Well, one down and 11 to go and it’s been an interesting week. If you’d rather not read the next bit of the blog it’s fine as I will be revealing some of the less pleasant side effects of the chemo but not dwelling on them too much.
I had relatively few side effects from the medication until Tuesday when my stomach became very distended and uncomfortable. The GI issues have started now and I’ve gone from chronic constipation to sitting on the loo all last night – I was warned and am not surprised although I’m absolutely shattered this morning after no sleep and no Dexamethosone today to perk me up either. I think ‘chemo brain’, (a well known phenomenon for those on chemo where you have thinking and memory problems) has definitely kicked in and I’m having bizarre feelings of not quite being here and feeling very detached from reality but this may in part be down to lack of sleep last night. I don’t feel fit to drive today and will limit myself to a long dog walk and just chill for the rest of the day.
Back to the hospital for the injection tomorrow and my next dose of Cyclophosphamide is due too. I’m already noticing changes to my hair texture although it’s not getting thinner just yet but I’m sure that will happen. On a very positive note regarding the steroids, I’ve had a frozen shoulder for the last 6 months which has been incredibly sore but has now completely gone thanks to the Dexamethasone so that’s been a bonus. I must say I feel a lot better on the days that I’m taking the steroids.
I’m off to drink lots of strong coffee now and hopefully start to feel more myself in the next few hours. More chemo capers to follow over the next few weeks if you’re interested. Thanks again for all the ongoing support. A xx
Annie’s amyloid adventures 
Hi Anne,
All the usual side effects appearing particularly with the first couple of Chemo sessions.
I would look to avoid too much coffee and try to keep to Decaf on some occasions (bowels can be irritated by strong coffee and if you’re suffering with constipation it can aggravate things) I’m slowly cutting down and drink more decaf lattes now.
I had the most horrendous constipation for the first two Chemo sessions and I found that lactulose was a good help as you can vary the dose easily to suit. I also got referred to a Homeopathic Consultant in London (UCLH) who was excellent (specialising in oncology) who liaised with my oncology team at St Mary’s in Paddington to ensure treatment was joined up. I was transferred to the Homeopathic Hospital in Gart Naval when we moved which has been equally as good (The Hospital For Integrated Care). I was always sceptical of alternative medicines (as was Christine being a nurse) but it has helped significantly with the side effects in particular (inc Constipation).
Having a “Grumpy” day as I couldn’t get my Chemo today due to CT scan report not being done in time for my Consultant (seems to becoming a bigger issue in Scotland now as the UK is so short of Radiologists). Have to wait another week now.
Good Luck Andy and Christine.
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Stay strong. As you say, one week down xx
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