Finally starting to feel a little bit more "normal" after 2-3 weeks of feeling really rough.
I actually went into Norwich with a friend this afternoon and bought myself a Pedometer.
I'm ready to start increasing my walking distance each day and thought this would be a good way to record and progress with my physical activity to start with.
It will be very interesting to see how far off the recommended steps per day I am; probably about 5000!
I have managed to spend about 45 minutes on my puzzle today to which has been limited to 10-15 minutes until now. I think even my eye muscles have weakened with the fatigue as my concentration is so limited.
So each day now I hope to take small steps forwards towards a full recovery.
I also have the Walks for Health schedule to begin in a few weeks time which will be limited a bit by my radiotherapy schedule, but hope to do some walks around Norwich with dad of about 1.5 miles initially. Dates are booked in for at least a weekly walk and more once radiotherapy finishes if possible.
There are even Mince Pie walks nearer Christmas! What more incentive do I need?
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Should have moved my bed to the hospital for the lsst 48 hours; feels like I lived there.
Yesterday I had a Radiotherapy appointment and my CT Scan.
What I was not prepared for was the Darth Vader moment! My Radiotherapy appointment was to make a mask for my treatment. I had thought this would be across my chest area to direct the therapy. This I had either completed misunderstood or not had it explained very well when I met the consultant last. The mask was completely across my face, shoulders and upper chest. Its role is to keep me in exactly the same position for each treatment ensuring the same area is radiated only.
It is made by warming a sheet of plastic with holes in it then placing if very firmly over my face, shoulders and chest to mould itself to my body impression.It was a very claustrophobic moment and unpleasant experience, especially while still in the throws of a chest infection. It took about 20 minutes to make, then I went in for my scan. It was a pleasant surprise to find the the Radiographer planning my treatment was someone mum and I know through church contact. She was very reassuring and professional through the process of checking the mask fit which involved it being removed several times for some remoulding. To wear it for
treatment it it has to be clamped down beside my head, adding to the pressure and inability to move.
Once she was satisfied with it completely, I had my scan with it on.
I was at the hospital for nearly three hours for this, which at the end of the afternoon left me entirely exhausted and tearful with the whole ordeal. I think if I had seen a mask at my last Radiotherapy consultation and its role clearly explained I would have found it far less daunting yesterday.
The reality of the radiotherapy and its good effects and possible side-effects was also reinforced which I still find difficult to accept without worrying as it is potentially such a dangerous treatment, although necessary.
Today I had to be back at the hospital at 10am, or so I thought; my appointment was actually 10.30am but I didn't go in until 11.15am for my antibody treatment. I was sat in an area with old men and eventually hooked up to my drip containing the antibodies. It took about an hour to go through which with a flush through, meant I left about 1pm. Another 3 hours spent in an area I have now come to completely dislike.
Back home after a sleep I don't feel too bad and very thankful that I did not have the full chemotherapy regime.
I have one more antibody treatment in two weeks time before I start radiotherapy.
Still feeling the effects of the chest infection, last chemo session and mouth ulcers, this last week has probably been one of my lowest ones. However, I have a lovely unexpected break to look forward to next week in Derbyshire after our trip to London to see Les Miserables (for the fourth time!)Time to relax and recover.
So as the song goes; things can only get better!
Yesterday I had a Radiotherapy appointment and my CT Scan.
What I was not prepared for was the Darth Vader moment! My Radiotherapy appointment was to make a mask for my treatment. I had thought this would be across my chest area to direct the therapy. This I had either completed misunderstood or not had it explained very well when I met the consultant last. The mask was completely across my face, shoulders and upper chest. Its role is to keep me in exactly the same position for each treatment ensuring the same area is radiated only.
It is made by warming a sheet of plastic with holes in it then placing if very firmly over my face, shoulders and chest to mould itself to my body impression.It was a very claustrophobic moment and unpleasant experience, especially while still in the throws of a chest infection. It took about 20 minutes to make, then I went in for my scan. It was a pleasant surprise to find the the Radiographer planning my treatment was someone mum and I know through church contact. She was very reassuring and professional through the process of checking the mask fit which involved it being removed several times for some remoulding. To wear it for
treatment it it has to be clamped down beside my head, adding to the pressure and inability to move.
Once she was satisfied with it completely, I had my scan with it on.
