A Tough Start to Week 4
Monday 27th October - Day 16
When I arrived at Poole Hospital on Monday morning I had a more determined stride, 15 treatments completed and 15 to go. After today the countdown was truly on. There were familiar faces in the waiting area and when I got called through to the treatment room I was ready for what the week could offer. That was until I got talking with the radiographers
“15 down, 15 to go” I said. The reply caught me out ‘Oh no, you’re not quite halfway yet. You have 17 still to go. You’ll be halfway after Wednesday.”
“Halfway after Wednesday?” What could the radiographer mean?
The radiographer explained that I was down for 30 ‘normal’ treatments and also two extra ‘boosters’ that would happen on the Monday and Tuesday the week AFTER I thought my treatments were finishing. My treatment is now due to finish on the 18th November and not the 14th. Over the last couple of months people had mentioned 32 treatments but my appointment times only show up to the 14th November, I had assumed that the ‘boosters’ happened within that time.
Psychologically it was a real kick in the proverbials and not the start to the week that I had envisaged!
For four days running I had CT scans done before my treatment. This is significant to me as I have to spend much longer in the mask.
My next meeting was with the dietician/head neck support nurse/throat/swallow nurse. They were all happy with my progress but suggested that I move on to stronger medication for my sore throat and ulcers. The key is to keep me able to eat as long as possible. The worst case scenario is if I stop being able to eat and drink and have to be fed through a tube in my stomach. It is information like that which keeps me motivated to endure my exhaustive oral health regime.
Friday 31st October (Halloween) – Day 20
The rest of my week basically involved getting up and getting ready to go to Poole for treatment. Once I return, I go straight to bed and sleep in the afternoon. This allows me to get up and enjoy some of the meals that we are having delivered and spend some time with the family in the evening.
Friday was slightly different as my friend’s dad kindly took me up to Poole, so that Kerry could prepare for our Halloween open house. When the meal train was first mentioned to our friends we wanted to have an evening that we could offer something back to everyone who has supported us through this journey.
I went to bed as normal and slept for a few hours whilst Kerry added the final touches. On Thursday I had felt ill with nausea all evening and doubted whether I would make the open house. However the radiographers had prescribed me some sickness tablets this morning and they took effect very quickly. I came downstairs about 5.30 and spent 4 hours with friends and family, until the final guest left about 9.30. The open house was amazing. We were blessed with many, many visitors. Most of who came in fancy dress. Best of all were all the children who came and enjoyed the evening. Kerrys efforts were amazing, the food, the decorations, and the perfect hostess. For a few hours I managed to forget about cancer.
The side effects are starting to take effect and I now have 12 treatments to go, but that is 20 treatments completed. The open house gave me a great lift and I feel ready for the final 3rd of the treatment. We always knew that weeks 5 and 6 are potentially the worst but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. After Wednesday I will be on single figures, and that will be another big psychological lift.
Monday 27th October - Day 16
When I arrived at Poole Hospital on Monday morning I had a more determined stride, 15 treatments completed and 15 to go. After today the countdown was truly on. There were familiar faces in the waiting area and when I got called through to the treatment room I was ready for what the week could offer. That was until I got talking with the radiographers
“15 down, 15 to go” I said. The reply caught me out ‘Oh no, you’re not quite halfway yet. You have 17 still to go. You’ll be halfway after Wednesday.”
“Halfway after Wednesday?” What could the radiographer mean?
The radiographer explained that I was down for 30 ‘normal’ treatments and also two extra ‘boosters’ that would happen on the Monday and Tuesday the week AFTER I thought my treatments were finishing. My treatment is now due to finish on the 18th November and not the 14th. Over the last couple of months people had mentioned 32 treatments but my appointment times only show up to the 14th November, I had assumed that the ‘boosters’ happened within that time.
Psychologically it was a real kick in the proverbials and not the start to the week that I had envisaged!
For four days running I had CT scans done before my treatment. This is significant to me as I have to spend much longer in the mask.
My next meeting was with the dietician/head neck support nurse/throat/swallow nurse. They were all happy with my progress but suggested that I move on to stronger medication for my sore throat and ulcers. The key is to keep me able to eat as long as possible. The worst case scenario is if I stop being able to eat and drink and have to be fed through a tube in my stomach. It is information like that which keeps me motivated to endure my exhaustive oral health regime.
Friday 31st October (Halloween) – Day 20
The rest of my week basically involved getting up and getting ready to go to Poole for treatment. Once I return, I go straight to bed and sleep in the afternoon. This allows me to get up and enjoy some of the meals that we are having delivered and spend some time with the family in the evening.
Friday was slightly different as my friend’s dad kindly took me up to Poole, so that Kerry could prepare for our Halloween open house. When the meal train was first mentioned to our friends we wanted to have an evening that we could offer something back to everyone who has supported us through this journey.
I went to bed as normal and slept for a few hours whilst Kerry added the final touches. On Thursday I had felt ill with nausea all evening and doubted whether I would make the open house. However the radiographers had prescribed me some sickness tablets this morning and they took effect very quickly. I came downstairs about 5.30 and spent 4 hours with friends and family, until the final guest left about 9.30. The open house was amazing. We were blessed with many, many visitors. Most of who came in fancy dress. Best of all were all the children who came and enjoyed the evening. Kerrys efforts were amazing, the food, the decorations, and the perfect hostess. For a few hours I managed to forget about cancer.
The side effects are starting to take effect and I now have 12 treatments to go, but that is 20 treatments completed. The open house gave me a great lift and I feel ready for the final 3rd of the treatment. We always knew that weeks 5 and 6 are potentially the worst but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. After Wednesday I will be on single figures, and that will be another big psychological lift.