Happy birthdays Annie and David! Have a good one!
I guess the main news today is that I've finished my chemo treatment for the forseeable future and maybe for good. I've been at the hospital today for my post chemo CT scan which all went as per normal - pint of pernod-flavoured water, and injection of stuff to make me feel all warm inside (well, it's not designed for that purpose - that's just a pleasant side-effect of course!). For some reason I also had what I call the Tequila Slammer this time too. I've had 5 CT scans now and only had this for two of them. I had to swallow a fizzy powder, then wash it down with a shot of lemon juice which makes the powder fizz up. Apparently it is designed to inflate your stomach to get better results.
I don't expect the results of the scan until I see my oncologist again on the 20th October, although there is a chance she may phone me beforehand.
I also had my usual blood test while I was at the hospital, so I've got holes in both elbows at the moment. I need to get the results of that checked tomorrow, so they can let me know whether I am fit enough to have the flu jab which I have booked for Saturday morning.
I asked about the SwineFlu vaccine the other day, and at the moment they are just recommending the normal flu jab, although I am hearing more and more about the vaccination on the news. I think that people with cancer are one of the "at risk" cases who will get the first doses of the vaccine, although I haven't heard this confirmed recently - they usually just mention the pregnant when they talk about it - I'll have the flu jab (assuming I'm fit enough), then I will talk to my GP about the vaccine which they are now mentioning in the November timeframe.
Another friend had the SwineFlu recently, which brings the total up to three that I know of so far - all in different areas of the country. No-one too close to home so far though.
Unfortunately my Segway riding adventure I mentioned a while back was cancelled at the last minute. The company helpfully went bust on us. Really annoying as I was looking forward to it, but nothing we can do except go through the grief of trying to get a refund etc ... :(
Nothing special to look forward to this week, but the band (the New Originals, not The Distractions) have a gig on Saturday in Manchester. I'd like to say I'm looking forward to it, but it's at the 5* Lowry hotel in Manchester (where all the footballers stay) - we've played there quite a few times now and they treat "workers" like poo - they even expect us to pay for parking! Rather than being treated with respect like most places we play, this particular hotel seems to think we are something to be scraped off their shoe. Still, little do they know that their treatment of someone who they think is inconsequential, has led to me crossing them off my list of places to consider staying at any time in my "strictly 5*" future, so it goes to show that you should treat everybody with respect, not just those who you think are valuable to you!
Thanks to those who have listened to the songs we recorded (see last post below) - good feedback so far!
That's all for now. Hope you have a good week,
Col x
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Wednesday 23rd September 2009
Chemo Cycle 4 Day 16
Just a quick one today. I've uploaded some recordings the band (newly named "The Distractions") did the other day in case you want a listen.
They're on MySpace for the moment. I'm not sure if they are allowed to be on there as they are cover versions, so they might disappear, but take a listen if you like:
http://www.myspace.com/thedistractionsbanduk
Enjoy!
C x
Just a quick one today. I've uploaded some recordings the band (newly named "The Distractions") did the other day in case you want a listen.
They're on MySpace for the moment. I'm not sure if they are allowed to be on there as they are cover versions, so they might disappear, but take a listen if you like:
http://www.myspace.com/thedistractionsbanduk
Enjoy!
C x
Sunday 20 September 2009
Sunday 20th September 2009
Chemo Cycle 4 Day 14
A bit brighter today, both outside and within myself. Gradually regaining some energy after the "down" week.
Managed to go out for lunch yesterday which was a nice change, and managed to eat a reasonable amount without overdoing it and being sick which was also a benefit.
Now that I've got over the slump week, things should be generally upward for a while. It will definitely be interesting to see how things go after this week, with the end of the chemo - into new territory for a while!
Hi to Jeff who posted a comment during the week - how's things? As regular readers will know, this blog seems to be bringing a lot of people out of the woodwork - I last saw/heard from Jeff probably in 1987 when I moved back up North from Guildford. Part of the legendary "Holy Durex!", here taking Guildford Civic Hall by storm back in '86 (Jeff is dressed as Madonna for this one - I think your finest look!) ...
