We made it to school in reasonably good shape, this morning. Martha and I gave her antibiotics to her teacher. She was feeling tired, but was in good spirits.
I went to the chemist to collect the rest of her prescription. It was split into two separate amounts, because it has to be kept in the fridge for less than a week. I usually get given two bottles and instruction on how to make the second bottle.
I went into Quality Save to buy a birthday card, but couldn't remember why I was in the shop. I had to walk around until I remembered the purpose of my visit. I have to say, that this is very frightening. I was very relieved when I saw the display of cards, and recalled what I was doing there.
I talked to my Macmillan nurse about this, because I have noticed a decline in my memory. I hope he is correct when he says that it will be partly caused by chemotherapy, and that my memory will improve again.
I have learned that chemotherapy is not a breeze! We talked through my preparation for the next phase. Over the next couple of weeks, I have to rebuild my fitness. I am likely to be ill again after each five day course. I am not looking forward to this at all! My next phase begins on 11th December (11/12/13 - an excellent date! This can never happen again) .
I started chemo on 14/11 and I become ill on 16/11. I stop taking chemo on 18th. I start to recover on 21/11,
Next month (if it is the same pattern): start chemo on 12/12, become ill on 14/12. Stop taking chemo on 16th. Recover on 19/12.
Steroids - I am so nearly there! I am not quite through my "dip"; my left eye remains swollen. In a few days, I hope to start taking one quarter milligram on alternate days. The next step after that will be to stop completely. I have to plan this into my chemo programme, so that I don't get a clash of steroid and chemotherapy side effects.
I can't get my head around integrating steroid reduction with chemo programme - I will continue this tomorrow. I would dearly love to be free of steroids through the Christmas holiday. Also, if I follow the same pattern, I will be ill through the end of term.
Have a good week
loads of love
Sarah xxxx
