End of the cycle

I went to get my blood test this morning. Can't complain about the service - I was taken in straight away by the same technician I have had the last two times and we were out of there in less than 10 minutes. I am sure the express service annoyed some of the people who were waiting though. I hope the blood counts are OK - I really want to get this chemo done. Tomorrow will be Cycle four - a third of the way through.

I still have the lump on my upper jaw, but it is a bit smaller and not as painful as it was. The antibiotic must be working.

I have had a good appetite the last two days and I can actually taste food. Even water is palatable. Enjoying it - I know it won't last. Tonight we shared a dozen oysters with lime juice and homemade Marie Rose sauce, followed by a crumbed fish fillet with a salad of lettuce, spring onion, tomato and avocado. There was olive bread to accompany both courses - yum.

Another problem

My teeth have stopped aching - instead I have a sinus infection. I have swelling on one side of my face under my nose which is still dripping (one of the first side effects I experienced) and it is painful to attempt to stem the flow. The swelling developed very quickly this afternoon, so I rang the oncologist and was told to go see my GP for an antibiotic. I had to go on the end of the consultation list with a 5.30 appointment but it was 6.30 when I saw the doctor. She was surprised to see me - I had visited yesterday for the everyday script refills and she had written me a letter for our travel insurance claim. There was no sign of the infection yesterday, but the aching teeth may have had some connection.

So now I am taking amoxycillin. I don't have a fever, which is good, though my temperature is slightly elevated. I am hoping none of this will affect the next round which is due to start on Tuesday.

I have been very tired the last few days. Yesterday I decided to take a nap which ended up being 3 hours. Result - difficulty in sleeping last night. No nap today.

What cancer looks like

A CT scan takes a large number of images in slices across whatever organ/s are being examined.


Here are some CT images of the diagnostic scan that showed my metastatic cancers. Each one of those dark spots on the organ to the left (the liver) is a tumour.

Today is day 8 of the third cycle. I have not had any vomiting or diarrhoea, but am still a bit nauseous and feel very tired. Almost everything tastes metallic, though I have bought a mouthwash (Biotene, recommended by a friend in New York who found it useful when she was having chemo) which helps a bit. Food generally does not taste good, but I am eating OK. There is a new side effect - my teeth ache. I went to have my PICC line dressed today and was told to let the oncologist know about this when I see him next week. I took some Panadol and it has helped.

Cycle 3 Day 3

I went to see another specialist this morning - unrelated to the cancers. I have osteoarthritis and last October I had surgery to remove a mucous cyst in the top joint of one of my fingers. This visit was to check that all was well and whether I needed another cortisone injection in my thumb. He gave me the all clear and a letter to use if pain increases in my thumb. One less thing to worry about.

I drove myself to hospital to have the pump unhooked after dropping Kevin off in Perth to have lunch with an old friend of his who is presently teaching in Vietnam and is home on holiday. After a long wait for the unhooking and flush and a pleasant visit with Dale and Ian at The Thread Studio I picked him up and drove home through freeway peak traffic. I was quite shaky and very tired when I got home.

I am finding it difficult to drink enough at the moment, and it is very necessary - not only because of the chemo, but also because of the heat wave we are having. Everything tastes metallic, even with flavouring added. I am also still having problems with handling cold things, including cold drinks. I have to wait till they are tepid, which makes them even less palatable. The effect wears off eventually, but I must take note of exactly when it happens this cycle.

I am also finding that I am not handling frustration very well. I nearly lost it today as I drove three times through the multistory car park at the hospital to try and find a spot. The other evening I blew my top at Kevin, quite unjustifiably, and broke down quite badly. A major crying jag with no real reason.

Third Cycle

The third lot of chemo started today - four hours, then the pump attached. No problems, except the pump started beeping loudly as soon as I got in the car and the readout said " high pressure." I've been told that usually means there is a kink in the line, so I tried to find where the problem was with no luck. Back to the clinic and the problem was quickly solved with a new valve. I'm glad it happened so quickly - it would be a pain to have got halfway home and have to turn back.

I visited the oncologist before the chemo and he repeated the anti-nausea drug regime I had last time. Hopefully this means another good cycle to come. He also spoke about the possibility of surgery for the primary bowel cancer after three months of chemo. It would be good if this happens and the primary could be eliminated so the chemo is directed at the metastases only.

I asked if he had results from last week's CT scan. There seems to be a certain lack of communication between RPH and its consultants - he didn't even know I had had it. He immediately requested a faxed report and told me to come and see him after the chemo. I didn't have to - he came to see me. Good news - there is indication that at least some of the liver tumours have shrunk. Unexpected after only two lots of chemo, but very heartening. I forgot to ask about the lung tumours.