate cancer spread is monitored by measuring PSA (prostate specific antigen). John’s readings since diagnosis have been 27, then 14 and today was down to 3 which is great news. Today he had to take more steroids and an anti-Sickness drug. Then he had a line put into a vein in his hand (a bit of a trial, so we now that he needs to be very well hydrated before the next treatment), and was ‘flushed through’ with a saline solution. This was then followed by the chemo drug (Docatoxil), and then flushed through with more saline. All new experiences and procedures for us, but is was humbling to see so many other patients having similar procedures. We hadn’t appreciated that everyone’s chemo drug is tailored exactly to suit them, and is mixed on site daily before being administered. We’ve been dispatched with a suitcase of more drugs: more steroids (I can’t see he’ll sleep for days), antibiotics, antifungals, and more steroids to take before the next chemo treatment in 3 weeks. More blood tests are required before the next treatment to check blood levels and PSA. We also had a consultation with the oncologist about the clinical trial that John may be eligible to take part in (he’ll be the first patient at West Suffolk if accepted). So today he had an ECG and will need another blood test before being accepted onto the trial. The trial is looking at the effect of a diabetic drug (Metformin) slowing down cancer spread. We should know next week if he’s been accepted. So now we sit back and wait to see if he’ll be affected by any side effects, which may include tiredness, some hair loss, mouth ulcers, metalic taste, loss of appetite, and susceptibility to any infection. He coped really well and so far seems fine…..We will keep you posted.
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch today and sent good wishes – it really does mean a lot.
Love to you all. Bim xx