In preparation for the second Chemo session, Craig and I did a HUGE food shopping. I'm not fit to venture far the weekend after treatment…and I want to minimise Craig’s running around, as this is also stressful for him. (Partners and family are also going through this).
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| Just a small shopping for two!! |
The day before the Chemo session, (as is now normal) I went to my GP surgery and had bloods taken in order to check my white blood cell count and platelet levels. These need to be closely monitored and maintained above a certain level otherwise treatment will be delayed. All is good..
We attended our Chemo appointment at 9.10am. I had my blood pressure, heart rate and weight checked to determine dosage of the drugs.
We met the oncologist who asked me questions regarding the first session, she wanted to know if there had been any adverse reactions to it.
I told her about the nausea and extreme sickness.
She decided to add an additional anti-sickness tablet (Aprep) into the combination I had taken the previous time (Ondansetron, Dexamethasone and Cyclizine). I was to start the Aprep 1 hour before the Chemo session that morning. She also advised me that my white blood cells were low and I would require a booster injection 24 hours after treatment.
She gave me a thorough boob check and asked my opinion on whether I had noticed any change in the lumps. We agreed they did feel slightly softer. Less like a "dried pea".
We were to return at 12pm for the Chemo session, so we had time for a coffee and some people watching in the hectic canteen!! I took my new tablet (Aprep) at 11am.
We returned for the treatment….I was nervous I can’t deny. This was because of the distress of the previous session and also because I had reacted so badly to the Chemo drugs, I REALLY didn’t want it to happen again.
When we walked into the Chemo treatment room, I actually felt much calmer this time, my anxiety began to settle. I had a better understanding of the routine. We were automatically directed to sit at one of the treatment stations. My mum was staying with me during this session. I feel it is important that those involved get to see and then understand how the sessions work. It would also share the responsibility of looking after me.
The nurse was lovely, she came over and introduced herself. She chatted to us throughout the session, a great distraction (she does like her soaps). I think the chat is very important as it calms and reassures me.
As people have difficulty finding my veins, I wear leg warmers (courtesy of my sister) on my forearms and take a hot water bottle. We had been advised they might help in the search for my evasive veins by keeping my forearms warm!!
Think ‘Flashdance’ but significantly less active lol!!
The nurse had a quick feel of my forearm and bang, she captured one of the sneaky veins. She inserted the cannula and then connected the IV bag.
She started introducing the six syringes. Less slowly this time compared to the first session, but constantly checking the veins were stable. I kept my leg warmers on whilst this was happening so no need for the heat pack this time.
I was offered some lunch – soup and a sandwich and my mum was given tea and shortbread, all gratefully received. I continued to drink a jug of water throughout the process.
The whole session lasted about an hour. I then met up with Craig and Dad who had been eating coffee and cakes in the canteen.
I went home feeling good.
I took cyclizine early in the afternoon as I was paranoid about being sick again. I did start to feel nauseated and was sick once but I was very drowsy so fell asleep. I managed all night with no further episodes of sickness … HUGE relief.
The following day Craig drove me to the GP surgery to have the white blood cell booster injection. I felt awful, a combination of total exhaustion with an underlying current of nausea. I went straight to bed when we got back. My appetite was very poor, a few rice cakes, a slice of toast. I was trying to keep my fluids up and was drinking water regularly.
I didn’t need to take the anti-sickness combination of tablets for as many days this time (only 2 days). I was able to stop the Cyclizine earlier than I had the first session. PROGRESS BEING MADE.
Keep going Lorna!xxo
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