Chemo starts

12.07.2019

So, after a rather long wait I am here and about to start chemo. I have very mixed emotions today; pleased to be getting started, frightened about the potential side effects as I feel well otherwise but confident that this is going to work and I’ll have some remission at the end of it all. I’ll discuss the medication regime as set out by the NAC in London so if you want to skip this bit you can as it’s a bit full on!

I’ve to have some blood tests before I get the chemo drugs; a short synacthen test to make sure my adrenal glands are working ok. This test was done before but was borderline so needed repeating. It’s an injection of a synthetic hormone and my blood is checked just before injection and 30 minutes afterwards. The cortisol levels should rise during the test to levels above 420 nmol/L indicating an adequate adrenal response.The test result came back fine so it was time to proceed with chemo.

The pharmacy had a delay in sending up the medication but during my wait I was plied with tea and sandwiches and a very welcome offer of a reflexology foot massage courtesy of Lisa from the Beatson Cancer Charity. She also mentioned their wig service but I’m not quite sure yet if my hair will fall out so I’ll not dwell on that until I have to. The charity support all patients and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis and whilst I don’t have cancer they do support any patients going through chemotherapy. They cover the Beatson Unit in Glasgow, The QUEH, the New Victoria Hospital (where I am receiving treatment) and The Beatson Unit in Lanarkshire. Complimentary therapies are just one of the many services they offer and more information can be found on their website https://www.beatsoncancercharity.org/about-us/services

It was lovely to have a bit of pampering in a clinical environment and it really was very relaxing. Do you think this could could be roled out to dentist waiting rooms too? 🙂

I received my schedule of medications and realised I’d have to write a spread sheet to get the days and medications right as its a fairly long list of medication. My chemo consists of three main drugs, Bortezimib, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone and additional drugs to help alleviate side effects, namely Metoclopramide to help with sickness, Allopurinol for possible gout, Aciclovir to prevent shingles, Omeprazole to prevent stomach ulcers due to high doses of steroids plus the Rosvastatin, Ezetimibe and Aspirin I already take for the high cholesterol. A total of 27 tablets some days plus the injection of Bortezomib twice a week and Cyclophosphamide once a week. This will be done for a three week period and this will constitute a cycle and I have to have a minimum of 4 cycles but maybe up to 6. So 12 weeks minimum which takes me til the end of first week in Oct – not that I’m counting of course!

I’d always though of chemotherapy as being hooked up to a drip for hours as these medications were given intravenously, but in my case it’s only one sub cutaneous (under the skin) injection of Bortezomib in my upper arm and the rest is tablets. Having had the Bortezomib and given a bag full of medication I was free to go. So that’s Day 1 and the beginning of my chemo journey.

14.07.2019

Here I am now, a few days into the treatment and although it’s early days I feel ok. The Dexamethasone has meant I have hardly slept (a total of 5 hours in the last two nights) but the house has never been so clean, the ironing up to date and the fridge stocked with food. I don’t feel manic or tired despite the lack of sleep but I’m sure it will begin to take its tole as the weeks progress and maybe more side effects will appear. I will just take each day as it comes and know that it’s all for a good reason. I haven’t had any signs of peripheral neuropathy or sickness yet so I’m relieved on both counts but better not count my chickens.

I’m sure the next 12 weeks will feel like a long time so am trying to find lots of things to do, like having lunch and coffees with friends, walking the dogs and trying to remain sociable as long as I feel ok. I have had the most tremendous support from family and friends so far and it’s been fantastic to receive messages daily giving me encouragement and good wishes and it’s been very humbling and emotional to know so many are thinking about me….thank you all so much.