I went in for my 4th
session of chemotherapy on 30th January. It started off with my
usual checks, including having my weight taken. This time the nurse came to get
me whilst Florence and I were stuffing our faces with cream cakes! This session
was once again demanding, not just for me but for Flo too, even the machines
were calling for her attention! But a visit from Jimmy Carr brightened up one
of the 5 days. I even managed to put on some make-up to meet him, although the
pyjamas remained, which didn’t seem to bother him! He was a nice guy and made
us all laugh; he even commented that he liked my personalised phone cover! 
A few days after my discharge, we
decided to attend the yoga class after recently joining the gym. The class was
enjoyable except for the part where I felt sick! I let Flo think it was the
chemotherapy, although I secretly thought it was more likely her quiche! I made
a mental note to find out where the toilet was for next time! However, there
was to be no next time as the following day when we returned for our induction,
I was told that because of the treatment I was receiving I wasn’t allowed to
exercise. I was disappointed but understood their reasons; Mum was pleased that
her ‘Just Do It’ t-shirt was to never see the light of day again! Upon leaving
the premises an ambulance promptly pulled up outside and Paramedics went it. We
thought perhaps it was a bad omen. I decided that if the gym wouldn’t have me,
my old friend Toby Carvery certainly would, and promptly went and had a full
roast dinner and ice cream dessert!
As the week went on I continued
to feel poorly, even feeling quite weepy one of the days. Mum and I went for a
walk but I was out of breath and also had a nose bleed. Reporting this to the
nurse last Monday afternoon, (whilst at the hospital for my PICC line) he
suggested a blood sample be taken to check my platelet count. After several
hours he returned with the news that they were down to 7, with the usual count
being in the 100’s! It was no wonder I hadn’t felt well and meant I required a
bag of platelets through my line to carry me over 24 hours, plus two bags of
blood the next day. Following this I felt a lot better and was allowed home.
The follow up article has been
published in the B&R and the story in Pick Me Up entitled ‘My Patchwork
Scalp!’ has also been in print. I have been in contact with a lady who raises
money for Ewing’s Sarcoma research at Leeds University Hospital, following her son’s
diagnosis 12 years ago. Once the money from the article is sent through, I plan
to donate the money to this charity.
Tomorrow I plan to make a visit
back home to Wales! I can’t wait as this will be the first time I’ve been home
since my operation last October - it will be a good chance to catch up with
friends and family. I’m also assuming all my valentine’s day cards and gifts
will be there, as I only had one delivered to Birmingham (all be it from Olly
Murs aka Libby Adams!) and that was a day late! The real reason I’m going home is
to celebrate my cousin’s 18th birthday, at her fancy dress party.
Florence and I have been busy preparing our outfits and I’ve carefully selected
a costume which requires a wig! I don’t want to reveal who I’m going as yet,
but look out for the next blog where I’m sure I’ll have lots of photos!
On Monday I have an appointment
with Dr Spooner to discuss my treatment and whether more than 6 sessions of
chemotherapy will be needed. My next session of chemotherapy starts next Wednesday.
I also have an appointment in March for a CT scan of my head – I’m not quite
sure what they need to do this for, but Flo says it’s probably to see whether Mrs
Potato Head has any filling! I told her there probably is no filling because I’m
a chip off the old block! On that note I’m off to pack my bags ready for the
weekend! Hope you all have a good one J
