Sunday 20th November 2011
Those of you who have been paying attention will note that I have been a little tardy in posting about my most recent trip to the chemotherapy unit.
Well, to be honest it is now so complete uneventful that it would be dull and slightly boring to write about it. Indeed I could just copy & paste a previous entry and it would be pretty much the same. So that's good really.
Some time ago my Breast Nurse, referred me to the menopause clinic because I mentioned the annoyance that are hot flushes. Well I received an appointment accompanied by lots of forms at the beginning of this week for an appointment on the 17th.
The forms consisted of one A4 page for symptoms, more of which later, and umpteen A4 sheets relating to my nationality and my eligibility for NHS treatment. Now given that I have virtually lived at Northwick Park Hospital for the last 18 months or so this paperwork seems, firstly a little excessive and secondly a tad late. Still I filled it in as best I could, but did mention the futility of it when I went to my appointment, alas to no avail.
The symptoms sheet was altogether more interesting. Firstly I am clearly not suffering anywhere near as much as some, secondly there are some really interesting symptoms, my favourite being "Feelings of personal disintegration". It made me realise that I am clearly getting off quite lightly, however the hot flushes are extremely annoying and they are interrupting my sleep.
The woman I saw went through an extensive medical history, including whether I had broken any bones, and all my family medical ailments. I was then weighed and measured and had my blood pressure taken but this time with a manual machine. Apparently they are more accurate than the electric ones.
So what can be done about hot flushes? I can take any of the following, a mild anti-depressant, a blood pressure pill or an analgesic pill. All of which have side effects, primarily feeling nauseous to a greater or lesser degree.
I can also go down the alternative route. Yoga is apparently good for hot flushes, unless it's me doing it in which case it actually brings them on. I just love being special!
Acupuncture can help as can taking various supplements, such as red clover or black cohosh. However, I can't take black cohosh because of my breast cancer.
Things that don't work are evening primrose oil, lavender and something else which slips my mind. So I will be going with the red clover and I'll let you know how it goes. I should point out that much like any ailment, the simple act of booking an appointment with the medical profession tends to alleviate the symptoms, consequently I have had fewer and less severe hot flushes since I went to the clinic.
Who is Dr. Dennis Slamon? I hear you ask. Well he was played by Harry Connick Jr. in a made for TV film "Living Proof" which I caught the other day. Up until this point I didn't realise that I have much to thank him for. As you can probably guess he resides in America, California to be precise. This is the man who discovered Herceptin. So now you are as informed as I am, but probably not quite as grateful!
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
More Than Half Way There And It's Tediously Routine
Wednesday 19th October
For those of you who have been paying close attention you will note that almost a week has past since my last Herceptin treatment and I am only now updating my blog.
Have no fear dear reader, this is more to do with the fact that my visits to the chemotherapy unit are now monotonously routine rather than any more sinister reason.
As you will probably guess I have little or nothing to report.
I was not kept waiting, indeed the unit was remarkably under attended, which is a very good thing I think.
The top professional nurse found a vein first time and with little or no pain.
I am also now becoming impervious to the side effects of the pre-meds, so no mid treatment snooze.
Possibly the only notably thing that happened was that the blood pressure machine malfunctioned, either that or I was actually dead!
Interestingly when automatic blood pressure machines malfunction they simply keep inflating and deflating the blood pressure cuff. Now some of you might remember that I really don't like having my blood pressure taken, not sure why but I just don't. Anyway, having a slightly "mad" machine inflate and deflate ad nauseum did little or nothing for my actual blood pressure and consequently my final blood pressure reading was on the high side. The nurse seemed unbothered by this so I'm not sure now if I actually have high blood pressure or not.
Anyway, only another 8 treatments to go. I can only hope the remainder are as boring as this one.
For those of you who have been paying close attention you will note that almost a week has past since my last Herceptin treatment and I am only now updating my blog.
Have no fear dear reader, this is more to do with the fact that my visits to the chemotherapy unit are now monotonously routine rather than any more sinister reason.
As you will probably guess I have little or nothing to report.
I was not kept waiting, indeed the unit was remarkably under attended, which is a very good thing I think.
The top professional nurse found a vein first time and with little or no pain.
I am also now becoming impervious to the side effects of the pre-meds, so no mid treatment snooze.
Possibly the only notably thing that happened was that the blood pressure machine malfunctioned, either that or I was actually dead!
