Chemo #5

The week leading up to my last chemo hasn't been too bad.  Chris had Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off, in order to go to various appointments with me and also for him.  Tuesday saw us both at the RUH.  He had his respiratory clinic review and I went into the chemo suite to have my bloods taken.  The day didn't start off brilliantly really.  We'd decided to spoil ourselves and go out for breakfast.  Problem was, we'd both forgotten it was District Nurse day and we only remembered as we were about to set off in the car!  So it was back in the house and wait until after midday before she arrived (toast and coffee had to suffice!).  The PICC line flush went through ok, so I just had to worry about the afternoon bloods.  Chris went off to his appointment and I went off to mine.  No problem at all with mine, Fiona managed to get it first time - no bowl of warm water as I'd worn a glove right up until they were taken.  She thought I was looking well - amazing what the steroids can do! 
Managed a bit of exercise at the RUH - Chris' 1st appointment was on the second floor, then the next was on the ground floor and then back up to the second floor (all by stairs, of course!).  All was fine there too and we got back home around 6ish.  Helped by a friend picking Adam up and Liv, who picked up Vaughan after a 35 -0 rugby win at a school match (and he scored a try!).

Managed breakfast on Wednesday though!  Liv, who wasn't at college deigned to come with us and moaned most of the time (does that ever stop???).  Then she dragged us round some shops in the pouring rain.  Ah well, Chris and I enjoyed our full english!  We came home and they promptly fell asleep while I was busy playing with my new electric toothbrush (a grateful prezzy from Auntie Marjorie) - chemo etc plays havoc with your teeth!

Mum was due up on Wednesday, ready for the next onslaught.  Unfortunately, the weather in Cornwall had been foul and the only 2 decent roads out of the county were closed.  So that was put off until Thursday and she duly arrived with food parcels!

Thursday was blast day again - chemo number 5.  As everyone keeps saying to me - only one more to go, but as I still have to go through it and get over each one, it still seems like there's a way to go.  I know there isn't, but I'll be happier when I've got over the last one.  We came home and found a letter from the hospital with my radiotherapy dates!  Nice surprise.  At least, nice surprise knowing when it's going to be - of course, I haven't been through it yet, so I don't know if it will be "nice"!  My first appointment is on the 21st December.  This (I think), is to tattoo me and plan my treatment.  Then it all kicks off on the 5th January (would be my Granny's 101st birthday!) to the 2nd of February - Monday to Friday - 4 weeks of treatment.  I can discuss it more with the Oncologist on the 8th December (2 days before my last chemo), so will hopefully know more then.

Although I felt a bit "jangly" on Friday, I felt like going out.  By the time I'd got up and in between various injections and medications, Mum and I only managed to get out to Leekes!  A quick trip and she had to go and pick up the boys.
A nice surprise followed in the evening when Livi text to say she had something to tell me (!!!). I managed to persuade her not to wait until she got home.  She's had her lip pierced (well it's a stud just under her lip)!  Naturally, she'd though it through thoroughly.  She can't work until she can take the stud out (about 3 weeks).  Great for her Christmas finances!  Yes, yes, I know she'll grow out of it, but I ask you!!

Today, Saturday, I've been flagging.  I even fell asleep during the England Samoa match!  Although I'm not feeling horrendous, I'm tired and heavy limbed. I went out with Chris for a paper this morning, but I'm not sure yet what tomorrow will bring.   So on that note, I'll say TTFN and post when I can.......