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