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.