Is my body perhaps getting used to the chemicals?

I think the side effects may be lessened this time. Yes I've had a few sicky waves which are nasty but I think fewer than last time. Food still tastes funny and sweet stuff just dreadful. I haven't dared try to drink anything cold yet to test how my throat will react as it isn't the best experience.

On return from the hospital I sat on the swing seat in the back garden enjoying the sun. My hands cramped up a few times and I got cramp in my toes but the tingly fingers are most definitely less apparent. I hope that continues.

I debated whether to stay in the garden or to indulge in TV antique programme porn. The latter won out and I watched Flog It followed by Bargain Hunt. I didn't go for Antiques Roadshow as I thought I might overdose. Instead I went for a liedown which is really unusual for me. I slept for about 15 minutes and found it difficult to get up but I forced myself as I'm sure wallowing in it really isn't good for me as I'm aware of the nausea. Distraction is by far the best strategy for me.

2nd treatment cycle

I'm sitting in the chemo suite having Oxaliplatin dripped into me. The bag on the drip stand has a big yellow sticker plastered on it which says "CYTOTOXIC DRUG". Google cytotoxic and it's no wonder that you feel like shit for a few days after it's been pumped into your system.

I'm typing this slowly with my left hand as they're using my right arm this time. When the nurse tried to put the line in she unfortunately hit a valve. Ouch! So she had to insert it a bit higher up. She also informed me that chemo damages the veins so they liked it when they got a good, fat healthy one as they can use it a few times before it becomes wrecked.

As I was one of the first in this morning I got my choice of seats and grabbed one next to the window. Here I can see the wind chasing little fluffy clouds (musical reference there folks) across the blue, blue sky. The wind is also playing with the leaves on a cherry tree outside and it's nice to feel a bit in touch with nature when something so unnatural is happening.

The ward is now full and just as I was about to whinge on this blog about the lack of the tea trolley it arrives, staffed by two volunteers. Bliss. A nice cuppa always lifts me and I also had a digestive biscuit to complete the experience.

The side effects have kicked in already and that bloody awful throat thing is evident. It can come on not only when you drink something cold but merely by breathing air which is slightly cold.  So sitting next to the window is somewhat hazardous but on balance I think the benefits outweigh the down side.

However this treatment cycle seems much quicker and I was able to leave after 3 hours, a bit woozy but generally okay.

Oncology appointment Monday 2nd June

I had my appointment with the Oncologist yesterday who noticed the cold sore under my nose. Well I'd be a bit concerned if he hadn't noticed it because it's a bloody big scabby thing. I told him I had been prone to them in the past but hadn't had one for about 10 years. He said it was because my immune system was compromised. He said he hoped it was a one off but if I got another he'd put me on anti viral drugs. He didn't want to do so if he could get away with it as I would have to take them for the whole of the chemo period.

So bugger me, what happens. I wake up this morning with a nascent cold sore on my lip. Arse. Straight down to Boots for their own brand of Zovirax cream. £3 cheaper than the proprietary brand. I hope I've managed to nip it in the bud but that's it, I'm going onto the anti virals as I cannot go though the next 6 months with scabs all over my boat.

On the plus side, my bloods were fine so I'm good to go for the next round of treatment starting on Thursday. I'm a bit anxious about it as the side effects weren't pleasant but you never know, this time they could be better, or they could be worse. I'll have to wait and see.

Whilst waiting for the result of my blood test yesterday (they take the blood and test it immediately so you get the results in half an hour) a colleague and his partner sat down opposite me. He had bowel cancer two years ago and had the same op and same chemo as me. However he reacted badly to it so had his regime changed after two treatments. He was back for the results of his latest six month scan and said that waiting for the scan results was worse than the chemo as his anxiety levels really build up. Anyway he emailed me yesterday saying the scan was clear and he didn't have to go back for another for 12 months. Great news.

27 May - behind with the posts already

I've not posted for a week as my side effects have largely settled down to tolerable levels. I'm still slightly nauseous but it's very mild and I'm managing okay with it. I feel a bit fatigued but nothing too debilitating and I managed to do a full week's work and three runs. The only thing of note being that I've developed a cold sore underneath my left nostril. I've not had a cold sore for years and whilst I did get them on my lips I also used to have them appear in my nostrils and under my nose. However I thought they were a thing of the past until this one appeared. It's obviously as a result of my lower resistance due to the drugs knocking out my white blood cells. The information sheets do warn you of this so it's not unusual.

My mouth is slightly sore but not enough to stop me eating or drinking and one thing that had just come on in the last few days is that my feet are itchy, particularly at night. Again, these are noted possible side effects and I wonder if my body is playing some kind of side effect bingo where it's seeing if it can tick the whole bloody lot off. Still I haven't had the runs or been violently sick so I still feel pretty grateful for minor irritants.

After I take my last three Capetacine this evening that will be me off the chemo for my one week break. I see the Oncologist again on the 2nd and begin my next cycle on the 5th. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it after my first batch of treatment. Yes I tolerated it but that first week wasn't pleasant. I certainly don't miss the horrible sick wave, tingling fingers and perhaps the worst thing, the strange throat sensation. On the other hand I did manage it. It will be interesting to see whether my body and my mind cope better having been through it once and knowing that the worst symptoms do pass and that after a time I can feel almost normal. As I've already said, I intend to keep things like my work and running going for as long as I can.