February 26th 2011
It has been over a week since I last wrote and I have had an interesting time. Although I haven’t been feeling sick at all, which is a blessing; two of the side-effects from the medicine have kicked in – ulcers and stomach problems. Needless to say my mouth and throat are a little sore and my stomach feels like a lead balloon most of the time. The good thing about both of them is that I have medication to combat them. The bad thing I am beginning to feel like a regular client at the pharmacy,
Apart from these two inconveniences things are going reasonably well. We had a visit to the doctor who is organising my radio on Tuesday and she was extremely helpful. Her English was good: always a bonus; and she was more than happy to answer questions. We asked about the stage that they found the cancer and for those in the know I am level two and stage one which is not perfect but it could be a lot worse. They found three lumps under my arm, which they removed, and as it is less than four they were very pleased and are more than hopeful that everything will be alright.
I was given a schedule for my radio and as long as I finish my chemo on time I should start radio on the 16th May for 5 weeks; finishing on the 18th June. That will be five days at a time: the weekend off, and then start again on the Monday morning. As both our wedding anniversary and my birthday are in the middle of those dates, I know how I will be celebrating. I wonder how soon after the treatment my hair will start to grow.
During the week a large box of hats and scarves arrived from a friend in the UK; thanks Dot. So on Thursday we did a skype connection, complete with camera: and had a fashion parade of some of the hats; I still have to work out how to use the scarves. It was a fun-filled hour which cheered me and kept us laughing. It is things like that which makes an ordinary day much more fun.
I have an appointment with my chemo doctor this coming week; this is just to keep a check on my blood works and to see if there are any other various problems. It should be an interesting chat and perhaps she can give a good medicine for my stomach
Well the sun is shining: although the wind is a little cool; we have just returned from walking on the beach. Life certainly isn’t that bad.