brettscancerjourney

I think I indicated earlier that one of the side effects of the chemo is a temporary effect on the bone marrow . The bone marrow makes blood cells and a drop in its function can cause issues including having to postpone treatments. The effect is monitored by regular blood tests (weekly before my reviews). I will have a further blood test prior to my next chemo in three weeks time and these results will dictate any changes to the treatment.  

Listed below are the aspects of most interest, together with my readings from my blood test on 23 Feb 09:

•     Haemoglobin                                   154
•     White Cell Count                              5.50
•     Platelet Count Blood                          229
•     Neutrophils Absolute                         3.16
•     Creatinine Plasma V1                          77

Today is my first Chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy refers to the use of special drugs to treat cancer. It comes from the combing of the words chemical and therapy Chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to kill cancer cells. My prescribed drug, as indicated earlier, is Cisplatin.

 I was to be at the hospital by 0730 for an 0800 start, but being ex-military you are always suppose to be anywhere 10 minutes before you are supposed to start so at 0715 I checked into reception and took my seat.  To cut along story short I was still sitting around waiting at 1000 when I was summoned to see yet another Resident to go over my file.  When I explained I had been through all this on Monday and my treatment was put off due to the delay in radiation the Resident apologised and I went back outside to sit and wait.  As a side note there were no beds available in the ward for an overnight stay so I was to recieve my treament over two days at "fractional doses"

After about 10 minutes I was called to the treatment area.

I was placed in Treatment Bay 1 which contained three beds and four remote controlled chairs with leg rest and adjustable back and head rest. All the chairs and beds were occupied and I was told this was pretty standard,  infact the Hospital was looking to expand it's facilities to meet the demand.  From my recon there seemed to be about 6 treament bays all set out in a similar way.

I was told the procedure would take about 4.5 to 5 hours (no wonder they make you comfortable).

•     The procedure started with an anti nausea tablet Emend 125mg, this is given an hour before the chemo drug. I was also given two of these tablets (80mg) to take at home over the next two days (one before my treatment tomorrow)
•      I then had a cannula fitted (small tube into the vein) and connected to 1000ml of Normal Saline (given over 60 minutes) to ensure my kidneys were flushed.  I needed to through a post hydrantion procedure (have a pee) a few times during this hour so luckily the toilets were close at hand.  In fact a number of the patients were in post hydration so there was an endless stream (pun intended) passing by.  As indicated earlier Cisplatin can cause damage to the kidneys so flushing of the kidneys is important not only as part of the procedure but also over the following couple of days
•     Dexamethasun 6ml (slow IV) was then added to the line as a further anti nausea measure
•      Granisetron 3mg was the added to the line as a further anti nausea measure.
•     Cisplatin 105mg + Potasium 1000ml over 60 minutes was then administered via the cannula line
•     Once the Cisplatin has been administered a further 1000ml of Normal Saline was administered over 60 minutes to continue to flush the kidneys

The procedure took just on 4 hours. I felt fine throughout. As I stated above luckily my chair was close to the unisex toilets because there was a lot of fluid to be passed. There was quite a procession of men and women (of all ages) heading into the toilets wheeling their trolley with the bags of medication attached. Snacks were provided (a nice touch) sandwiches, juice coffee and fruit,  about all I felt like really. I spent the time reading magazines, my university text books and watching a little TV.  H is always there with me going through it all by my side. She is great company and I love her to bits.

Driving home after the chemo I was feeling fine although a little light headed.  I had my first Radiation to look forward to tonight.

Start of Radiation

H & I arrived at 1855 for a 1910 appointment and received my appoint schedule for the next day (1615).  We sat down in the waiting room and around us were half completed jigsaws, a copious amount of magazines and a TV.  At the appointed time one of the staff from the treatment area came to collect me.  The process went like this:

•     A brief explanation of the process was given by a member of staff
•     I was then taken into the treatment room and some more measurements were taken using an x-ray device
•     The radiation therapy (using a Linear Accelerator) was then given. I did not feel anything. The radio therapy treatment device revolved around me as a lay perfectly still locked in my mask. The device whirrs and a couple of light come on in the room when it is active. The ceiling is painted dark grey with lights embedded that twinkle like stars. A nice touch.
•     Then it was over, about twenty five minutes altogether, but they explained that today was a bit longer than usual because of the x-rays so as to double and triple check.

Day one was over and I was feeling none the worse for wear, lets see how day two unfolds.