Hello all,
Today was the day to face up to what is coming just around the corner. Fran and I had a trip to Sheffield for my initial radiotherapy orientation appointment. I met the team, had a CT scan, got tattoed (just little dots) in order for the radiographer to line up the machine to exactly the same point each time. Had a blood test to prep for my chemotherapy and recieved the long list of dates and times for the future treatments. I have one further appointment to sign all the details and review my chemotherapy plan on Tues 30 March then I have 25 RT sessions starting on 07 April.
I must say I didn't like Weston Park as it all seemed very closed in with low ceilings and narrow corridors. The people were really nice though and made me at ease as much as they could!
I think the worst part of it was that everyone attending had cancer of some sort and there was an air of doom and gloom - the staff do their best to keep the atmosphere up - it must be quite tough though. I am open to the notion that it was not the hospital but the way I was feeling being it was my first visit, we will see on that one.
I went to Chesterfield Royal yesterday to have a review of medication and fluids etc. As we unfortunately couldn't get the blood out of the PICC line yeaterday it was decided that I would have Dr Mel taken my blood every 2 weeks at Chesterfield when I am meeting to review my treatment. Blood tests came back okay so no worrys there. As the stoma output is levelling off I am okay to reduce the IV fluids by 500ml and increase my oral. The bonus was that I can now vary my oral fluids and had my first cup of tea in 6 weeks...it was heaven!
Finally Fran and I are now fully self sufficient as we can now connect and disconnect - Also the final hurdle Fran was signed off on changing my dressing. It sounds easy but to keep the PICC line steady, unclip it and place the new locking mechanism and placing a clear dressing over the top is not as easy as it sounds. Fran did a great job!
Colm visited on Saturday, great to see him 'so it was, to be sure' - we cant wait for the time when we can do what we want and pop out for a guinness or two like old times!
I hope all are well, please dont be strangers and let me know how you are doing.
Cheers
T xx
