Back on track...AND GREEN WING IS BACK!!

3 hospital visits into London this week. Thanks to Helen for sorting the car park spaces for me!

Tuesday was a blood test to check that my white blood cells were now 'normal' following the first chemo session 3 weeks ago, and the injections I'd been receiving since. Colette was an excellent nurse for these!

Thankfully all fine and back on track. These did cause some pain however - the drugs replenish the white cells in the bone marrow, but a side effect is 'bone pain', and the primary site of bone marrow is the base of the spine. Last Thursday morning was pretty painful, and I couldn't even sit properly - it was more comfortable hoovering!

I'm also feeling more tired - realised a while ago that while at times I feel great, generally I need more sleep (including day time), and even doing seemingly small tasks at home, cumulatively add up. (Well, that's what I tell Colette..!)

Then some confusion as to when chemo started again - I'd been clearly told it was next week, but they were proposing to go ahead straight away... slightly worrying, do they know what they are doing??? Need to speak to the head nurse there to get this sorted, as it does appear somewhat disorganised.

Anyway, back in on Wednesday and course 1, part B done. It's SO BORING!! You end up sitting there for around 4 hours having various drips, but it feels like forever. Still, if it works, that's fine with me so I won't complain.

And finally today, I had a review with the surgeon who did my original biopsy, as there is a large 'lump' under my arm, which hasn't gone yet. I'm concerned as I can't stretch my left arm out properly, and it causes some pain when I do. As that's pretty important in swimming (well, once a triathlete...), I want to get it 'fixed' as soon as possible.

Doc things it's probably a seroma (fluid accumulation from the lymph node). He said he could drain it today (yet more needles), but as this could cause infection, which combined with potential low white-cell count & chemo, suggested that we leave it for now as there should be no immediate risks and review in 6 weeks.

Important news of the week:
NEW SERIES OF GREEN WING STARTS TONIGHT, 9PM, CHANNEL 4!!

Possibly the funniest thing in TV history. Don't miss it.

LiveStrong
John

P.S. Signs that I can make a saving on the haircut budget soon, as there did seem to be quite a few of my precious ginger locks in the bath today... maybe it's all in my head?!