Interestingly when automatic blood pressure machines malfunction they simply keep inflating and deflating the blood pressure cuff. Now some of you might remember that I really don't like having my blood pressure taken, not sure why but I just don't. Anyway, having a slightly "mad" machine inflate and deflate ad nauseum did little or nothing for my actual blood pressure and consequently my final blood pressure reading was on the high side. The nurse seemed unbothered by this so I'm not sure now if I actually have high blood pressure or not.
Anyway, only another 8 treatments to go. I can only hope the remainder are as boring as this one.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Side Effects, Half Way There & The Problem of Oddness Appears to Disappear
Wednesday 28th September
Side Effects
I have had some interesting but not too intrusive side effects. I am not entirely certain if they relate to the Herceptin or to the Tamoxifen. In any event they are as follows:
Flaky fingernails - think I might invest in some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. Let you know how that works out.
Painful feet and leg joint - have been taking super strength cod liver oil and that seems to alleviate the problem which means I don't tend to resemble a 90 year old arthritic woman first thing in the morning or when I first get up from sitting down for a while - which is good.
Cramping muscles in my legs - this hasn't happened a lot but it can be really quite painful when it does. Not sure what I can do to relieve this, any suggests most welcome.
Hot flushes and cold chills - this is because all the treatment I have been receiving has pushed me into the menopause. The upshot of the hot flushes and the following chills is that my sleep is hugely interrupted as I spend virtually all night fluctuating between being spread eagled with no duvet on or snuggled up with the duvet pulled up around my ears!
Immediately after the Herceptin my taste buds play up for a day or so making things taste different.
I also suffer the following day only from hot, red itchy cheeks on my face!
So that's the side effects dealt with, as previously mentioned any suggestions for a little light relief will be gratefully received, especially with regard to the hot flushes!
So today I had my 9th round of Herceptin only another 9 to go. Those readers who have been following closely will know by now that I feel more than a little trepidatious about my "odd" visits. However today was hitchless and given that I went by bicycle this was all the more joyful.
The reason for the bike is that I have been advised not to drive because I have Piriton as an anti allergy pre-med and my usual ride wasn't available. I have walked before but I thought it would be quicker if I cycled and in the event I wasn't up to riding back, wheeling the bike home wouldn't be too arduous. As it happens I appear to be developing a tolerance to the side effects of Piriton so I was not at all sleepy.
I was also seen at my appointed time and was in and out in under 3 hours which was fantastic. I can only hope that this has now set a new trend for my visits.
Side Effects
I have had some interesting but not too intrusive side effects. I am not entirely certain if they relate to the Herceptin or to the Tamoxifen. In any event they are as follows:
Flaky fingernails - think I might invest in some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. Let you know how that works out.
Painful feet and leg joint - have been taking super strength cod liver oil and that seems to alleviate the problem which means I don't tend to resemble a 90 year old arthritic woman first thing in the morning or when I first get up from sitting down for a while - which is good.
Cramping muscles in my legs - this hasn't happened a lot but it can be really quite painful when it does. Not sure what I can do to relieve this, any suggests most welcome.
Hot flushes and cold chills - this is because all the treatment I have been receiving has pushed me into the menopause. The upshot of the hot flushes and the following chills is that my sleep is hugely interrupted as I spend virtually all night fluctuating between being spread eagled with no duvet on or snuggled up with the duvet pulled up around my ears!
Immediately after the Herceptin my taste buds play up for a day or so making things taste different.
I also suffer the following day only from hot, red itchy cheeks on my face!
So that's the side effects dealt with, as previously mentioned any suggestions for a little light relief will be gratefully received, especially with regard to the hot flushes!
So today I had my 9th round of Herceptin only another 9 to go. Those readers who have been following closely will know by now that I feel more than a little trepidatious about my "odd" visits. However today was hitchless and given that I went by bicycle this was all the more joyful.
The reason for the bike is that I have been advised not to drive because I have Piriton as an anti allergy pre-med and my usual ride wasn't available. I have walked before but I thought it would be quicker if I cycled and in the event I wasn't up to riding back, wheeling the bike home wouldn't be too arduous. As it happens I appear to be developing a tolerance to the side effects of Piriton so I was not at all sleepy.
I was also seen at my appointed time and was in and out in under 3 hours which was fantastic. I can only hope that this has now set a new trend for my visits.
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Routine and Mundane!
Wednesday 7th September
This is my eighth round of Herceptin, only another 10 to go!
