Three down, three to go!!!
It seems strange that you tend to time your life around chemotherapy sessions, but it seems the way to go. It really is very routine like - you know how you are going to feel on day 2 (OK), 3 (Shit) or 4 (semi-shit) and when you are going to start feeling a bit more normal.
Its now day 5 and apart from having a case of the hand shakes, and feeling a bit fragile, I'm starting to feel a bit better. The lethargy seems to have gone and now just have general tiredness. Feeling a tiny bit nauseous today for some reason but not too bad.
Big Brother's visit
Greg arrived last Saturday for a couple of weeks visit which was lovely. I introduced him to Perth's sunset by having dinner at Cocos in South Perth. Its right beside the Swan River and the views are spectacular. We watched the sun go down and the city lights come up. Lovely.
Sunday, we had a bit of a tourist day and went down to Fremantle and visited the Maritime museum plus had a drive around.
We also went to Kings Park (which for anyone that hasn't been to Perth) is absolutely wonderful. Greg was very impressed.
Then, Monday was spent getting ready for Tuesday (chemo day)!! - shopping, making sure that I had food that would be appetising etc.
Greg has been very good carer and cooked dinner for me each night. He has been very patient whilst I've been having my marathon sleeps. He's already read 3 books and anything else he can put his hands on.
He's also been very accepting of my crap TV diet. When I've wanted to watch home and away and the Biggest loser (yes, I know, I watch crap) - for those of you who know Greg, probably can't believe that he sits there quitely while I get my nightly does of crap TV.
But, I returned the favour by watching 2 hours of Rugby league without complaining. I even did a very week 'hey' when a try was scored!
Tuesday's chemo session
Very very long day. Went into the hospital at 8.30 - got home around 4pm (after stop at the Vets to pick up cat food). It was incredibly busy and the nurses were really run off their feet. Lots of waiting this time. Waited to see oncologist - waited between bags that had finished dripping and needed replacement.
No problems with the treatment, although it is not really very pleasant. Always feel incredibly toxic and invaded after the visit.
Asked the oncologist lots of questions regarding immune system etc - wanted to know chances of catching stuff. Apparently the risk is with bacterial infections rather than virus's although catching a cold can be a problem. The oncologist still won't recommend gardening (tried to get an exemption!!) but did say that I could probably do pottery - long as I was careful about cuts!!)
Apparently my body is recovering very well from the chemo bombardment - that is, the white, red and platelets are recovering between sessions. My levels weren't that much lower than someone who wasn't having chemo. So, that's great news. So, whatever I'm doing is working - not sure what it is though!!
I am trying to eat reasonably well, having heaps of sleep (my ears get sore from lying on them all the time) and I'm pretty relaxed. So..... all good.
The Next Week
Well, as I said, I'm starting to feel a bit human so hopefully will be able to do a few more things. As I said before, you have to plan all of your life around chemo and how you are feeling. Will start feeling back to normal by next Thursday, so we have a trip planned to Cerventes which is about 2 hours north of Perth. We're going to stay overnight at the local motel. Cerventes is where all of the Rock Lobsters come from and is also home to the Pinnacles.
Will be nice to get out of Perth - I haven't been away from the house since early March.
Then Greg leaves on Sunday and I have one week of feeling well - so am planning to go down to Pam and Nicki's at Dunsborough for a couple of nights of R & R. I'm looking forward to their hammock, sitting under the trees near the beach and being spoilt with Nicki's cooking!!
So, that's all for now. Things are going well (although very slowly!!)
Lots of love Kay
Photos
Warm (Panda hat - courtesy of Cheryl and Brad who brought it back from Melbourne for me)Bald (Head gets really cold) - luckily I still have my eyebrows but have lost a few eyelashes.
Trying to be fashionable (with scarf)
Thought I'd do a quick update as its been a week or so since last blog.
Happy to hear that people aren't thinking it too boring and self absorbing. One of the things about chemo is that it takes away my brain's theasauras. So, I'm not writing at my usual fantastic level at the moment. The amount of times I'm trying to think of a particular word and can't come up with it. Very frustrating.
SECOND CHEMO
Now on day 6 from last chemo. Wasn't as nervous this time and although still not a pleasant experience, it all went smoothly. The oncologist was pleased with my reaction to the first dose. All my blood cells, kidneys etc recovered ok and the side effects were manageable. So all good. After the chemo, I always feel a bit 'invaded' because you know you've got all this crap running through your body and that it's highly toxic, however, it's also highly toxic to the bump, so I have to keep reminding myself of this..
I don't know how I'll feel with number 4 or 5 chemo because it's such a long process. Hard to keep feeling positive!
Kris came with me which was nice. Nice to be a bit spoilt. Tried not to milk it too much but did get all meals etc handed to me (lovely). I was appreciative of it, and showed my appreciation by spilling a whole plate of tomato soup over the kitchen floor. Bugger because it was yummy soup.
Kris had a first as well. She injected me the next day (in the belly). I thought that was terribly brave (for both of us) and she didn't hurt a bit. that injection is supposed to help red blood cells recover.
Also, we removed the rest of my hair and I got a number 0. My hair was coming out sporadically - bald around the sides where I sleep on it and still there on top. All I had to do was grab the hair in my hands and it was coming out. So thought it would be best gone. Less hair to vacuum. Feels quite strange (but clean) and I now really look like a cancer patient.
SURGEONS APPT
Also had a follow up appointment with the surgeon's side kick. The aim of this was to see how I'm responding to the chemo and how the lumps responding. Good news!! The doctor found it difficult to locate all of the tumor. The actual mass (width wise) hasn't shrunk, but the proportions have and it has softened considerably. She was very pleased with that. Considering it was only 3.5 weeks since chemo, it's a good sign. So basically, as my body is responding, they are going to continue with the chemo (for the six rounds) and then operate. Looks like it will be late July, early August.
So, whilst I was there, I had another ultrasound, and with an injection, they placed two titanium markers in the lump so that when they'd operate, they'll know what to remove. They are about the size of uncooked grain of rice. Apparently, I won't buzz if I go through airport which would be a bit embarrassing. I won't go into details of the injection, but needless to say, watching a thin needle going into your breast (via ultrasound screen) was a bit yucky. Didn't hurt though because I asked for a double dose of local.
NOW
So, my sister kris flew out Friday which is a bit of a bummer. Was a bit morose and sorry for myself but also realistic that I can't have someone here all the time. Sonny has given me a couple of extra cuddles to make up for it and Pippa popped in and took me to get some DVDs and also had a cuppa. Slept 12 hours Friday night. And have slept for about 3 each day. The weekend was in the midst of the tired period. Apart from that though, don't feel too bad. Actually quite surprised. Having one more day at home, and planning to go out tomorrow. Feel very housebound.
Have appetite, although for smaller portions and only a little bit icky in the stomach. Have a bit of a headache, but only a constant hum. No sweats so far (fingers crossed) but today has been quiet cool. Last chemo 39' this chemo 22. Much more bearable.
NEXT WEEK
Got to find a project to do. Bummer not being able to garden, so i need to find something to occupy my time. Kris suggested scrapbooking, but I could think of nothing worse. So, need to get creative brain out (albeit clouded). Am thinking of doing some wall art - you never know, might get my own exhibition (doubt it).
GOOD NEWS
Just got a phone call from income protection insurance. Claim has been approved and will get my first payment on 4th May. So that makes me feel MUCH better. It was really easy and very pleased that I didn't have to go through rigmarol.
So, that's about it for now.
A feeling pretty good (but bored) Kay xxxx
