Well, I took the wonder anti-sickness drug on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as directed and although it hasn’t completely banished the dreaded nausea, it has certainly helped a lot. I don’t feel as bad as I did after session three which is a huge relief.
In my mind, I was concerned that as I went through the sessions the side effects would continue to build up and I would feel progressively worse however that has not been the case this time so far.
I think frozen grapes that I sucked on whilst receiving the chemo have also helped. Dr Alexander mentioned them at our appointment last week. They are supposed to work a bit like the ‘freezing hat’ by reducing the blood flow in the immediate area which in turn reduces the damage. It does make talking a little more difficult though which of course does not sit easily with me! Previously the sore mouth and throat did kick in later (into weeks 2 & 3) but I don’t have as much of a rough texture in the lining of my mouth as I have had so although I’m not putting out the bunting just yet, the initial signs are good. I think that probably the cold grapes traveling down to my stomach have helped with the damage there which must be reducing the nausea too.
I do have broken sleep again and the additional side effect of ‘night sweats’. That’s why I am writing this at 05:30! I just had one of Yvonne’s fabulous ginger biscuits to stave off the nausea and hope to get another hour of sleep before I get up properly. The thing is, although I know I get grumpy when I haven’t had enough sleep (sorry Phil xx), I can always nap and catch up so it’s not a biggie really.
There is one thing I wanted to clarify. When I talked about the ‘markers’ in my blood that Dr Alexander was pleased with I don’t think I was very clear – so here is another attempt to explain. The markers are levels of two different substances that are secreted by active tumours into my blood. So if the tumours are actively growing, the levels of the markers will be higher than if they are not growing. That is why they are so important because they are showing that the tumours are becoming less active. When we stop the growth is when they are in remission.
I do hope that makes sense! Talk to you soon
Lots of love Mand xxx
Thank you for the explanation about the blood test…it makes more sense now! Off to see Katrin for lunch, love you!
Big sister Booie and the pack XX
Hi Mand. Yesterday I had a lovely morning in my kitchen baking things for your mum’s coffee morning tomorrow in aid of The Big C. I made squidgy chocolate brownies, almond bites and some shortbread hearts. Nothing went wrong and I was beginning to feel quite smug and pleased with myself when it dawned on me that I was having fun because you were poorly. I felt guilty. But then I wondered what you would say and I am almost certain that it would be something along the lines of
encouragement to do some more baking because it’s towards such a good cause. So I did!
Sorry to hear that you are having some miserable side- effects to your treatment. I do hope that you are feeling better.
Love, Llinosx