Getting through a week of trips to Reading and back every morning does take up the half a day and I could not do it without my network of drivers. I salute you all, for you are truly brilliant, and thanks to my ultra organised best friend, I have spreadsheets, clarity and stimulating conversation every day. Thank you.
I thought this week I would give you some insight to the process ... and if you read my last blog, you might see the connections with time. So here is a summary of Week 3 since treatment started.
1. Seizures: none
2. Tummy problems: none
3. Headaches: none
4. Steroids: still speeding. My entire silhouette is two inches larger; truly, I am becoming the Pilsbury Dough Girl. I have learned the art of highlight and shading from the nice lady at the Dior counter in Camp Hopson in Newbury in an attempt to reduce the size of my cheeks.
5. Wine consumption: low, no more than two glasses at a time
6. Chocolate consumption: high. I have converted to the dark side of Lindor balls, they're very good.
7. Motor function on right side: very good
8. Fog in brain: think it's clear... difficult to tell I am now 43!
9. General feeling of wellbeing: excellent
10. Online shopping: put it this way....one store sent me a box of chocolates and discount vouchers for being such a good customer. Out of control.
Every morning, my schedule is the same:
· 0700 - Get up with darling daughter to make sure I eat and drink plenty before 0800. Hand daughter over to supernanny.
· 0800 - Take steroids, anti-seizure and tummy protecting medicines
· 0810 - Go nil by mouth
· 0830 - Call from mother in Spain
· 0845 - Shower and dress
 |
| me strapped down by "shell" |
· 0940 - Take anti-constipation medicine
· 1000 - Get collected by superstar
· 1010 - Take chemo medicine en-route...it must be taken 1 hour before the radiotherapy session
· 1110 - Sit and wait for what is generally a late appointment. Get strapped down onto a bench by a full plastic face mask that is so tight I cannot move a muscle. Get my head zapped for, ooh, 2 minutes.
· 1200 - Allowed to eat and drink again
· 1230 - Home
I prefer my hospitals to be shiny and new, but sadly the Berkshire Cancer Centre is in the old original Reading hospital and I find it a depressing place to be; full of old wood, lilac paint and fish tanks. I must say though that the team are fantastic and they clearly enjoy their work and environment, so the rest is just my opinion.
Because I have an opinion, I also have my own rituals for each trip. I have been complimented many times by the radiographers on my co-ordinating necklace/clothes and make-up which are a must for me. I will not walk into that waiting room like a victim; I remain Cornish (for now) the professional, not a condition. But, this week's quote is a peach:
"I love the way you swagger down this corridor, Sarah, you're so full of life"
Moi? Swagger? As if.......
Monday, bang on schedule, my hair started to fall out, and true to form has done it quite dramatically. It spontaneously lifted itself at the root and keeled over whispering "my life, it's such torture". Honestly, I heard it happen whilst waiting for my radiotherapy; put my hand to my head and got a fistful. None of that gentle departure of hairs on the pillow for me. My scalp is effectively sunburned by the radiotherapy and is now sore. I now officially have less hair than Nearly Husband, and it's very patchy, so I think I will just "rock the bald look" and take it all off when my skin is less sensitive.
As a result, I have been playing around with headscarves, and I am absolutely rubbish at them, I'm much more of a big red hat girl. Although, I really appreciated number 2 daughter Rebecca's response, which was to advise me to become a dangly earring girl...I like that idea. I am also going to try my hand at wigs...have to try everything!
The only other side effect I seem to be suffering you may be able to help me with....my hands, nails and cuticles are drying up horribly in the x-rays so if you have any recommendations for intensive oils and unguents, let me have them. And where do you get those night-time cotton gloves?
I am off to celebrate my birthday for the third time this weekend, with my gaggle of best girlfriends (minus one). Given that Clare lives on an island in the Caribbean we will miss her, but look out Newbury because Clodagh, Elaine, Emma, Sacha, Sarah and I are all coming to town. And I can't wait!
Have a great weekend folks!
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