A Day Out - or not!
So now that we've covered about me, and diagnosis, it's time for the big one. Chemotherapy.
Everyone has heard about chemotherapy, but not much is known about it. Most people know it makes you ill, and your hair falls out, but that's it. Most of the time, this is all most people need to know, unless you are having it.
So for my first chemotherapy I was petrified. I knew that it was the best option to have as I needed it to try and get rid of this horrible illness . Before it, the consultant gave me a huge bundle of paper which included what was going to happen, how long for, and the side effects etc. I didn't really want to read it all as I'm the type of person of what will be will be, however, one side effect stuck out; imminent hair loss. I have never been attached to my hair as most of the time it was on top of my head in a bun due to work etc however, when someone tells you that no matter what you do, you will loose your hair, its hard.
To be honest I can't really remember much about my first chemo, other than being scared. However the 'routine' of going for chemo is as follows;
I wake up (usually later than expected, as normal), have a shower, put some make-up on in an attempt to look half human. I pack my 'chemo bag' (of which I learnt later on tips and tricks of what to put in there). put some half comfy clothes on, usually jeans and a jumper. Then try to have breakfast, if you have breakfast before chemo you're less likely too feel as nauseous as on a empty stomach. Then play with Bella for a little while, maybe even take her for a walk if I go to chemo later and then leave. I am a ball of stress the morning of chemotherapy. It doesn't matter how many times I have gone or how close to the end of that round I am, I am full of anxiety.
At the hospital I go in, have all of the observations which includes a blood test, check my temperature, blood pressure, weight etc. Then the nurse heads off to get the bits and bobs to plug me in ready for the infusion. (Everytime I go for chemo I have to have the obs as if there's a peak in my temperature etc, it can be sign of an infection as I wouldn't have chemo that day. due to chemo lowering your white blood cells, if you already have an infection and then have chemo, it gives you a higher risk of neutropenic sepsis, which isn't fun)
Usually whilst the nurses get their bits together, I go for a wonder to see if there's anyone around whom I know or can have a decent conversation with. Most of the time it's people of the over generation who wants to be left alone. Worth a try every time!
So when the nurses are ready with their bits and bobs, they place a cannula in my hand, arm or anywhere they can get it and plug me in, off we go! It is then time for the pre-meds which included anti-sickness, steroids and a few oral tablets. Then we get down to the red devil and its friends. Its called the red devil as its red, and that's primarily the worst drug of them all. it comes in a large syringe and then is followed by around 2/3 bags of different types of chemo. Then a bag of flush to finish it all off!
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| The RED devil |
All of this only takes a few hours, so I'm usually free to go pretty early, then to try and get on with the rest of the day before feeling too poorly. I do try to take it easy, I usually take Bella for a walk when I get home and the chill for the rest of the night with Bella & the cats!
So that's it, a day of Chemotherapy treatment in a nutshell!
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| Bella, enjoying a walk! |
Sorry for taking so long to write this blog, life has been hectic with a new chemo etc, I'll try and do another one asap.
As always, thank you for your continued support, lovely messaged and questions.
love Danielle x
