Hair today....

I was told that I wouldn't lose my hair with this form of chemotherapy, but that it might thin. However, my hair started to fall out rather dramatically on Monday - not very nice especially when I wasn't expecting to lose it! I've had my hair cut shorter and hope it will stop soon.

I had arranged to babysit for Penny and Lucas on Sunday and Monday but my mouth has been sore so I came home early on Monday. I phoned Ian for advice - I think it's a reaction to the Vinchristine and he suggested some paracetamol, antihistamine and a mouthwash. He even dropped the prescription off for me on his way home from work! How about that for a supportive caring NHS! My mouth is feeling a bit better, but still sore when I eat.

Treatment 2/8

Is it just me, or does 1/4 of the way there sound better than 25%? I had hoped the second round of treatment would be quicker and with fewer reactions, and I was lucky! We were out by 2.30 and soon home. I took some pictures of  my 20 steroids I take with breakfast, the very nice new cancer centre and the comfy chairs!

The three weeks since the first treatment seemed to have gone very quickly. The last week at work felt like normal life again - I've been eating, sleeping well and just  a little tired. It almost felt like there was nothing the matter! I hope this round of treatment has fewer side effects and normal life continues!

Back to work

Fortunately, the antihistamine and paracetamol worked and by Tuesday evening the allergy had almost gone and I was feeling back to normal!

I cycled to work on Wednesday morning, thinking that it was all downhill, but it wore me out! I looked like I'd run a marathon when I got to work and I needed a hour to recover! Keith came to pick me up at lunchtime and I came home for a rest. I rested on Thursday, gradually realizing that even when I don't feel very ill, I am actually still fighting a battle internally.

Work on Friday was much better (no cycling - Keith gave me a lift in) and a chance to catch up on emails, meetings and get things organised. I'm still determined to carry on working throughout the treatment, and I had a chance to chat to Sue about possible ways to minimize disruption if I need to take time off. They are all very supportive at work, I'm very lucky to work in this kind of environment.

I had a very good weekend, lots of visitors bringing food and flowers, and a lovely walk in the woods on Sunday. I think my plan to enjoy the days when I am well is going to be a good one!

Even more good news is that my swollen glands in my groin have all gone which means I can walk and sit comfortably and I've lost a few pounds of the weight I put on in Barcelona!

Strawberry?

Well, last night's reaction to the strawberry or one of the dozen or so drugs didn't wear off overnight. My throat, mouth and jaw were still really sore and I felt like I had been eating nettles! As well as all that a strange rash started on one of my legs. After calling the hospital and speaking to the doctor they suggested I go down for an assessment. They sent me for a neck x-ray as there is some swelling in my neck and took blood tests. They have swapped the antibiotic I was taking for another one and gave me some anti-histamine for the reaction - hopefully this will soon start to make my mouth feel like normal again.

I have to go back tomorrow to check my neck and I won't be eating strawberries for a while either! 

Effects and effects

Since the first round of treatment, there have been many effects and side effects. So many that I think my body may be working its way down a very long list!
The first effect was a good one. The lumps on my leg went down so that I could sit and walk comfortably and I felt full of energy. Thursday felt great and we had a lovely afternoon out with Sarah and the children at Amerton Farm in the sunshine.

However, on Friday I had nausea and indigestion. I called the hospital for advice and Ian (my key specialist nurse) suggested an additional drug (!) to take and also gave me a script for another in case that didn't work. Friday evening I felt much better and got dressed up to go out to Tracy's birthday meal. It was really good to get together with everyone and I just ate a little but mostly relished the company!

Saturday the indigestion woke me early. I took the new drug, but had pain all day, somewhat helped by Paracetamol. By Sunday though the indigestion had nearly gone and we went out for a lovely walk in Biddulph woods, no mushrooms, but lots of sun, green trees and amazing smells!

Sunday evening was looking good - there was just one tablet to take on the chart and I even felt like a glass of wine. However, just after taking the tablet I ate a strawberry and instantly felt that something was wrong. My jaw felt as though all the nerves were jangling, my throat was sore and felt like it was swelling. We looked at the leaflet in the box, and yes, a side effect was allergic reaction at any time (I had already taken 5 of these tablets). Strange how the strawberry set it off - Keith had to eat them and declared they were delicious! A few hours later my throat is still sore, but it's feeling better. Do I have to have ALL the side effects?

Treatment 1/8

The cocktail of drugs was started at 9.30 and finally finished at 4pm today. There were 3 different drugs given in a drip while I sat in a comfy chair! They do the first session slowly in case of any reactions and sure enough my throat started to get sore and swell up so they gave me additional drugs and slowed the rate. Hopefully, next time it won't take as long. There are now just tablets to take before going back in 3 weeks.

Other than that, all went well and now back home looking forwards to leftovers from yesterday's bbq! 

The plan

We went to the hospital today to get the test results and to see what the plan is. We even had bets - Keith went for 'watch and wait' (they start treatment when the symptoms start to be a problem), whereas I had gone for radiotherapy (local treatment on the specific lymph node). In the end we both lost :(

The blood tests were all normal. However, the bone marrow test showed that the bone marrow was working well but  there was some evidence of the lymphoma there and the CT scan showed several enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. The consultant displayed the images from the CT scan on the screen - fascinating! One of the nodes was quite large - about 5x2 cm and is probably the one that is making my leg uncomfortable.

The consultant recommended that chemotherapy treatment is started straight away - tomorrow! This consists of anti-cancer drugs (some tablets and some given via a drip in hospital) and drugs to counteract the side-effects of the treatment.

For those interested, here are all the drugs:
The treatment for the lymphoma is called  R-CVP and is given as a single course every 3 weeks for about 6 months :
Monoclonal antibody - Rituximab - is given by a drip
Cyclophosphamide given by a drip
Vincristine given by a drip
Prednisilone (steroids) tablets taken every day for 5 days each course

There are possible side effects and these are reduced by taking the following:
Allopurinol to prevent gout
Ranitidine (Zantak) to reduce acid in the stomach
Domperidone - anti-sickness
Cotrimoxazole - antibiotic to protect from a specific chest infection

They don't mention any explicit chocolate treatment, but I'm sure they have it sorted!

Went to Trentham Gardens for a Pieminister Pie in the sunshine for lunch. Had a lovely bbq this evening and a surprise visit from Sarah - a lovely way to spend the evening!