CHEMO ROUND 6- THE END

So for those that haven't caught on ... My final chemo happened on Monday 19th !!!! YAY!!

I woke early feeling like a kid at Christmas and feeling excited to have reached this mile stone ! 

Steve wasn't "feeling it" despite my dance around the kitchen (whilst making his breakfast and  pack up), to #Black Eyed Peas 'I got a feeling' yeah yeah!! 

I even resorted to mimicking  'Steve Turney and Marc Walker'  legendary dance moves to try and break smile from Steve!! 

To be honest I felt a little sence of frustration that the significance of the occasion, for me anyway, seemed lost on Steve .. he's a funny fish really. Steve chose to busy himself watering plants before going to work,  this isn't usual and probably show's how tough he is finding it all!

I thought he had forgotten at one point, but I was so glad that there was an acknowledgement from Steve on his way out!  So…. I  busied myself, happily absorbed in excitement, making posters and blasting away at the ironing, waiting for my  MIL,  to 'pounce' on her and release my contained energy for today's mile stone!

We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the sun drenched garden, and having 'neoned' up for the dare, we drove to NGH, and unbelievably we found '6' car park spaces to choose from in Car park 5 ( the smallest and closest to the oncology unit) ! Having recovered from that 'shock' we were pleased that there was only a short 'neon' walk to get through !!

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I sent my MIL in first to the building and she gladly took the lead, reminding me that at least no one would see her again (comes from Leicester)! Ha ha !

We were overwhelmed by the reaction as soon as we got in!! The comments came thick and fast , ' 'just what we need to brighten the day' .. Ha ha!!

We were even asked to pose for pictures .. One lady in particular, Cheryl , wanted a picture of us with her chemo mascot Eric!!

MIL, ME and Eric

Thank you for the generous donation Cheryl and Frank!!

We were not left long at all before being called into the chemo suite this time , where I promptly learnt that there was a problem with my blood test results. GREAT! I was told that my liver function was low (I learned the next day, through questioning that it was in fact high) and that Dr Knighton would have to assess whether chemo could go a head! 

I can't say how 'gutted' I was to hear of this…... at my last hurdle! Having been at the unit since 1.30pm we were finally given the go a head at 3.30pm for the chemo to begin. The waiting time was spent  keeping my 'anxieties' at bay with social distraction and consulting google for information on liver function tests!  Dr Knighton had decided to lower the dose of chemo by 25% to prevent it from effecting my liver further and making me ill. I wondered whether the lower dose would mean that rogue 'pesky cells' would escape annihilation, but I was relieved that the chemo was not delayed and that I would not have to repeat the Neon Dare ! lol!

So, chemo began and  there was further surprise distraction in the form of 'Mary' another 'booby'friend who came bearing a gift of Cava to celebrate my last chemo ! Yay!

Mary and I worked together and ironically she was diagnosed with breast cancer within a few weeks of my own diagnosis. Whilst I knew Mary previously,  it is down to the breast cancer connection that an important friendship has grown and recognise this as another blessing!

A Macmillan volunteer came to to see me and gave me a 'cancer guide booklet' and a pen! …a little late in the day she said! Debby the hair lady also popped in and I spoke with her about my growing hair and we came up with a coiffure plan- the metamorphosis continues!

The mood in general seemed high on the unit, and there was lots of chatter and photo opportunities with other patients, their chemo buddies and staff.  After the initial delay, the session just flew by and I was again the last patient on the unit. 

Home safe and sound and with Sue's 'chemo buddy' duties responsibly filled, my MIL left me in Steve's capable hands  and as I was still feeling quite energised , we decided to catch a two for £10 meal deal at one of our locals; The Queen Eleanor !! ( de-pinked of course!)

I learned from Steve that evening that he was feeling very embarrassed about my chemo dares preferring to be more private. I guess the Tu Tu's and pink wig were a bit much for him!!

There's an element of 'poetic justice' there in terms of the hilariously embarrassing moments he has exposed me to, however I regret that my adventures have embarrassed him! I'm not sure whether knowing his feelings before hand would have changed my distraction techniques but certainly something to reflect on!

