Well – the journey has begun! We turned up as requested at the Ricky Grant Day Unit as requested, and got booked in, with the usual form filling and Q&A session – I am very grateful for their thoroughness! Then down to theatre for the installation of the port under general anaesthetic. As usual, not aware of time. When I was coming round I thought, “Oh no… I forgot to set the alarm and I’ve overslept and missed my appointment!” Lol! In the recovery ward for a while and then back to Ricky Grant, where they gave me a snack lunch, and then my chemo began.
Flushing the port with saline was followed by anti-sickness medication and steroids, then flushing with glucose and finally the oxaliplatin, which took about 4 1/2 hours – they squeezed the very last drop out of the bag! Then further flushing with glucose and a final flushing with heparin and saline, a change of dressing over the port wound which had bled a little, and then home.
Side effects almost straight away – definite signs of peripheral neuropathy when touching surfaces colder than myself, and a weird and painful sensation with my first mouthful of food. Nothing else so far except feeling fairly spaced out but that may be the residue of the anaesthetic. I know that the effects will be cumulative with subsequent cycles but I’m not complaining so far!
(Very) full details on my Cancer Diary page.
Thank you for this update. I'm sure it will be a great help and encouragement ( in a strange kind of way) to others faced with similar diagnosis and treatment. Once the 'mystery' has been removed, I think things are easier to face. Many blessings on you and your lovely hubby. X
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that the first stage went well, rest up and stay strong, thanks for letting us know how things are.
ReplyDeleteHugs Eliza & Yoda
just catching up from being away from reading blogs for almost the entire month of May. Blessings and hugs to you as you begin this arduous journey you are on. It will all be worth it to know you are cancer free.
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking about you! Many blessings for a complete recovery! Stay strong! You know we never give up!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ayumi.
ReplyDeleteShoshi
I was thinking about you today. Glad I stopped by to read this latest post. Please send me your snail mail address @ dianebakerwilliams@gmail.com. We love you and our thoughts are with you, remember that when you are having a bad minuet, hour, or day.
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