Great to hear from Gill too, from the same era, who contacted me out of the blue recently - things seem to be going well for you - I was thinking of you today whilst watching a bit of the Great North Run coming into South Shields!
Yes, definitely feeling brighter today - even losing to Chelsea, after a shocking mistake by the referee to deny us a penalty altered the course of the game, can't dampen my spirits. I guess I wasn't expecting much from the Chelsea or United games, so hopefully we can pick things up again over the next few matches.
I've been researching a few things to do over the last few days. I haven't made any committments to anything yet, we'll see how the energy goes, but I did find the offer of a trip to the North Pole! You fly to Svalbard (island north of Norway), then get a helicopter up to the Pole. You get an hour or so to run "round the world" then you come back. It's a pointless three-day trip which somehow piqued my interest! I'm sure I'm just humouring myself - probably a bit too much like hard work, especially with the food situation, but I reckon it would be a good laff! One of my best trips in the past was up into the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland, where we ate a lot of reindeer and saw the Northern Lights (I think I mentioned that before - never mind), and I'd love to go back.
I'm really in two minds about travelling again though. I have the opportunity to go to Stockholm and Hamburg in December, both places I have been before and really like, but I'm just not sure I can handle the work when I'm there. This would involve standing on an exhibition booth and walking around large conference centres (no electric scooter for me there!). I'm forever in two minds - half of me wants to just go for it and grin and bear it - I'm good at getting on with things when I put my mind to it - the other half is asking me why I want to put myself through it, when I don't have to. I guess the next few weeks chemo-free will give me my answer. Would need to renew my passport though, and that would mean looking like Kif on my passport photo for the rest of my life! :)
Anyway, enough rambling for now
Col x
A bit brighter today, both outside and within myself. Gradually regaining some energy after the "down" week.
Managed to go out for lunch yesterday which was a nice change, and managed to eat a reasonable amount without overdoing it and being sick which was also a benefit.
Now that I've got over the slump week, things should be generally upward for a while. It will definitely be interesting to see how things go after this week, with the end of the chemo - into new territory for a while!
Hi to Jeff who posted a comment during the week - how's things? As regular readers will know, this blog seems to be bringing a lot of people out of the woodwork - I last saw/heard from Jeff probably in 1987 when I moved back up North from Guildford. Part of the legendary "Holy Durex!", here taking Guildford Civic Hall by storm back in '86 (Jeff is dressed as Madonna for this one - I think your finest look!) ...
Great to hear from Gill too, from the same era, who contacted me out of the blue recently - things seem to be going well for you - I was thinking of you today whilst watching a bit of the Great North Run coming into South Shields!
Yes, definitely feeling brighter today - even losing to Chelsea, after a shocking mistake by the referee to deny us a penalty altered the course of the game, can't dampen my spirits. I guess I wasn't expecting much from the Chelsea or United games, so hopefully we can pick things up again over the next few matches.
I've been researching a few things to do over the last few days. I haven't made any committments to anything yet, we'll see how the energy goes, but I did find the offer of a trip to the North Pole! You fly to Svalbard (island north of Norway), then get a helicopter up to the Pole. You get an hour or so to run "round the world" then you come back. It's a pointless three-day trip which somehow piqued my interest! I'm sure I'm just humouring myself - probably a bit too much like hard work, especially with the food situation, but I reckon it would be a good laff! One of my best trips in the past was up into the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland, where we ate a lot of reindeer and saw the Northern Lights (I think I mentioned that before - never mind), and I'd love to go back.
I'm really in two minds about travelling again though. I have the opportunity to go to Stockholm and Hamburg in December, both places I have been before and really like, but I'm just not sure I can handle the work when I'm there. This would involve standing on an exhibition booth and walking around large conference centres (no electric scooter for me there!). I'm forever in two minds - half of me wants to just go for it and grin and bear it - I'm good at getting on with things when I put my mind to it - the other half is asking me why I want to put myself through it, when I don't have to. I guess the next few weeks chemo-free will give me my answer. Would need to renew my passport though, and that would mean looking like Kif on my passport photo for the rest of my life! :)
Anyway, enough rambling for now
Col x
Thursday 17 September 2009
Thursday 17th September 2009
Chemo Cycle 4 Day 11
Right on track I've hit the wall a bit over the last couple of days. Today I feel really mentally and physically drained all of a sudden. It's amazing how quickly it happens.