'Never the less' I'm ever grateful to Steve, for supporting me in more 'subtle' fundraising ventures at his work! Look Good Feel Better are holding their annual fundraiser ' look better week' from 2nd to 8th June and Steve has authorised  'pink it up'  and 'cake bake' days at his businesses, Kia and Hyundai'.  (more on this to come).

So…… Chemo Dares have come to an end…... and an amazing £1117.69 has been raised on line for the chemo unit at Northampton General Hospital!  I'm still waiting to hear how much was raised in the charity box and hope this will round it off to a nice £1200.

Recognise the T- shirt Kathy Sanford ? THANK YOU! 

I'm glad to see the back of Chemo…..  I know that my way of getting through chemo has been to 'replace it' with positivity in the form of fundraising and my blog. Your support has been an invaluable part of this process and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart x

Flush Friday!

My Friday's have become  affectionately know as ' Flush Friday', where a district nurse visits me to clean and flush my groshong line. Every third week the nurse also takes blood to make sure that my next chemo can go a head! 

So having been 'flushed' this morning bright and early, I started this post whilst waiting  in the oncology waiting area at NGH for my review appointment with Dr Knighton. 

As I sat through the 50 minute delay in being seen, I had time to reflect on the last round of chemo. I feel thankful of the respite from cold sores and sore throat/lost voice this time around . The tummy cramps and mouth ulcers only made a fleeting appearance... So all good from that point of view! 

Whilst the fatigue continues, this has certainly been the easiest round so far on a physical point of view and this has allowed me to have a great few days  in Cornwall with Steve for his birthday. 

Me: come here let's do a 'onesie'!! Steve: you mean a 'sefie' you T@*$!

We usually go for a mini city break abroad for Steve's birthday and because travelling is one of my main enjoyments in life, I was initially quite disappointed that cancer had interrupted this 'tradition'.  Having experienced the wonders of Cornwall, I find that the disappointment is actually in myself, for not having explored this part of my country before. 

Cancer has  led me down some different paths of enrichment, and I lament no longer for the opportunities it has taken away, but foresee the incredible opportunities that are before me.  Don't get me wrong, I look forward to resuming my oversee's 'travelling adventures', but I'm not going to be overlooking my own 'door step' in the future. 

There has been an increased level of excitement on the run up to my FINAL chemo round. I have noticed a distinct 'mental shift', towards planning the return of  'business as usual' activities such as work, as I navigate towards this mile stone! 

I'm trying to avoid the arrogance in assuming that it will be plain sailing from here, given that 'Booby Jo' was admitted to hospital after her final treatment re concerns about infection and hope that I may not be as unlucky! Pacing my self will be key!

So, back to the Chemo review; I was eventually seen by Dr Greenhalch, the 5th Dr/consultant I have been reviewed by in Oncology. (Not including Mr Dawson and his Team). I understand that I am 'looked after ' by a Team of proffesionals and the consultations have largely been thorough, however from a person centred approach, there is a lost of sense of stability and confidence in this absence of continuity. I sympathise with resource issues and whilst I'm happy with the care, this is something to accept.

Following Dr. G's examination  and consultation, I was given the go ahead for chemo on Monday (by the way have I said that it is my last one???).

Dr. G also went through the Radiotherapy plans and I signed consent for this treatment that will begin about 3-4 weeks after my FINAL chemo (it's my last one by the way!).

Proffesor Eldeeb, had initially explained that radiotherapy would  occur daily over 5 weeks, and during this appointment, Dr G explained that this plan has changed and the treatment will now be administered over 3 weeks. It seems I will receive the same dose but condensed into a shorter period. I'm happy in respect of the time this will save, and my concerns about 2 professionals having had different view's about this treatment, were allayed. 

Dr G , spoke to me about the Tamoxifen treatment and it seems I will start this after the radiotherapy and not after the Herceptin as I had originally thought. I had originally been told that I would have this treatment for 5 years , however, Dr G explained that new research suggest that there is increased benefit for taking this for 10 years and so this is the plan for me.

Article re the research :
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261363.php

I'm also pleased to find out that NGH will be  changing the way they administer Herceptin, which means I will have this as an injection soon, so there will be no need for the Groshong line for a year!! Yay!

Well, there it is for now, other than to remind you that I will be making a spectacle of myself, as will my MIL on Monday during my FINAL chemo dare (yes…FINAL!!). This is personally aimed at marking the milestone and also raising funds for NGH chemo refurb.

