"So, how are you getting on?"

Its funny how every round of chemo can be so different.  I thought that I had worked out my side affects and good/bad days during the last round, but this time things have been really different.  I'm not sure if it was due to me having in through the cannula in my hand.  When I spoke to one of the nurses about this she did seem to agree that this could have caused my side affects to build slowly and last longer, as having it through a PICC line is like a waterfall through your body, whereas having it go through a smaller vein means its more like a slow trickle.  I did feel quite well straight after the chemo this time, but I've realised that was due to the steroids which I am given to counteract the sickness that happens with the chemo.  During the end of the first week and the second week the tingling in my fingers and toes was quite bad, as was the tingling in my throat when I had anything cold; so no cold drinks or ice-cream for me! 

The tingling has improved over this third week; but I have developed other side effects! On Friday I developed a rash all over my face, upper back and hands.  This got progressively worse through out the day and I was planning on going to get it checked out in the morning; but it got to a level where I could not take it anymore and you could see it spreading up my face.  I then decided to call the out of hours Doctors service; they listened to my symptoms and decided to send someone out to see me rather than risk going to a waiting room full of germs!  Luckily the doctor thought it was a reaction to the chemo, so he checked everything just in case and gave me some anti-histamines.  This did the trick and stopped the rash getting worse, although I am left with skin like a snake on my face! Lovely!

I've also developed the sore mouth and ulcers which I had during the first round but escaped during the second round.  I'm using the mouthwash prescribed for me and that does help a little bit, but it is so painful when I swallow.  I have also had a bit of a cold this week, and this has completely knocked me for six! I slept most of yesterday and from 7pm to 8am!! So i did feel much better this morning.

So I am looking forward to the Easter weekend before the fourth round on Tuesday - I will be half way through then!!

Much Love Cx