I'm really struggling with anything which requires any concentration. I've started playing chess with my neighbour, Ross, and I'm getting whipped at the moment. I used to be pretty good a chess years ago, but I just can't stop making stupid mistakes at the moment due to lack of concentration. I'll keep going, and hopefully I may be able to get back into the game once I'm back into my recovery period!
I had my swirly eyes again on Monday night. Exactly the same symptoms as last time and lasted the same amount of time. It hasn't happened since, so it must just be a side-effect of the chemo.
I'm actually struggling to write this at the moment. I'll try and do another post later this week, but now I think I need to go and lie down for a bit. It's proving to be a hard day! :(
Cheers,
C x
Right on track I've hit the wall a bit over the last couple of days. Today I feel really mentally and physically drained all of a sudden. It's amazing how quickly it happens.
I'm really struggling with anything which requires any concentration. I've started playing chess with my neighbour, Ross, and I'm getting whipped at the moment. I used to be pretty good a chess years ago, but I just can't stop making stupid mistakes at the moment due to lack of concentration. I'll keep going, and hopefully I may be able to get back into the game once I'm back into my recovery period!
I had my swirly eyes again on Monday night. Exactly the same symptoms as last time and lasted the same amount of time. It hasn't happened since, so it must just be a side-effect of the chemo.
I'm actually struggling to write this at the moment. I'll try and do another post later this week, but now I think I need to go and lie down for a bit. It's proving to be a hard day! :(
Cheers,
C x
Saturday 12 September 2009
Saturday 12th September 2009
Hi All,
I've had a really good couple of days - as usual sunshine helps, but I've also had good energy levels and a good appetite.
I braved the Trafford Centre, and had a great trip. I borrowed an electric scooter and had a ball. Unfortunately not fast enough for any wheelies or drifting, but faster than walking and a hoot careering around display racks in department stores.
I managed to get everything I wanted, and I certainly wouldn't have been able to manage carting it all around without the benefit of the scooter, so I'll definitely be using the service again.
It's actually a great feeling to have some clothes that fit. I'm surprised how enlightening it feels to feel normal again instead of constantly being reminded of being ill by dragging around in clothes several sizes too big.
I have to say though, with the bald head and the slim new look, I keep likening myself to Kif from Futurama, although hopefully I won't be going green any time soon!
What do you think ladies?? :) (Actually, Kif gets the best looking girl in Futurama, so I guess there is hope - even though she is from Mars!)
I've just said goodbye to another guitar - that's two more since the double bass. This one didn't do so well in the auction and I lost considerable money, but at least I've made some space! Two more guitars and some amplifiers etc to go now, plus a few other bits and pieces, so slow but steady progress!
I've been making a list today of things to do for fun. I fancy doing some more aerobatics - I've been up a couple of times being flown in loops and spins and had a great time, so I'm thinking of another trip. Maybe a hot air balloon ride too as I've never done that. I'm off Segway riding in a couple of weeks (those two-wheeled things which seem to balance against all the odds. I rode one in Barcelona in 2007, but only on flat surfaces - this time we're going rallying which should be fun - hopefully I've got the stamina required!
I tried to have a drink last night. Whilst I was at the Trafford Centre, I invested in an expensive bottle of Tanquaray Ten gin (my favourite pre-Cancer) to try out a gin and tonic or two. I had a double last night, but as usual the after affect was not to make me feel in any way tipsy, just to knock the energy out of me. I was desperately short of breath for a few minutes after going up the stairs to bed. It really stinks - I'm not sure I want to get drunk, but I could do with gaining the easy calories that booze usually provides, and this is just not doing the trick! I will keep trying occasionally though. Tonight maybe a nice creamy cocktail like a Grasshopper!
Rehearsal with the band tomorrow for the first time in ages - I hope the energy levels keep up. I think they should because the slump doesn't usually start until about the middle of week two so I should be ok. Main issue this weekend will be leg aches, but tramadol is keeping those in track at the moment.