I'm truly hoping I never need to use the Chemo unit ever again after my treatment, but it gives me great sense of purpose and pleasure in knowing that the fundraising activities you have helped me with, will go on to benefit others.

A truly inspirational young man RIP.

My previous dares have raised a total of £1,071( not including sealed charity tub), which is already a respectable amount.

I'm £14.02 short of my modest target of £50 for this dare and hope you can help boost the grand total….

Please follow the link to donate:

http://www.justgiving.com/Suzanne-Wright9

Chemotherapy- round 5

On the run up to Round 5, I  awarded myself the rank of chemo veteran , and have duly earned this by having become experienced in the routine of the symptoms and having becoming quite proficient in the application of  make up, that has meant I have not looked quite as rough as I have felt sometimes !!

The Docetaxel treatment presented me with a variation on the symptoms that I had experienced on the FEC .These  didn't seem to kick in until 3 days after the treatment. So… day 3, I  began to feel as if the entire upper half of my body had been hit with a baseball bat! The first day or 2 after this were the worst and there were also the stomach cramps that persisted for 6 days. Paracetamol and a hot water bottle became my favourite possessions and were just the trick to keep the pain at bay. 

My lovely MIL, Sue knitted me a bespoke hot water bottle cover , in preparation for the next round of Chemo cramps! I felt like a kid at Christmas when Sue  gave me it to me and my mind set already has me looking forward to being comforted and soothed  by the love that was put in making the cover when the inevitable cramps strike  again! 

I also experienced a cluster of other symptoms in week two, that lead to a 'check up' at NGH , but thankfully my bloods were ok. So with assistance of yet more antibiotics, my body was able fight off the cold sores, mouth ulcers, sore throat and a small infected boob wound! 

One of the side effects I had expected from the onset was the 'pausing' of my menstrual cycle …trust me to skip this symptom… I wonder though,  if this is a good thing... my cancer thrives on oestrogen??Probably a google research topic for me later or a question for Dr Knighton.  

Everyones chemo experiences will be different, and I can only account for my own.To be honest I have found all of this is very doable. The miserable phases are soon forgotten as the cycle goes on.  It  is probably like having all the traditional ailments/aches and pains you  have experienced, but all at once and more often. The fatigue and 'chemo brain' is probably the most difficult to describe to those that haven't been through treatment. The good bit about it is I know that this won't last and looking forward it makes it even more 'doable'!

I'm sure there has been some hormonal side effects that have lead to some emotional 'wobbles'' this chemo round…. My mind has certainly had a few 'emotion v logic/intellectual'  battles and I can't say how much your messages of encouragement and well wishes have made theses times easier to fare. 

I continue to receive 'thanks' (???!!) and messages from people who have described  how they have  drawn strength from the things I have written in their own personal battles !!  I had one such message in my inbox yesterday morning (thank you) and it certainly has kicked my ass into gear to write this !…. Seriously though , I find this to be the ultimate motivation during wobbly moments. 

I gladly share my experiences,  so what I may expose and discover along the way, is yours to use for any enrichment and hope that you may find. 

So…. my chemo buddy for Round 5 was Sue, my lovely MIL. We decided to walk the 4 miles to Northampton. and have lunch at Dreams Coffee shop before going to NGH for treatment! 

Due to a misunderstanding about a chemo review appointment the previous week , there was a delay in treatment whilst I was seen by Dr Vaida for a chemo review. I have met Dr Vaida a couple of times previously, so it was quite bizarre, from my angle, to be met with an introductory greeting !! 

Understandable I guess in some senses,  Doctors must see so many patients but really not helpful from a patients confidence point of view  … my notes surely must identify her as having seen me before  … surely she read my notes before seeing me ????… I guess the answer was clear when she asked me what  had under the dressing on my chest! (Groshong line) . Other than that, she was very thorough and engaging during the review, as she had been previously. Maybe just a quick catch up on the notes before hand  would have avoided a 'conveyor belt effect'…There  has been quite a hot topic in the news recently about overstretched NHS resources. There is also a  'note to self'  here for my own social work practice. where there are always competing demands that can draw you away from the 'human' interaction. 

