The weekend was great! Lovely weather, the sun shone, we had a great time with friends and family and best of all I felt much better in myself though unusually tired. As a rule, just before my chemotherapy, I feel really well and full of beans!, however, this time the tiredness has been hanging around.
Monday 20th March - Dropped Sam at school and went to hospital for my routine blood test. Left with quite a sore arm as my vein just didn't want to part with any blood, but it gave in in the end!! Worked my normal day but as the day went on the flesh on the inside of my elbow joint felt quite tight and something below the skin was making it painful to try and fully straighten my arm. As it wasn't too big a problem to me managing day to day things I decided to speak with the hospital about it at my chemo appointment tomorrow.
Tuesday 21st March - Sam is coming to chemo with me today! My sister picked us up at 8.45a.m. and we made our way to the hospital and had the usual cuppa to settle a tiny bit of nerves! My appointment was at 10a.m. My nurse today was Mary - another chemotherapy angel! - we started with quite a long chat firstly about my arm and veins. I was relieved to hear Mary say that the problem with my arm not wanting to straighten is quite common and I need to keep it moving so that it doesn't cease completely. During my chemo Mary put a heated pad (at home I can use a hot water bottle or a warm towel) around my arm and after a while my movement was more free. The problem is caused by the veins constricting due to the chemicals I have and it can take months to get full movement back and it some cases it never returns so I now know how important it is to follow her advice and keep the heat treatment going 2-3 times a day. Once Mary started to administer the drugs she explained that she was using extra saline to try and help my veins, she also explained that when I start the next lot of four treatments in April I have the option of having a line put into my upper arm (this is done under ultra sound scan) which can be used instead of finding a good vein each time - however, Mary sees no problem with continuing using cannulas as she says my veins are relatively still in good condition compared to some patients. I think as long as I can I will persevere, as having a line in is a constant reminder and I am not sure I want that if we can avoid it.
Also had a bit of a wake up call today! Apparently my neutrophil count (determined in my blood test) was only just high enough for me to have my chemotherapy today (this explains why I have been so tired!) Mary tells me that I need much more rest and to make sure that I am drinking and eating plenty and has advised that I work less if I want to make sure that my treatments are not delayed by my count being too low! Everyone around me has been telling me the same thing about resting more but I have to admit when Mary said it, it really hit home and my count being low shocked me into really taking notice - no way do I want any treatments delayed!!!
Once chemo was finished Mary gave me the usual drugs and suggested starting the antibiotics two days early to give me a bit better chance of feeling well in time for our holiday 3rd April! Can't wait!!! Went home and put my feet up straight away! My sister stayed with Sam and I , cooked dinner and then spent the night here in case she was needed. I had an early night as I felt shattered!
Wednesday 22nd March - Managed to sleep through until 3.15a.m. then dozed through until 6.30a.m. Sam went off to school and my sister left for work at 9.50 a.m. knowing that Sam would be home again at 11.30a.m.
I am resting all day today with my feet up and just generally looking after myself creaming my nails (also important during treatment) and heat treating my arms! Also waiting for a call from my GP who is sorting a sick certificate for me to use as and when I am not at work as it looks like I will be cutting down from 4 days a week to a maximum of two days a week.
I really have had a wake up call from Mary yesterday and I will be taking more time to rest!
No comments:
Post a Comment