Time to enjoy the sunshine (from the relative safety of the house mind you!)
Cheers,
C x
I've had a really good couple of days - as usual sunshine helps, but I've also had good energy levels and a good appetite.
I braved the Trafford Centre, and had a great trip. I borrowed an electric scooter and had a ball. Unfortunately not fast enough for any wheelies or drifting, but faster than walking and a hoot careering around display racks in department stores.
I managed to get everything I wanted, and I certainly wouldn't have been able to manage carting it all around without the benefit of the scooter, so I'll definitely be using the service again.
It's actually a great feeling to have some clothes that fit. I'm surprised how enlightening it feels to feel normal again instead of constantly being reminded of being ill by dragging around in clothes several sizes too big.
I have to say though, with the bald head and the slim new look, I keep likening myself to Kif from Futurama, although hopefully I won't be going green any time soon!
What do you think ladies?? :) (Actually, Kif gets the best looking girl in Futurama, so I guess there is hope - even though she is from Mars!)
I've just said goodbye to another guitar - that's two more since the double bass. This one didn't do so well in the auction and I lost considerable money, but at least I've made some space! Two more guitars and some amplifiers etc to go now, plus a few other bits and pieces, so slow but steady progress!
I've been making a list today of things to do for fun. I fancy doing some more aerobatics - I've been up a couple of times being flown in loops and spins and had a great time, so I'm thinking of another trip. Maybe a hot air balloon ride too as I've never done that. I'm off Segway riding in a couple of weeks (those two-wheeled things which seem to balance against all the odds. I rode one in Barcelona in 2007, but only on flat surfaces - this time we're going rallying which should be fun - hopefully I've got the stamina required!
I tried to have a drink last night. Whilst I was at the Trafford Centre, I invested in an expensive bottle of Tanquaray Ten gin (my favourite pre-Cancer) to try out a gin and tonic or two. I had a double last night, but as usual the after affect was not to make me feel in any way tipsy, just to knock the energy out of me. I was desperately short of breath for a few minutes after going up the stairs to bed. It really stinks - I'm not sure I want to get drunk, but I could do with gaining the easy calories that booze usually provides, and this is just not doing the trick! I will keep trying occasionally though. Tonight maybe a nice creamy cocktail like a Grasshopper!
Rehearsal with the band tomorrow for the first time in ages - I hope the energy levels keep up. I think they should because the slump doesn't usually start until about the middle of week two so I should be ok. Main issue this weekend will be leg aches, but tramadol is keeping those in track at the moment.
Time to enjoy the sunshine (from the relative safety of the house mind you!)
Cheers,
C x
Thursday 10 September 2009
Thursday 10th September 2009
Hi All,
Had my last dose of chemo for a while on Monday. For some reason there was a delay in getting the drugs up from the pharmacy, so it was a long day in the hospital - I was there at 9 for my consultant appointment, then the treatment didn't finish until 6pm. Still, that's all done now.
Due to my increased tiredness, my consultant has reduced the chemo dose back to where it was for the first cycle, so hopefully that will help. I won't know for a while as I'm still experiencing the energy boost form the initial high steroid dose, but we'll see next week when the dose reduces and I get my traditional slump.
We discussed what will happen after this cycle of chemo, and it seems I will have another CT scan (yet to be arranged) sometime in the couple of weeks after the cycle finishes. I then have another consultant appointment on the 20th Oct. After this I will probably be left to it for at least a couple of months and then probably another scan to see how the tumours are responding "post-chemo".
It is then likely that I won't have regular scans, it will just be a case of managing symptoms - they may scan me again if anything shows up phsyically - pain etc, but they won't do it as a matter of course.
I guess it is the scan after next which will prove to be the next important milestone - the true unknown of whether the chemo will hold the growth at bay or at least slow it down for a while, or whether it just comes back aggressively as soon as the chemo stops - it may be after Christmas before I find this out though - more waiting! :(
That's all for now, except for "well done England!"
Cheers,
Colin.
Had my last dose of chemo for a while on Monday. For some reason there was a delay in getting the drugs up from the pharmacy, so it was a long day in the hospital - I was there at 9 for my consultant appointment, then the treatment didn't finish until 6pm. Still, that's all done now.
