The Old Hand

Wednesday 22nd February

Well I really am in the home straight now - hooray! Number 16 only two left after this!

The funny thing is that my perception is that the gap between sessions is growing. I had to check the date several times because I felt that there had been much more than 3 weeks elapsed since number 15! Interestingly Terry thinks the gaps are getting shorter. Einstein was right, time is all relative!

So I arrive and have to wait in reception for a while. I get talking to this woman who had slightly suspect lymph nodes and then it was discovered that the cancer was everywhere! So a double mastectomy later she was awaiting chemotherapy. She was not impressed with the day surgery in as much as going home the same day was not for her. I on the other hand thought it was absolutely the best thing for me. Still I suppose it depends on what is awaiting you at home.

Anyway, I went in and got the all singing all dancing chair. I am apparently the only patient who likes them. I am weighed and have put on more weight. I have only another 6 weeks or so to use the steroid excuse for getting fat!

The nurse then ferrets about for a vein. Now I am on the slightly less toxic Herceptin they can use deeper veins. Clearly deeper veins don't show the bruises as easily because there is no evidence of my visit on my arm.

The woman next to me asks if I am on Herceptin and how many I have done. I tell her "yes" and that this is my 16th round. She is on her first and asks, not unreasonably if there are any side effects. I tell that for me, apart from my fingernails turning to butter and my face becoming very hot, red and itchy the following day, that "no" there are few if any side effects. I then I remember my first session and mention in passing the massive allergic reaction I had. She looks slightly startled, but then I did point out that I was exceptionally unusual and that perhaps I shouldn't have told her that!

I feel like a real old hand now and see new people coming and going. There was one man there who was having his last session. I felt a pang of envy but know that I too have not long to wait. He said that whilst he would miss the staff and other patients he would not miss the needles at all. Not surprising really as they took four attempts to find a vein.