Apart from a very long wait for a chair this visit, being an even event, went without a hitch. I really I starting to get very twitchy about the "odd" visits.
Anyway, as luck would have it I got to sit in one of the new, all-singing, all-dancing chairs. They are much higher than the old versions, but you can adjust the back and the foot rest to your heart's content. I found it immensely comfortable, although I did feel a bit like a three year with my legs dangling above the floor when I first sat down.
There was no trouble finding a vein and apart from the fact that it seemed to take much longer than previously it really was a most boring visit.
Still never mind there's always number 9 to look forward to!
This is my eighth round of Herceptin, only another 10 to go!
Apart from a very long wait for a chair this visit, being an even event, went without a hitch. I really I starting to get very twitchy about the "odd" visits.
Anyway, as luck would have it I got to sit in one of the new, all-singing, all-dancing chairs. They are much higher than the old versions, but you can adjust the back and the foot rest to your heart's content. I found it immensely comfortable, although I did feel a bit like a three year with my legs dangling above the floor when I first sat down.
There was no trouble finding a vein and apart from the fact that it seemed to take much longer than previously it really was a most boring visit.
Still never mind there's always number 9 to look forward to!
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Good News and Unlucky Number 7
Monday 15th August
I have an appointment to see Dr. Denton who gives me the good news that the results of my mamogramme and MRI were clear, which to be honest I was expecting this to be the case. Still it's good to know that everything is going well. She has a quick check of my lungs and stuff and then I am free to go.
Wednesday 17th August
Those of you who have been paying attention will know that my "odd" herceptin visits do not go smoothly and this being number 7 was to prove the case again.
Firstly, my appointment had to be moved back by half an hour to 11am due to the number of people needing chemotherapy and the limited number of chairs. I arrived at about 10.45am and waited. 11am came and went as did the next 60 minutes. The reason for the delay was, as detailed above lots of people and also the pharmacy was running slowly so it took a while for the chemotherapy drugs to get upstairs. So consequently I got a lot of reading done.
Once I got in the nurse tried for a vein, got the needle in but no joy, so off she went to get the matron who found a decent vein. However the pump to which I was attached kept beeping even after it was plugged into the mains. Apparently it needed a new battery and so another pump had to be found to replace this one. I really am not a very superstitious person but I am getting just a little paranoid about my "odd" visits to the chemo unit.
Anyway the rest of the session went off without a hitch. Once the herceptin has finished they push though some saline to flush through the vein. The nurse said she'd pump through about 100ml from a bag which contained 500ml and said I could drink the rest. I did point out that perhaps this would be a little salty at which point she fell about laughing saying what she meant to say was I should go home and drink lots of water.
So far everything is going well and in comparison with chemotherapy, herceptin is a doddle.
I have an appointment to see Dr. Denton who gives me the good news that the results of my mamogramme and MRI were clear, which to be honest I was expecting this to be the case. Still it's good to know that everything is going well. She has a quick check of my lungs and stuff and then I am free to go.
Wednesday 17th August
Those of you who have been paying attention will know that my "odd" herceptin visits do not go smoothly and this being number 7 was to prove the case again.
Firstly, my appointment had to be moved back by half an hour to 11am due to the number of people needing chemotherapy and the limited number of chairs. I arrived at about 10.45am and waited. 11am came and went as did the next 60 minutes. The reason for the delay was, as detailed above lots of people and also the pharmacy was running slowly so it took a while for the chemotherapy drugs to get upstairs. So consequently I got a lot of reading done.
Once I got in the nurse tried for a vein, got the needle in but no joy, so off she went to get the matron who found a decent vein. However the pump to which I was attached kept beeping even after it was plugged into the mains. Apparently it needed a new battery and so another pump had to be found to replace this one. I really am not a very superstitious person but I am getting just a little paranoid about my "odd" visits to the chemo unit.
Anyway the rest of the session went off without a hitch. Once the herceptin has finished they push though some saline to flush through the vein. The nurse said she'd pump through about 100ml from a bag which contained 500ml and said I could drink the rest. I did point out that perhaps this would be a little salty at which point she fell about laughing saying what she meant to say was I should go home and drink lots of water.