I was at the hospital for nearly three hours for this, which at the end of the afternoon left me entirely exhausted and tearful with the whole ordeal. I think if I had seen a mask at my last Radiotherapy consultation and its role clearly explained I would have found it far less daunting yesterday.
The reality of the radiotherapy and its good effects and possible side-effects was also reinforced which I still find difficult to accept without worrying as it is potentially such a dangerous treatment, although necessary.
Today I had to be back at the hospital at 10am, or so I thought; my appointment was actually 10.30am but I didn't go in until 11.15am for my antibody treatment. I was sat in an area with old men and eventually hooked up to my drip containing the antibodies. It took about an hour to go through which with a flush through, meant I left about 1pm. Another 3 hours spent in an area I have now come to completely dislike.
Back home after a sleep I don't feel too bad and very thankful that I did not have the full chemotherapy regime.
I have one more antibody treatment in two weeks time before I start radiotherapy.
Still feeling the effects of the chest infection, last chemo session and mouth ulcers, this last week has probably been one of my lowest ones. However, I have a lovely unexpected break to look forward to next week in Derbyshire after our trip to London to see Les Miserables (for the fourth time!)Time to relax and recover.
So as the song goes; things can only get better!
Friday, 26 October 2012
Still getting over my cold and a visit to the GP today has led to antibiotics for a mild chest infection; the reason I have been feeling so rough I guess!
I have now got my schedule through for radiotherapy which will start on Monday 19th November-Friday 7 December. I have to go on Monday for my CT Scan and have a mask made which will detail where the radiation has to be directed to, hopefully leading to a very precise area to be treated.
The good news with this schedule is that I should be feeling better from it by Christmas and able to celebrate all round.
I had the bonus of the summer at the start of treatment which has now turned into grey cold days which are harder to get though if you cant get out much. Its nice to have the fire in my lounge to warm up to on those days and cheer me up.
Two daughters working now so they are around less but ready to have some time on my own to potter and do a bit more each day.
I have the promised visit from my Handy Andyman this weekend which will help to get a few DIY jobs done around the house I hope and be able to organise my kitchen storage a bit better!
We celebrated the last injection last night with some Celebration chocolates when my sister came to remove the cannula for the last time; what a relief that is too.
So I am progressing even though it doesn't feel like it at the moment and looking forward to feeling better.
I have now got my schedule through for radiotherapy which will start on Monday 19th November-Friday 7 December. I have to go on Monday for my CT Scan and have a mask made which will detail where the radiation has to be directed to, hopefully leading to a very precise area to be treated.
The good news with this schedule is that I should be feeling better from it by Christmas and able to celebrate all round.
I had the bonus of the summer at the start of treatment which has now turned into grey cold days which are harder to get though if you cant get out much. Its nice to have the fire in my lounge to warm up to on those days and cheer me up.
Two daughters working now so they are around less but ready to have some time on my own to potter and do a bit more each day.
I have the promised visit from my Handy Andyman this weekend which will help to get a few DIY jobs done around the house I hope and be able to organise my kitchen storage a bit better!
We celebrated the last injection last night with some Celebration chocolates when my sister came to remove the cannula for the last time; what a relief that is too.
So I am progressing even though it doesn't feel like it at the moment and looking forward to feeling better.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Sorry for the lack of blog updates for any faithful followers but there has been very little to report on over the last week. Unfortunately I went down with a cold the Thursday after last chemo, which combined with strong effects from the chemo has left me completely exhausted. I've hardly been out of the house all week as unable to find the energy.
I am still waiting for dates of when the Radiotherapy will start having chased the Consultant this week as no appointments had come through. I have a number to phone tomorrow who will confirm the dates.
So after the initial joy of the scan results I have not had a good week due to feeling ill and waiting for the the start of feeling better.
I am off to my Relaxation Class soon but this may be the last one as it clashes with Yoga now which has changed days. I think I will benefit more from the Yoga too.
Youngest daughter is just off for an interview at Joules for a weekend job after dropping her CV in to them on Monday; could be some nice Christmas presents ahead?
Watch this space.....!
I am still waiting for dates of when the Radiotherapy will start having chased the Consultant this week as no appointments had come through. I have a number to phone tomorrow who will confirm the dates.
So after the initial joy of the scan results I have not had a good week due to feeling ill and waiting for the the start of feeling better.
