This morning at 09:00 I had my first chemotherapy session.
I am deliriously happy to report that it was pain free 🙂
As I am having the FEC combination of drugs, it is also quite social, which of course pleases me! This combination has to be manually injected into the cannula alongside the 1ltr saline drip. Whilst others are set up, plugged into a pump and left to get on with it, I had the full time attention of my nurse for the session, Jackie. She had to administer all 6 giant syringes of drugs (2 Fluorouracil, 2 Epirubicin and 2 Cyclophosphamide (that’s why they call it FEC!)) slowly so we sat and chatted the whole way through.
All that volume of fluid going in made my hand and my lower arm ache a bit. When I touched it, it was very cold so Jackie got me a heat pad which she plugged in and wrapped it around my arm which felt lovely.
There is also an army of volunteers in the chemotherapy unit making tea and coffee and bringing biscuits – these people giving up their own time with a smile and all deserve a mention but I am still rubbish with names and don’t expect that to get better any time soon… on that note, I have to apologise to Daphne of the Big C for calling her Brenda in my earlier post “Sugar Syrup” sorry Daphne!
As soon as it had finished, my face felt kind of fuzzy, a little bit numb, a bit like I’d had a couple of drinks. I still feel a bit numb now (19:50) but it is lifting slowly. I have had some waves of nausea. They gave me an anti-sickness drug at the hospital but they gave me another to bring home in case that one didn’t work so I have taken that too – as they have all said, prevention is easier than cure and who am I to question their judgement. It will be no surprise to most of you that it hasn’t stopped me eating 🙂
I am feeling tired now though so going to call it a day. Thank you all for the love and support, I know it is powering me through this.
Talk to you soon
Lots of love Mand xxx
Glad to hear you’ve got on well today, and you looked totally fabulous with your hot pink lippy. Now you can do what you do best……sleep. And let those drugs get on with passing around the eviction notices ( with a little help from unicorns, passing dolphins and Zig) xx
Well! that’s the first session over, you know what to expect now. How lovely to have someone to chat to, makes the time pass quickly. Did you have a problem finding something to talk about? I expect not! Love you xx
You go girlfriend! Love you and can’t wait to see you soon! I leave in 2 1/2 hours for my flight! I posted the lippy photo on my Instagram account and got lots of likes! Talk to you tomorrow when I fly in XX
Big Sis Booie xx
I hope you sleep well and tomorrow brings a bright, new sunny day for you.
My tip for remembering names is to say them as often as you can to start with – teacher tip no.1
Well done Mand! So pleased that it went well! Lots of love xxx
Glad it went well Mandy stay positive and keep chatting. Will be thinking of you. Love Debbie xx
Hi Mand,
You don’t know me but I am a friend of your mum. I am so pleased the “FECing” session went well and you have got through it without too much stress. Sending you all the best wishes I can muster for a speedy recovery.
Liz xx
Hope you slept well and you have a bright sunny day today. (whatever the weather) You are constantly in my thoughts. Dolly Dolphin was busy last night xxx
Xx
Mandy, I can’t tell you how much I am moved, impressed and inspired by your blog. Bon courage, ma petite! Lots of love and best wishes from Pam and Thain.
Dearest Mand,
Did you notice it rained on Monday? As you were receiving the drips in your veins the good earth was receiving water. Let’s hope yours will be as beneficial as the rain. Is it time for more ginger biscuits?
Bless you and Phil
Love Yvonne x
Hi Mand,
Good for you on your positive outlook, things will be tough ahead, but you sound so strong Mand, you will nail this FEC ing big C.
Thinking of you and wishing you love and sending you a big hug xxx