Christmas highlights

Well.... I did have my chemo last Wednesday, which in this festive season seems like a lifetime ago. It had been a month since my last infusion and the space inbetween had made the whole experience seem a bit hazy, but it all came rushing back when I walked through the revolving doors of the Marsden. 

A week behind....

I turned up today at the Royal Marsden eager to take my medicine, only to be told that my neutrophils (part of the white cell count) are down again and that I have to wait until next week for cycle three. It's so annoying! Just when the chemo is working I'm chucked off the wagon.

Good news!

We met with the Professor yesterday and were given our first good news since this whole saga began. The chemo is working and my tumours have shrunk a little bit! High five to Doxorubicin. The news was so good and so unexpected that we celebrated with pasta and an early night. Oh yes, don't tell me I don't know how to mark the big occasions.

Back on track

After three white cell injections and a week long course of antibiotics, my neutrophils (white cells - medical speak!) rallied and I was able to have my second cycle of the Red Devil. I was pleased to get back on track because it means that I am getting closer to my appointment with the Proff and for finding out if the new treatment is working.

No chemo today

I arrived to have my chemo today, but it turns out that the Doxorubicin has been doing it's job a little too well. When my blood was put under the microscope, it was revealed that my white cells were too low to allow me to take my second dose of chemo. So, I've been sent home with three injections that encourage my white cells to grow in my bone marrow, and a week's worth of antibiotics. Strangely, it isn't everyone else's germs that I need to be worried about, it's my own bacteria that could create an infection. On a biological basis, I have become my own worst enemy. How incredibly annoying is that?

A day in three parts

I had a total cancer day yesterday - and I really enjoyed it!!

My morning was taken up with an accupuncture appointment, which sounds really indolent but it was in the middle of the morning (in my defence). Also, it wasn't just any old accupuncture appointment. My friend Moss and her mother Wendy, who herself has fought off kidney cancer twice, rang up with the suggestion that I might like to see a very highly sought after Vietnamese accupuncturist who they had both seen and would highly recommend. 

The new beginning...

Here I am beginning my new chemo treatment. Look how lovely and toxic and pink it is. It's been two days now and I'm feeling awful, so hopefully it's working.

It hasn't been a good week....

My cancer is back. It seems unbelievable that it could return in measurable tumour form in less than seven weeks... but there you are, it has. And while it's not The End, it's the end of a future where everything is going to be alright. I can't be cured, from now on I'm to be managed. For a Virgo with a fiercely independent streak, this is galling on every possible level.

Wig watch

I took Danni out for a test drive on the weekend. I don't think there is any doubt that she passes. Whether Danni and I together pass as me is debatable, but for anyone who didn't know me I was effective human wallpaper to their day.

How do I look?

Had a bit of a wobble this morning.

How to post a comment

Dear Danni,

All my friends and family are technologically hopeless and/or too suspicious of the internet to post a comment. Only my cervix and Bee (I did it for her) have managed so far. You look so sensible and able to multi task. Please help!

Meet Danni

Well... what do you think?

What happens on a chemo ward?

Friends have asked me what actually happens on a chemo ward. Given that this is exactly the kind of information I was seeking before I became a patient on the medical day unit at the Royal Marsden, I thought I'd write down my day on the ward.

Good luck everyone!

Not too hard now

Want someone on your side, a cheerleader in your corner?


Why not rub my head (left) for luck!

Okay, so you're thinking... what is this faddish new age rubbish? Well, ha! Listen up.

When real estate agent and friend Suzie D phoned me on Sunday evening and found out that B had shaved off my disappearing hair, she wanted to rub my bald head but couldn't be bothered driving over - you know how it goes. Nevertheless, the very next day Suzie D set off on a cruise down the Nile with her gorgeous girlfriend Angie. Ask yourself: forward planning and a fabulous holiday deal - or good old bald-headed luck??

Goodbye hair

My hair is falling out. Not quite in clumps but if I keep pecking at it I'm sure I can make that happen. I'm having another dose of chemo in two days time so I expect it'll all be gone by the end of the week.

the beginning

Ooops! I'm afraid I've arrived a little late to my own chemo blog as I've already had my first cycle, or the first two chemo treatments. I'm doing a total of six cycles of three weeks each, so if all goes to plan I'll be finished on 28th December. Bring on 2012.