October 31      

First chemo today at 3.15 pm for 2 hrs.  Ate at 5.00 pm and brought it all up again at 5.45 pm.  Given anti-sickness drug and ate again at 6.45 pm.  Blinding headache so 2 paracetemols at 8.30 pm and two more at 12.30 am. Slept reasonably well then.

November 1

Had three chemos today, one for 2 hrs, one straight after for 30 mins and one at 10.30 pm for 30 mins.  Given lots more tablets and anti-sickness injection, which worked, prior to chemo.  Things are so much better today.

November 2-6

Same as yesterday, no real side effects. Nice to have Mum, Yvonne and Sally visit.  Also Mike and Dave called in.

November  7

No treatment today

November 8

Started to receive my stem cells back.  Like a transfusion but took under 2 hours.  No side effects.

November 9

Started to get uncontrolled diarrhoea.  Most embarrassing; and so tiring to spend 45 to 60 minutes showering and getting into clean pyjamas.  Then within a couple of hours I’m up again.  Fortunately the “wet room” facilities, which are en-suite, are really good.

November 10-20

Continuation of diarrhoea episodes, caused by chemo.  Also developed a minor infection which was treated by anti-biotics. Yvonne and Sally visit every day and Jane and Sam surprised me too at the weekend.

November 21

Transferred to Ward C5.  One side effect of the anti-biotics was to cause me to contract Clostridium Difficile (C.diff) and this ward was specifically setup to deal with patients with C.diff.  Potentially is very dangerous, however, I had had tests done regularly on my faeces and they spotted it, treated it , and I was very lucky to only be in for 3 days.

November 24

Got home tonight.  What a blessing, to have a choice of food that I fancy, when I fancy it, and not that bland diet offered in hospital.

November 25-27

At home but so tired that Yvonne rang the hospital who suggested that I go back in.

November 28

Admitted again, got there at 11.15pm last night, finally reached the isolation ward a 5.15am!

November 28-30

Basically, just regular observations and rest before being given the go-ahead to leave again.

November 30

Back home again.  I couldn’t be more relieved.  Time to reflect on my recovery time; when they said up to 6 months to get back to normal, I can now see why.

December 12

Went to spend the weekend with Jane, Sam and Abi in Shaftesbury.  It seems to have been the start of my energy returning.  

December 25

Had a super day.  Jane, Sam and Abi came last night and had dinner.  We all went to Sal, Mal. Eddy and Ollies for tea.

January

The hospital have removed my Hickman Line and I have had a CT scan.  I should have the results by the end of the month, however, it will not tell me if the remaining mass is still malignant.  My blood tests are fine and blood pressure, which is slightly affected is being treated with half a tablet a day.  I am still lacking in physical energy and frustrated that it appears to be taking so long to recover.

February

The CT scan was too soon to notice any changes so I am to have another end March.

April

Had consult. and have been told that it is still there, growing, though not too fast, and they want to see me 2nd week in May to discuss possible oral chemo treatment in an attempt to keep it at bay.  Looks like I just have to live with it.  Five months after stem cell treatment and I am still unable to exert much effort, have little energy and get tired easily.

May

Work starts in earnest to clear things out at home and start on the bungalow.

June

First of the latest chemo given, took 6 hours but no after effects.  Half-term , Yvonne and I visited Jane, Sam and Abi for a few days (had a great time) but had to get back for chemo on the Tuesday.  In the end I was informed that I would not be getting any, they wanted to rest me and not overdo things.  So we went to the ‘van on Tuesday evening for the rest of the week.