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
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)
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