So far everything is going well and in comparison with chemotherapy, herceptin is a doddle.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Getting Into A Routine
Thursday 21st July
As previously predicted this "even" round of Herceptin went without a hitch, relatively, and indeed was considerably quicker than usual. I have learned that Herceptin is put in a bag of saline, the amount of saline is 250ml, obviously the addition of Herceptin increases the amount of liquid in the bag. The pump is programmed to push through the given amount of liquid in a set time, in this instance 90 minutes. Previously, once the 90 minutes was up there was always some liquid left. The nurse who administered to me this time normally works at the Royal Marsden. She said that they always weigh the bag to get the "correct" amount in the bag and then use this figure rather than the nominal 250ml. Quite sensible really. Anyway, she estimated that it would be about 300ml and lo and behold the whole bag was done in the requisite 90minutes. I do hope that someone, somewhere shares this information.
As part of the Persephone trial I have to complete a form detail any side effects if any. The only side effect I seem to suffer from is unbelievably hot, itchy cheeks. My face feels and looks as though I have been deeply embarrassed, however this tends last for approximately 24 hours, so in the grand scheme of things it's not too bad.
With regard to going without a hitch, relatively, the veins in my arm are now in a truly parlous state, the ones in my hand are non-existent. Anyway, the nurse had to do a bit of wiggling of the cannula before she was happy that is was well sited. Consequently I now have the most spectacular bruise on my arm and I think that it might be even better than the one from last time when "tissue" was pushed through.
Those of you who have been paying attention will note that it is almost exactly a year since I was diagnosed. It's very hard not to dwell on everything that has happened over the past 12 months and indeed reading back through my blog there are so many things that I have forgotten about. Having said that at no time have I ever felt that I would be anything other than absolutely fine. I have another 12 rounds of Herceptin to go which will take me to April 2012, two years after I first discovered the lump, which wasn't the problem at all.
As previously predicted this "even" round of Herceptin went without a hitch, relatively, and indeed was considerably quicker than usual. I have learned that Herceptin is put in a bag of saline, the amount of saline is 250ml, obviously the addition of Herceptin increases the amount of liquid in the bag. The pump is programmed to push through the given amount of liquid in a set time, in this instance 90 minutes. Previously, once the 90 minutes was up there was always some liquid left. The nurse who administered to me this time normally works at the Royal Marsden. She said that they always weigh the bag to get the "correct" amount in the bag and then use this figure rather than the nominal 250ml. Quite sensible really. Anyway, she estimated that it would be about 300ml and lo and behold the whole bag was done in the requisite 90minutes. I do hope that someone, somewhere shares this information.
As part of the Persephone trial I have to complete a form detail any side effects if any. The only side effect I seem to suffer from is unbelievably hot, itchy cheeks. My face feels and looks as though I have been deeply embarrassed, however this tends last for approximately 24 hours, so in the grand scheme of things it's not too bad.
With regard to going without a hitch, relatively, the veins in my arm are now in a truly parlous state, the ones in my hand are non-existent. Anyway, the nurse had to do a bit of wiggling of the cannula before she was happy that is was well sited. Consequently I now have the most spectacular bruise on my arm and I think that it might be even better than the one from last time when "tissue" was pushed through.
Those of you who have been paying attention will note that it is almost exactly a year since I was diagnosed. It's very hard not to dwell on everything that has happened over the past 12 months and indeed reading back through my blog there are so many things that I have forgotten about. Having said that at no time have I ever felt that I would be anything other than absolutely fine. I have another 12 rounds of Herceptin to go which will take me to April 2012, two years after I first discovered the lump, which wasn't the problem at all.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Wimbledon, Anniversaries & Irksome People
Tuesday 5th July
I had an appointment for a mammogram today so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and get my hair cut as well.
Whilst I admit it is not that long, the bits that didn't fall out are much longer than the new growth, obviously. So I went to see Karen again, who not only trims wigs but also sorts out post chemo hair. We did discuss holidays this time but only because I'm off soon and she had noted my previous comment regarding being a proper hairdresser. During the course of the hair cut I discovered I have more in common with Marina Navratilova than I first thought. Not only has she also had breast cancer, but she has also had her hair cut by Karen. During the Wimbledon fortnight, Karen and some other hairdresser "do" the competitors' hair. Other people lead such interesting lives.
I then went to have my mammogram. It is very nearly a year since this whole escapade started and to be honest the feeling of de ja vu was quite unsettling. The only difference now is having only one breast, it takes have the time and half the discomfort. I went home having been told that the results would be sent to my consultant.
Wednesday 6th July
Back again at the hospital. Soon they will start charging me rent. I am so glad that I live relatively close to Northwick Park Hospital as this makes my frequent trips there much less time consuming.
