Back at the hospital last Friday (4/Jan) for the second chemo infusion of Docetaxol plus the next injection of the Herceptin the Wonderdrug (no.2 out of 18).
As usual, before giving the doses the nurse went through various questions to ensure I was fit and well (this is in addition to the telephone call the day before), and despite me having mentioned my very sporadic toothache on several occasions over the last few months, she decided it wasn't safe for me to have the Zoldendronic Acid (bisphosphonates - bone strengthening and helps prevent cancer spreading to the bones) in case it was a sign of osteonecrosis of the jaw and especially as Onco was away.
I was unfortunate enough to be sitting in the "cold cap" seat which was being prepared for the next occupant. I can't remember if I've mentioned cold capping before, anyway it's a method of attempting to not loose your hair by wearing an ice helmet 🥶🥶🥶 whilst you have your chemo infusions - I knew without any shadow of a doubt that this was not something I would ever consider doing and, having had to sit by the machine whilst it got to the correct temperature, I know I made the right decision ❄️❄️❄️ plus it doesn't work for everyone 😞
I was unfortunate enough to be sitting in the "cold cap" seat which was being prepared for the next occupant. I can't remember if I've mentioned cold capping before, anyway it's a method of attempting to not loose your hair by wearing an ice helmet 🥶🥶🥶 whilst you have your chemo infusions - I knew without any shadow of a doubt that this was not something I would ever consider doing and, having had to sit by the machine whilst it got to the correct temperature, I know I made the right decision ❄️❄️❄️ plus it doesn't work for everyone 😞
Despite being one infusion down, everything seemed to take forever and although we only had to wait for 2 hours monitoring after the Herceptin (in case of allergic reaction) by the time the Docetaxel was being infused I was practically falling asleep and then it kept bubbling as before so the hour drip through took nearer two. Never mind though, home for a sleep😴😴😴
Another 7 days supply of bone marrow boosting injections 💉💉💉and beautiful Creme de Menthe coloured mouthwash were included in my take home Goody Bag this time.
As per last time, I have the horrid metallic taste and no food tastes remotely like it should - even water feels incredibly slimy; more like wallpaper paste - yuk! My mouth is also very sore although the prescribed mouthwash is very effective and does relieve this. Apart from tiredness which I've grown used to, I'm really not suffering from too much else at the moment.
Wow - if I'd been told at the start this is all I'd have to write about I just wouldn't have believed it!!!
But what we did get to experience last week was a whole different side to the wonderful treatment/service we've had at the Galton Unit.
On Monday Ian came home from golf complaining of a tightness across his chest which, although he thought was just wind 🌪️🌪️🌪️, hadn't improved with various over-the-counter medicines. By the evening I was really quite concerned and as a regular watcher of Casualty for many years I am usually quite good at diagnosing a wide variety of complaints, so I seriously began to consider he could be having a mild heart attack (often mistaken for indigestion). So I checked the NHS Website and, as he was showing other symptoms; tingling arm, dizziness, followed their advice
Except I didn't call 999 (probably overkill 😀) but 111 and explained I was probably overreacting, emotional time etc etc. The operator went though various questions with Ian (the answer to the majority of which was "no") and promptly announced she was sending an emergency paramedic.
The ambulance 🚑 arrived within about 15 mins and Ian was checked over, lots more questions and an ECG done which they said looked perfectly normal but showing a potassium peak so he really should have a full blood test which would show up anything and everything going on. We presumed they meant the following day via our GP, but no "we would recommend we take you in now!"
I followed by car and we sat and waited - of all the places to be when you're having chemo is NOT a medical waiting room (far too many germs and infections flying around) so I sat there with my cap pulled down low and a scarf over my nose and mouth.