I am off to my Relaxation Class soon but this may be the last one as it clashes with Yoga now which has changed days. I think I will benefit more from the Yoga too.
Youngest daughter is just off for an interview at Joules for a weekend job after dropping her CV in to them on Monday; could be some nice Christmas presents ahead?
Watch this space.....!
Thursday, 18 October 2012
What a week I am having. I found an unopened letter on the table this morning and in it a letter informed me that a poem I had submitted for a competition is to be published in a book! I didn't win, but to see the my poem in print is a real surprise. The category was Seasons and the poem is called Hope Springs Eternal. The book will not be on public sale, but will be kept in the British Library. I can buy copies though.
So this week I have officially become a poet!
As winter slowly turns to spring
Nature displays an awesome awakening;
Leaves slowly uncurl on naked branches,
With increasing warmth small buds appear
That open to show a spectacle of colour;
Hues of greens, pinks, yellow, blue;
A showcase of colour as new life appears.
The ice finally melts,
A miracle occurs
As winter’s grip gives way to a slow thaw
Snow becomes water, which trickles away
And the earth underneath awakens,
Now able to sustain, to support and to nourish
The new life, new fruit, and one day harvest
As hope springs eternal in a single human heart.
So this week I have officially become a poet!
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
As winter slowly turns to spring
Nature displays an awesome awakening;
Leaves slowly uncurl on naked branches,
With increasing warmth small buds appear
That open to show a spectacle of colour;
Hues of greens, pinks, yellow, blue;
A showcase of colour as new life appears.
The ice finally melts,
A miracle occurs
As winter’s grip gives way to a slow thaw
Snow becomes water, which trickles away
And the earth underneath awakens,
Now able to sustain, to support and to nourish
The new life, new fruit, and one day harvest
As hope springs eternal in a single human heart.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Fantastic news today!
What I had hardly dared to pray for; the results of my PET scan showed that the cancer is no longer active. The large mediastinal mass has shrunk from 9.5x5cm to 5x1cm after only four chemo sessions when I had the scan. The result is that NO MORE CHEMO IS NEEDED; What a birthday present that is!
I have to go in two weeks time for antibody treatment and two weeks after that, but no chemo.
This means that my radiotherapy should be able to start about 4 weeks from now.
I will need a consultation with my Radiography Consultant to find out more detail but all being well, I should have completed all of my treatment by Christmas.
There is also a lower risk from radiotherapy of damaging other tissue as the mass has shrunk so much, possibly further by the time I start therapy. A further scan will be needed to show how much more.
After two days of such enjoyment I was not keen to be returning to the hospital today, but did feel peaceful about getting the results rather than anxious. So thank you everyone who has supported me and prayed for me on my journey so far......God is good and hears our prayers.
Now resting on the sofa, feeling pretty rough but knowing that this is the last time I have to go through this already makes me feel better. My sister came with me today as we thought there might be a discussion about further treatment, but my Consultant was not available so the Registrar filled us in after prompting!
She is now cooking my tea, so again being well looked after and looking forward to my future when I can cook for other people again (amongst many other things!)
What I had hardly dared to pray for; the results of my PET scan showed that the cancer is no longer active. The large mediastinal mass has shrunk from 9.5x5cm to 5x1cm after only four chemo sessions when I had the scan. The result is that NO MORE CHEMO IS NEEDED; What a birthday present that is!
I have to go in two weeks time for antibody treatment and two weeks after that, but no chemo.
This means that my radiotherapy should be able to start about 4 weeks from now.
I will need a consultation with my Radiography Consultant to find out more detail but all being well, I should have completed all of my treatment by Christmas.
There is also a lower risk from radiotherapy of damaging other tissue as the mass has shrunk so much, possibly further by the time I start therapy. A further scan will be needed to show how much more.
After two days of such enjoyment I was not keen to be returning to the hospital today, but did feel peaceful about getting the results rather than anxious. So thank you everyone who has supported me and prayed for me on my journey so far......God is good and hears our prayers.
Now resting on the sofa, feeling pretty rough but knowing that this is the last time I have to go through this already makes me feel better. My sister came with me today as we thought there might be a discussion about further treatment, but my Consultant was not available so the Registrar filled us in after prompting!
She is now cooking my tea, so again being well looked after and looking forward to my future when I can cook for other people again (amongst many other things!)
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