The nature of my cancer means that I have to have an MRI as well as a mammogram. I get there in plenty time fill in the numerous forms confirming my lack of metal bits and pieces both internally and externally and then wait. As I rest my head against the waiting area wall I notice that it is vibrating, clearly the giant magnet down the corridor has an effect on the whole building.
Eventually I get called in and told to remove all my clothes and put on the very fetching navy blue hospital gown, with the opening at the front. I have to have an injection of contrasting dye. As you will be aware I can only use my right arm and it is rapidly running out of useful veins. The nurse makes his first attempt near my elbow. Fails. He then questions me at length about why he cannot use my left arm and who told me that it couldn't be used. Whilst his manner was not aggressive it was somewhat patronising. I point out why it cannot be used, lack of lymph nodes, and who told me never to use my left arm for anything including blood pressure cuffs, the surgeon who removed the lymph nodes. I cannot believe that I am the first person he has come across who has this issue. I wasn't entirely certain that he believed me but I kept my left arm well away from him. His second attempt is the vein just below my right index finger, where there is very little padding and the skin is, apparently, quite tough. Success, albeit rather painful.
I go into the MRI room the nurse tells me to lie face down and place my breasts in the two hollows, I point out rather tersely that I have only one! The scanning begins. It is very noisy and again I have that unsettling feeling of de ja vu. The last time I was here was to have the biopsy which confirmed the spread of my cancer. It's hard not to dwell on what has happened over the last year especially when all I can do is lie face down with my eyes shut.
The scan or rather scans take about 30 minutes, I am then told to get dressed and go home and the results will be sent to my consultant.
I am hopeful that this now yearly event will get easier as my veins recover.
I had an appointment for a mammogram today so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and get my hair cut as well.
Whilst I admit it is not that long, the bits that didn't fall out are much longer than the new growth, obviously. So I went to see Karen again, who not only trims wigs but also sorts out post chemo hair. We did discuss holidays this time but only because I'm off soon and she had noted my previous comment regarding being a proper hairdresser. During the course of the hair cut I discovered I have more in common with Marina Navratilova than I first thought. Not only has she also had breast cancer, but she has also had her hair cut by Karen. During the Wimbledon fortnight, Karen and some other hairdresser "do" the competitors' hair. Other people lead such interesting lives.
I then went to have my mammogram. It is very nearly a year since this whole escapade started and to be honest the feeling of de ja vu was quite unsettling. The only difference now is having only one breast, it takes have the time and half the discomfort. I went home having been told that the results would be sent to my consultant.
Wednesday 6th July
Back again at the hospital. Soon they will start charging me rent. I am so glad that I live relatively close to Northwick Park Hospital as this makes my frequent trips there much less time consuming.
The nature of my cancer means that I have to have an MRI as well as a mammogram. I get there in plenty time fill in the numerous forms confirming my lack of metal bits and pieces both internally and externally and then wait. As I rest my head against the waiting area wall I notice that it is vibrating, clearly the giant magnet down the corridor has an effect on the whole building.
Eventually I get called in and told to remove all my clothes and put on the very fetching navy blue hospital gown, with the opening at the front. I have to have an injection of contrasting dye. As you will be aware I can only use my right arm and it is rapidly running out of useful veins. The nurse makes his first attempt near my elbow. Fails. He then questions me at length about why he cannot use my left arm and who told me that it couldn't be used. Whilst his manner was not aggressive it was somewhat patronising. I point out why it cannot be used, lack of lymph nodes, and who told me never to use my left arm for anything including blood pressure cuffs, the surgeon who removed the lymph nodes. I cannot believe that I am the first person he has come across who has this issue. I wasn't entirely certain that he believed me but I kept my left arm well away from him. His second attempt is the vein just below my right index finger, where there is very little padding and the skin is, apparently, quite tough. Success, albeit rather painful.
I go into the MRI room the nurse tells me to lie face down and place my breasts in the two hollows, I point out rather tersely that I have only one! The scanning begins. It is very noisy and again I have that unsettling feeling of de ja vu. The last time I was here was to have the biopsy which confirmed the spread of my cancer. It's hard not to dwell on what has happened over the last year especially when all I can do is lie face down with my eyes shut.
The scan or rather scans take about 30 minutes, I am then told to get dressed and go home and the results will be sent to my consultant.
I am hopeful that this now yearly event will get easier as my veins recover.
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