Due to my increased tiredness, my consultant has reduced the chemo dose back to where it was for the first cycle, so hopefully that will help. I won't know for a while as I'm still experiencing the energy boost form the initial high steroid dose, but we'll see next week when the dose reduces and I get my traditional slump.
We discussed what will happen after this cycle of chemo, and it seems I will have another CT scan (yet to be arranged) sometime in the couple of weeks after the cycle finishes. I then have another consultant appointment on the 20th Oct. After this I will probably be left to it for at least a couple of months and then probably another scan to see how the tumours are responding "post-chemo".
It is then likely that I won't have regular scans, it will just be a case of managing symptoms - they may scan me again if anything shows up phsyically - pain etc, but they won't do it as a matter of course.
I guess it is the scan after next which will prove to be the next important milestone - the true unknown of whether the chemo will hold the growth at bay or at least slow it down for a while, or whether it just comes back aggressively as soon as the chemo stops - it may be after Christmas before I find this out though - more waiting! :(
That's all for now, except for "well done England!"
Cheers,
Colin.
Saturday 5 September 2009
Saturday 5th September 2009
Chemo Cycle 3 Day 19
Not much to report again this week. I think I have a little more energy than last week, but not as much as I'd like. I think the cumulative effect of the chemo might be starting to take hold, but thankfully I only have one cycle left before I get a bit of a rest to see how things level out.
I'm in hospital again first thing Monday for my consultant appointment followed by my last chemo session. Mixed feelings as I'm looking forward to being chemo-free after this cycle, but also nervous of what my post-chemo future holds.
Unfortunately my chemo session means that I can't get down South this weekend for Steve's gig at the Boileroom in Guildford, but I hope all of you who are going along have a good night and see him off back to Oz with a bang! Anyone who doesn't know about the gig and fancies a splendid night out, go along and take a punt. Well worth it! http://www.theboileroom.net/
Went out to the shops today to try and get some clothes that fit. I didn't manage to find anything I liked, but I did find out that I am now an easy 32" waist rather than the tight 36" I was when I went into hospital for surgery! I've also lost about 6" from my chest, which means that I need a complete new wardrobe fairly urgently! I will probably go to the Trafford Centre, the big mall in Manchester sometime over the next week or so. I'm concerned that I won't be able to walk around the place as it's just too large and I don't have the energy, so I'm contemplating going to the mobility centre on site and getting one of those electric scooters for the day. That will be a bit of a shock - admitting to, and giving in to my invalid status, but should also be a laugh careering around the place like one of those out of control old women! :)
I'll leave you with that thought ...
Cheers,
Colin.
Not much to report again this week. I think I have a little more energy than last week, but not as much as I'd like. I think the cumulative effect of the chemo might be starting to take hold, but thankfully I only have one cycle left before I get a bit of a rest to see how things level out.
I'm in hospital again first thing Monday for my consultant appointment followed by my last chemo session. Mixed feelings as I'm looking forward to being chemo-free after this cycle, but also nervous of what my post-chemo future holds.
Unfortunately my chemo session means that I can't get down South this weekend for Steve's gig at the Boileroom in Guildford, but I hope all of you who are going along have a good night and see him off back to Oz with a bang! Anyone who doesn't know about the gig and fancies a splendid night out, go along and take a punt. Well worth it! http://www.theboileroom.net/
Went out to the shops today to try and get some clothes that fit. I didn't manage to find anything I liked, but I did find out that I am now an easy 32" waist rather than the tight 36" I was when I went into hospital for surgery! I've also lost about 6" from my chest, which means that I need a complete new wardrobe fairly urgently! I will probably go to the Trafford Centre, the big mall in Manchester sometime over the next week or so. I'm concerned that I won't be able to walk around the place as it's just too large and I don't have the energy, so I'm contemplating going to the mobility centre on site and getting one of those electric scooters for the day. That will be a bit of a shock - admitting to, and giving in to my invalid status, but should also be a laugh careering around the place like one of those out of control old women! :)
I'll leave you with that thought ...
Cheers,
Colin.
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