There was initially a concern that my temperature reading was high, and I had to take off my wig for a further reading and thankfully that seems to do the trick…. I think I raised further concern when I told my nurse that her colleague had just taken my temperature, and it had in fact been the same nurse !! We laughed away 'my chemo brain' faux pas and the chemo and Herceptin were duly administered.  

Due to the delayed start we were the last at to leave the chemo suite! Sue had travelled by bus from Leicester especially to be my chemo buddy and she fulfilled her role excellently X

The 'movie star' lady in purple was there again , having her LAST chemo and other familiar faces now make the ongoing sessions less daunting! 

I had decided not to undertake a hair dare on Round 5, choosing to save myself for the final chemo dare in round 6. I did however go to treatment armed with a poster and a collection tub with a view to obtain some cheeky donations….and it worked… the collection tub is sealed so I do not know exactly how much was donated on the day for NGH chemo refurb , but I saw at least £20 worth of notes go in , and a number of people added coins…Not bad I say!!

I'm beyond excited  to say that MY LAST CHEMO is coming up on 19th May!!! …..and what a way to celebrate but to raise more funds and give something back to the chemo unit that are working hard , not only save my life, but the life of all those with cancer being treated at  NGH!

My FINAL dare is called  my Nutty Neon Dare, and it involves going for my treatment dressed in bright Neon clothing, including a neon Tu Tu and pink wig!! Sue, my MIL, will be making my Tu Tu and will also be my chemo Buddy, at this mile stone occasion! AND YES!!!!… Sue will also  be wearing a Tu Tu!!

As it is my final chemo dare, I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have donated so far. Your response has been overwhelming and very humbling…Thank you for heaping me through the last 5 months. xx

So, not counting the donations in the sealed NGH charity tub, you have helped me raise and amazing £1,051.74 for the chemo suite refurb fund…. This is already a great amount, more than I ever hoped for, but lets see  how much we can top this up to!!.

Donate if you can my lovelies ….. Every little really does help …

use the donate button on the left hand side or use the link below;

http://www.justgiving.com/Suzanne-Wright9

Brotherly love

So….. 'Julian's Blue Mohican Dare' finally made it into the Leicester Mercury ; check out the article published on 30th April… and  'wowser' check out the cheesy picture ! lol!

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Man-s-blue-mohican-haircut-help-sister-battling/story-21032213-detail/story.html

True to his character , Julian came through and had his hair professionally  'Coiffured' and coloured by the 'amazing Emma Escudero', in preparation for the Dare!  

the buzz and the colour!

Emma kindly gave up her time and skills 'gratis', and despite  Emma emptying my beer fridge whilst waiting for  my 'tardy' brother (what was it  Julian???… errrrrr 3 and half hours!!), I'm pleased to say that Emma created a work of art!! 

The 'coiffure' evolved into a lovely day, with lots of visitors and giggles!! I had just had chemo 2 days before, and was feeling a little 'spaced'  so watching the comings and goings was like having live comedy T.V in my garden!! 

A particularly priceless moment was waving my brother off for his cycle ride home the next day (yes… he cycled to Northampton from Leicester for mohican mischief with his wing commander/cycling buddy!). The picture says it all… and the thought of him cycling all the way home with his blue beard still puts a 'smile on my face'…. mission completed bro!

So..with all the preparation done, Julian duly completed his dare by sporting his mohican hair do at  Leicester City's final match of the season on 3rd May! Leicester's win was just the icing on the cake for Julian !

Julian raised an incredible £419.01 during the course of this dare aswell as raising awareness. £120 of this was raised on the day during 'celebratory drinks time' …. Julian took a LGFB charity box out with him after the game and needless to say with his mohican , he attracted a lot of attention and donations.  Julian described how there was such an amazing response from people and how much he has personally got from doing the dare ! 

A big shout out for the lads from Ashby who made a generous donation!

Feel free to top up the pot!!
http://www.justgiving.com/Julian-Wright-Suzanne-Wright

I'm certainly feeling the brotherly love at the moment …. John also got  LGFB, Julian and I a mention on the Jo Whiley Radio 2 show  on the 1st May 2013…More awareness raising , and noticed by LGFB themselves!!!! Yay!

Here is the link to radio show … it should be at 1:11:15 , Its only on for another day though !

Signing off….. a very proud sister xxx