This is my account of the first week (out of 6) of radiotherapy.
Week 1, Kerry and I kept a daily highs and lows.
Day 1 - Monday 6th October
Dave High – Meeting the other people in the waiting room, many of whom were also starting their journey on the same day and whom I am sure will become good friends over the next 6 weeks. I also attended the monthly evening session for About-Face in Poole. Here I heard some very emotional testimonies from others who have already completed their treatment. It was very inspiring.
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePoole
Kerry High – The support that we were both given by the others in the waiting room, both patients and family members.
Dave and Kerry Low – Before Kerry and i had even had our guided tour we were taken to a ‘private room’, where we were told off for videoing my mask fitting two weeks earlier. Apparently the video contravened hospital policy. We were a bit taken aback as we had sought permission from everyone in the video before recording the procedure.
NB: On reflection I think that the medical staff who fitted my mask didn’t understand fully what a ‘blog’ was and that they had thought the video would be for private use only. The video was reluctantly taken down by me, although it’s a real shame as it tells an important part of the story.
Kerry Low – Watching Dave disappear down the corridor for his treatment, watching the ‘beam in progress’ sign lighting up, and the wait for Dave’s return.
Day 2 – Tuesday 7th October
Dave High – After treatment I took Kerry over to the About-Face building. We spent an hour with some very inspirational people who have survived head and neck cancer.
Kerry High – Watching Dave stand up and virtually run into the treatment room all positive, stripping off his top as he went, all ready for action.
Dave and Kerry Low – After Dave’s treatment finished the radiographer came out and asked us to wait in a room as she wanted to speak with us about some of the internal photos they were taking. The lady said ‘don’t worry; it’s nothing to concern yourselves about!’ I’ve heard statements like this a few times over the last few months. I went to the toilet and had my head in my hands, worrying what they had found on the photos. When we did meet with the nurse, it really was nothing to worry about, just some adjustments in the appointments ahead. But the ten minutes wait in the room on our own was very nerve wracking considering the year we’ve had.
Day 3 – Wednesday 8th October
Wednesday was a very difficult day. Only two days in and I was already feeling sick. My head was pounding and my face was burning. It was starting to dawn on me the 6 week journey ahead. I had a few tears in the front room at home, ‘I don’t want to go!’ This was not a good sign, only two days into a 30 day treatment. I was convinced that the medical team had said the side effects would not kick in till week 4, after 20 treatments. How could I feel ill already? The treatment is cumulative and you feel progressively worse as time goes on. If I feel this poorly after 2 days how is it possible to go 30 days?
Dave High – My work colleague Bill Buchan, who is the first to help anyone, had forgotten to bring up our ‘bring them a meal’, the night before. Bill had been in London with work and got his dates mixed up. Once he realised he came up with various cakes and treats this morning. Bills support and encouragement helped me to get in the car to go to Poole.
Kerry High – A tough day watching Dave’s morale drop so quick. He is normally so positive. The knowledge that we were returning to a cooked meal helped take off all the pressure and allowed me to concentrate on supporting Dave.
Dave and Kerry Low – Meeting an elderly gentleman at Poole Hospital who was alone and travelling over an hour on two busses daily for his treatment. He was looking at 8 weeks that wouldn’t finish till nearly December.
I took that as a wakeup call to not be so ‘sorry for myself’.
Day 4 – Thursday 9th October
Dave High – I enjoyed some complimentary treatments at Poole Hospital. I had a foot and hand massage which helped to relax me before the treatment.
Kerry High – Dave got up with the kids this morning which allowed me to have a lie in.
Dave Low – I am not sleeping very well and keep waking up with nightmares, mostly about the treatment and the 5 weeks ahead. I was feeling really poorly today.
Kerry Low – It rained all day
Day 5 – Friday 9th October
Dave High – Each day in the waiting room we are meeting the same people. All of us are in difficult situations. We are starting to build a rapport. We’re all supporting each other through this difficult time.
Kerry High – That’s 1 week completed. Today we travelled back through Sandbanks, Studland and Corfe Castle.
Dave Low – The week was so difficult. The treatment is painful, I am feeling sick every day and I now my whole body feels drained. This is week 1, only 5 days in, a sixth of the way! I am struggling and I am scared and I feel sick with worry. I don’t know how I can physically or mentally do this!?
Kerry Low – Dave had a bit of road rage today. It is not like him to react the way he did. I think the stress is starting to show.