It really was a most fascinating and enlightening wait, observing the comings and goings of many of life's unfortunates, most of whom knew each other and were obviously very regular visitors - clearly ED on a Monday night is where the party is 🎉🎉🎉
After about an hour we saw the triage nurse who re-ECGd Ian and sent the results off to be seen by a doctor. By this time it was about 00:30 and the news came back quite quickly that the ECG was fine but would Ian please go next door to be seen by a doctor (MEDOCC a kind of non emergency GP dept within the hospital). We were told there would be a 4 hour wait although there only seemed to be a 6 or so people in front of us. Ian asked again about seeing his GP the next day but having been brought in by ambulance the receptionist was very keen for him to stay. So we sat and waited huddled in the furthest corner away from possible germs. Very little seemed to happen other than staff clocking off and going home and when Ian checked progress after a couple of hours, we were still 6th in the queue and there was now only 1 doctor working and a further 4 hours before we'd be seen. Bit naughty really but then we played the Chemo Card and explained that I was desperate for sleep (true) and we really couldn't wait any longer (also true) - with that the receptionist agreed best to go the GP the next day and she'd photocopy the notes for us.
So whilst I receive the utmost care and attention whenever I visit the hospital - clearly other areas of it are really not fit for purpose.
Ian did see his GP and again expected the event to be dismissed but no, he has been referred to The Rapid Heart Dept - but as the wait is about 2 weeks Ian thinks he might have misheard!
Wow - if I'd been told at the start this is all I'd have to write about I just wouldn't have believed it!!!
But what we did get to experience last week was a whole different side to the wonderful treatment/service we've had at the Galton Unit.
On Monday Ian came home from golf complaining of a tightness across his chest which, although he thought was just wind 🌪️🌪️🌪️, hadn't improved with various over-the-counter medicines. By the evening I was really quite concerned and as a regular watcher of Casualty for many years I am usually quite good at diagnosing a wide variety of complaints, so I seriously began to consider he could be having a mild heart attack (often mistaken for indigestion). So I checked the NHS Website and, as he was showing other symptoms; tingling arm, dizziness, followed their advice
If you suspect the symptoms of a heart attack, dial 999
immediately and ask for an ambulance - don't worry if you have doubts.
Paramedics would rather be called out to find an honest mistake has been made
than be too late to save a person's life.
The ambulance 🚑 arrived within about 15 mins and Ian was checked over, lots more questions and an ECG done which they said looked perfectly normal but showing a potassium peak so he really should have a full blood test which would show up anything and everything going on. We presumed they meant the following day via our GP, but no "we would recommend we take you in now!"
I followed by car and we sat and waited - of all the places to be when you're having chemo is NOT a medical waiting room (far too many germs and infections flying around) so I sat there with my cap pulled down low and a scarf over my nose and mouth.
It really was a most fascinating and enlightening wait, observing the comings and goings of many of life's unfortunates, most of whom knew each other and were obviously very regular visitors - clearly ED on a Monday night is where the party is 🎉🎉🎉
After about an hour we saw the triage nurse who re-ECGd Ian and sent the results off to be seen by a doctor. By this time it was about 00:30 and the news came back quite quickly that the ECG was fine but would Ian please go next door to be seen by a doctor (MEDOCC a kind of non emergency GP dept within the hospital). We were told there would be a 4 hour wait although there only seemed to be a 6 or so people in front of us. Ian asked again about seeing his GP the next day but having been brought in by ambulance the receptionist was very keen for him to stay. So we sat and waited huddled in the furthest corner away from possible germs. Very little seemed to happen other than staff clocking off and going home and when Ian checked progress after a couple of hours, we were still 6th in the queue and there was now only 1 doctor working and a further 4 hours before we'd be seen. Bit naughty really but then we played the Chemo Card and explained that I was desperate for sleep (true) and we really couldn't wait any longer (also true) - with that the receptionist agreed best to go the GP the next day and she'd photocopy the notes for us.
So whilst I receive the utmost care and attention whenever I visit the hospital - clearly other areas of it are really not fit for purpose.
Ian did see his GP and again expected the event to be dismissed but no, he has been referred to The Rapid Heart Dept - but as the wait is about 2 weeks Ian thinks he might have misheard!
