Round 7

13/07/2014

Tuesday arrived and what a foggy ride over. We arrived at the chemo unit for our 9.30 appointment. There are 12 chairs which get filled up pretty quick from 9.30 onwards. The seeing eye dog Alvin, black Labrador, arrived with his owner. Alvin is always a great distraction.

When I arrive each time I am given a clipboard with a list of symptoms I have experienced since the last chemo like nausea, dizziness, constipation, ulcers, depression, etc. I manage to only tick a couple because my run has been pretty smooth. The sex issue (last blog) was discussed and apparently because we are so open and honest, they are going to do some more research on what we experienced! Goodness, mind boggles!

I did mention to Rachel that I had had pains along the centre breastbone and was breathless. It was decided that it could be my portacath so a surgeon was called up to check out. A lovely young woman arrived. Wayne expressed his 'concern' that she didn't look old enough. She promptly told him she started studying at aged 19, studying for six years, had a baby and was now 27. 

Anyway she had a look, decided she needed to talk to a senior and came back with the decision that the portacath had moved. It should be shaped like a volcano and mine was like a flat coin, so she would try and manipulate it. She did so successfully and so we were only held up by half an hour. The process went quickly as we were having so much laughter and antics between the nurses and Wayne that it just sped by. 

Wayne decided he was going to take my to Wendy's for lunch as I has never been. He sure knows how to make a girl feel special...

Home to bed for two days then back to work one day on a high and then collapse again Friday. Chemo sure has its way of not knowing which way is up sometimes. The bed and couch have been my constant for the last few days, and let's not forget Hugo's feline company.

This chemo to date I am experiencing dizziness (the world spins like I have never experienced. It doesn't spin once or twice, more like six times), breathlessness and ovary pain. Not sure why the ovary pain but if chemo brings on early menopause, could be related. Feeling the weight going on (3kg so far) but not surprising when Chocolate milk has been the craving this week (SOS to Wayne to bring some home at 10pm).

I'm feeling a bit morose and sad - why, when I only have 3 - yes 3, people - to go. I guess it is just the hormones going crazy again. This week's chemo is coming around so quick and then it will be 2! I'm nearly there.

I have started looking at the radiation aspect coming up about 8th September and decisions to make. My surgeon does not want me to have radiation to my under arm where the lymph nodes have been taken as I will 100% end up with lymphedema.

Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and as the fluid builds up, the swelling continues. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled. Controlling lymphedema involves diligent care of your affected limb.

The surgeon has written to the radiation unit expressing he has got all the cancer out from that area. I'm assuming they are still going to want to press on and radiate anyway. And if he has got all the cancer out I ask, why radiate the location where t

he cancer lump was when he got all the margins there too. Anyway, another bridge to cross but it is playing on my mind.

I am getting a nice little carpet of hair appearing. Still undecided what colour it is going to come back as.