Monday 3rd November – Day 21 of Radiotherapy
The week as always started with a visit to the oncologist/head and neck nurse/throat and swallowing nurse and the dietician.
They were all happy with my progress and happy that my side effects had remained reasonably controlled. Week 5 and 6 were always going to be the most difficult and when the side effects like Mucositis take full effect.
Kerry and I couldn’t help but laugh when we saw the oncologist. I had a Freudian slip and started calling my oncologist Dr Davies ‘Doc’. It just slipped out ‘So what is the next steps doc?’ The second I said it I thought ‘why did I just call him ‘doc’, that’s a bit inappropriate’. Kerry and I both laughed and Dr Davies, as professional as ever just laughed and said ‘I don’t mind being called doc.’ It was like a trigger in my head, initiating a Tourette’s like response. I must have called him ‘doc’ three times in about ten minutes and the more I said it the more we all laughed! I apologised to Dr Davies as I left but he said that considering what I am going through calling him ‘doc’ was the least to worry about.
The great thing about seeing these professionals on a Monday morning is that if you have any symptoms of pain/mucositis or discomfort they can offer you new drugs to control the uneasiness. I left the hospital with a whole new carrier bag of medication.
Thursday 6th November (my birthday) – Day 24 of Radiotherapy
This was the first birthday without my mum being able to call. It was a very emotional start to the morning.
Since last Friday I have been suffering with nausea. I had been given some tablets that I was taking 3 times a day but they were having little effect. I had mentioned it yesterday to the radiology team and when I arrived today they were preparing a new prescription for me. As it was a Thursday I was meant to be having scans taken as well as treatment (longer in the mask). During the walk from the car to the treatment area I had stopped to be nearly sick about 3 times, I was gagging at any smells and when I tried to swallow. When I explained this to the radiotherapy team they agreed to postpone my scans till Friday. We also said goodbye to one of the regulars at the treatment room ‘the book man’. He was a lovely guy that we spoke to most days. He had been having double treatments and had finished today. It was mixed emotions as it was disappointing that we would not be seeing him again, but excited happiness that he didn’t have to return. The ‘treatment gang’ have become very close.
I next had to visit the dental hygienist to make sure that my gums, teeth and oral hygiene was ok. He was pleased with my progress and asked me to keep doing what I’m doing. There was some compromise to be had between taking sticky oral medical mouth washes and keeping teeth clean. He said keeping me comfortable were the most important thing for now and that I will need a long term oral strategy for the minimum of 5 years and some for life.
We then went back to collect the prescription and wait at the pharmacy. All in all it was a long tiring day, not a birthday like any other. My taste buds are all over the place now. I have difficulty tasting and enjoying anything. Add to this nausea and food is not easy. Today was my ‘special birthday tea’, and I could have anything I wanted. I chose roast potatoes with gravy and mint sauce (nothing else)!!! Kerry and the kids brought me a cake and sang happy birthday. Jacob went above and beyond his duties and watched Spurs win in Europe, followed by my Gazza 50 greatest moments DVD and then I retired to watch Tom Cruise in Cocktail. My dad called from Ireland and we had a great chat. With everything considered it was a very nice evening indeed.
Friday 7th November – Day 25 of Radiotherapy
Another long day at hospital. I had to go up early to have some extra scans completed. These were so that they could plan my extra two treatments on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th. Both these extra scans and the ones I missed yesterday were done in my mask. It’s really not pleasant, especially when your mouth is bone dry and you feel nauseas.
I now have only 7 treatments to go. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. As from Wednesday next week I will be really counting down. As from Wednesday it will be my last ever Wednesday and then last ever Thursday etc.
The effects are cumulative and they expect them to peak at about ten days after the final treatment. Then I can start the long road to recovery and will hopefully be able to enjoy Christmas with the family and friend.
I thank everyone with all my heart for your support and well wishes over the last 6 months. Your backing has allowed me to get through the dark days and get this far. I still have a way to go but I feel confident now that I will make it and defeat this deathly, debilitating, awful disease.
Big Love To Everyone
Dave x