Saturday 22 May 2010

Round two- over!


I am sitting early on Saturday morning, looking over the already pleasingly sunny and bright garden. Teenager is at a sleepover party ( I will never get used to it...) and other half is away to work today.
I am looking forward to a day of post chemotherapy rest. I have had another three sessions this week and that is the second one finished. I was very glad that my blood count was ok to go ahead this time as I was ready to get on with it.
It was not an uneventful week. Last time I had one of the chemotherapies ( cisplatin) in 2006 I had quite a serious allergic reaction to it. I ended up in hospital after the last dose. Unfortunately, the allergic reaction has started again, and after I had it on Wednesday I ended up with a puce face and a spreading rash. When I went in on Thursday they nearly admitted me but after some more drugs and observation I perked up enormously. I am much better now and look like a human being again, rather than something from out of space.
So, next time I will be going in as an 'in patient' the night after the cisplatin day so I can have IV anti- histamine and hydro -cortisone, and be observed. All lot more relaxing for everyone concerned.
Just another little interesting challenge. The fact I have been able to tolerate it at all is a miracle really so every cloud has a silver lining.
And now, I have at least three weeks of re-cuperation ahead. Today I will take it very easy. Maybe go out for a coffee with my mum and sit by the lake, and sleep this afternoon. I am storing up all my energy and strength for the Cartmel Race Meeting next weekend ( bank holiday). We are members of the race-course and it is a lovely happy family time with picnics and friends and lots of fresh air. I am determined to be there putting my bets on with everyone else. Let's hope for great weather.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Jo, You enjoy the rest and the races!
My parents use to have a caravan in Grange over Sands and took me there once. Had a great day!

Take care x

Trish said...

You mentioned the Cartmel meeting over at mine a few weeks ago. Sounds fab. Enjoy your day in the sun today and hope you're feeling fit for a flutter next week x

Carolyn Trafford Art said...

Its good to hear you're still in fine spirits and this beautiful weather seems to be perking you up.

Thank you for my blog comments, the course research is coming along, I am started to weed out the wheat from the chaff and have a shortlist by next weekend - with a view to getting my training started by the autumn latest. SDx

Gberger said...

Oh, so good to hear that round 2 is over! I agree, you deserve a restful and rewarding day - I always thing presents should follow a round of chemo, or at least a special dessert of some kind!
That reaction sounds miserable. I'm grateful that they have a better plan for round 3, and that it can be prevented before it even begins. Rest, take care, I am sending love and positive, healing thoughts to you!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I am happy that you are getting through all of this Jo. Even with the issues...you sound like you are making the best of everything.
I am loving the photos of your family as well.
Take care...rest up.
Suz

Expat mum said...

I thought it was "outer space"?

Maggie May said...

You sound as if you are having more frequent sessions than I had. Mine were 3 weekly. I was on Carboplatin and Aplitaxel.(Taxol) I was covered in red itchy rash which lasted for 6 days.
It started off just slowly at first & as the treatment progressed, I seemed to get more & more irritated by it.
I am with you in this treatment & you have my complete empathy and good wishes and love. It is a bummer this treatment but its a good feeling when you get shot of the darned disease, besides..... I didn't like the alternative..
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Pam said...

I'm glad you are feeling okay. As I write this I think you'll be at home after the races. That area is great isn't it? We used to spend a lot of time at Flookburgh at the parachute center (it's where we met). Good luck with the recuperation this week.