Chemo 2 - dose one

Hi

You will see from my title that I made up my mind to go with Chemo. The one I am on is called Iranitecan.  I have it from a drip into a canula, and they will give me just that one for 3 sessions, then moving into adding a stronger and longer dose of 5FU if I can tolderate it and want it.

I decided to go with it partly because of all the people I mentioned the idea of opting out, only one said he thought I should. His wife died just after finishing chemo, and had a bad experience with the drugs. But that ws 25 years ago and things are much improved now But the main motivation was that my doctor said my chances of living years (plural) were not realistic.  So I took that as a challenge and shall do my best to live until October 2025.

The worst part of the chemo was the nurses trying my very cold hands to get the blood to flow sufficiently to let the needle in. Last time they put m7y hand in hot water for 10 minutes but that isw now not allowed due to the risk of health and safety Three of them had tries. One nurse can only try twice. And on the 6th go, it worked.  That wasted a good half hour or so . They also fave a pre drug of antinausea and steroids, which worked well to make me feel postive and well 

The drug goes through the drip for 90 minutes, and then a 15 min wash out with saline. Then I  was sent home with more steriods and aniti naurea medicine which did what it was supposed to do.  I have trouble getting to sleep due to the steriods, but no other problems, so far  Those drugs are stopped now, although I have some I can take if  have more problems over the next two weeks. The treatment is for every other Friday with Blood tests and check ups with the oncologist two days before each session.

I particular enjoyed talking to the two women next to me.  One had lost her hair, and was wearing a cap, but her hair was about an inch long, and I would have been happy to be seen bare headed if I were she.  She is on a very similar regime to mine so will probably see her at each session and she says she can cope with the second drug OK, although it means a 48 hour imput session at home of the new drug through a line  in your shoulder. But she was postive and very encouraging. She was only in her late 50's but with lots of cancer behind her.  

The other lady was 82 and had the full treatment that I am haiing and is now on a 6 week dose of a drug that helps to keep her cancer away, and has no side effects at all  She was very positive about every thing..  

My daughter was with me for 3 days but has gone home now.  I feel fine and actually better than before I started on the drug, but probbly that is the steroid so may not last. 

I am so happy I went with the brave decision. Thanks for your support.