3 down, 9 to go.

Hi All,

Tuesday saw the fortnightly trip to London Bridge hospital, for chemotherapy session number 3.

Fortunately all the blood tests were fine, so no delays as last time.

The process was as previously: very long and dull! I got to the chemo suite around 9:30am, and didn't get to leave until around 4pm. There were about 6 other patients in during the day, and all seemed to arrive after me and leave before me! I think I'll have whatever they are having.

Now let's talk lumps...from lumps under both arms, to having one side biopsied (which lead to the diagnosis), I'm now lump-sided! The chemo has chased away the 'orrible lump on the right, but the biopsy has created a fluid-ball on the left! The Doc said it should depart naturally, but for now it feels like I've got a ping-pong ball stuck there... Not ideal for when I get back to swimming, as I can't reach out fully.

I must have left my brains at home though, as when driving back (as I'm supposed to avoid the tube and it's germs!) I realised I had left all of my medication for the next 2 weeks at the hospital -doh! So, another trek into London the following morning to collect them. The day after each chemo, I have to take a white cell 'booster', which is applied via this big plastic 'injection pen' into my leg. It's pretty painless (well, was last time), and seems to work. It also saves nurse Colette from injecting me for 5 days.

The drugs do seem to have one particular side effect during the first week... suffice to say that I'm now drinking prune juice each day to try and redress that!

Congratulations to Rob / James / Karen / Mike (apologies if I've missed anyone) at work, who all took part in running events over the weekend. Sounds as though there's a nice running/tri club forming at work...and I'm missing out! Keep it up, and I'll be joining you later in the year.

Did you see Green Wing episode 2? Probably the best hour of television I've ever seen. Roll on Friday night for episode 3!

And finally...Good to see Kylie in the news with hair following her own ordeal. Maybe I'll look as good when I finish my treatment - assuming it doesn't come back ginger!

LiveStrong
John