Update: May 2023
Hi everyone –
Something that I had always dreaded is done … and it wasn't
so bad!
I have no hair.
It started falling out, in ones and twos and then more,
yesterday and during the night. By this morning, it felt like it wasn't really
part of me any more. I had an agreement with our wonderful hairdresser that,
when the time came, I would go there for her to shave it off. So that's what we
did.
Still getting used to this. I'll share a photo when I'm more
adept at using hats and head covers. (I'm not doing the literally bareheaded
look.) In the mean time, here's a "before" photo – by Gail – of
Muizenberg, a rainbow and me, when we went there briefly this morning and I
walked a little.
Lots of love to all of you 🌹❤️
5
May 2023
Just thought I'd share my first try-out.
9
May 2023
Hi
everyone –
Today
is my second chemo treatment.
My
blood counts (which were done as soon as I arrived at the hospital this
morning) show that I am ready for it.
I'm
now on my assigned bed in the haematology day ward (which is part of the
overall ward that contains “my” room with a view), waiting my turn for them to
start the chemo. Once that is done, the drip will be in for about 6 hours. This
is the process that I mostly slept through, three weeks ago! It seems that they
include something to make one drowsy. But if I don't sleep, I'll read.
And
so Cycle 2 begins ...
Lots
of love to all of you 🌹❤️
I
slept through most of it.
11 May
2023
Hi
everyone, on Day 3 of Cycle 2.
Thanks
for all your encouragement and support!
Today
is a duvet day, helped along by cold, wet weather (and often being pinned down
by Layla). Compared to this day last time, I'm doing really, really well! No
major pain, and once again the anti-nausea meds have me well covered. Just
tired, and needing this rest.
Yesterday,
after a rather wobbly start, I went for the usual Day 2 injection at the hospital,
and then the steroids kicked in and Gail and I did some shopping – my first
time in forever! I think I overdid it a bit, but no regrets in the end – just
extra rest, now.
I
sometimes joke with the haematology people that they're trying to change my
DNA! But actually, as I was reminded by someone close to me today, Paracelsus
said: “What is there that is not poison? All things are poison and nothing is
without poison. Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a
poison.” Which is exactly why I have to have cycle after cycle, to make
sure the dose is right each time. And so we go on.
Lots
of love to all of you 🌹❤️
15 May 2023
Hi
everyone - I've just been for my Day 7 check-in at the Haematology unit.
(Photo:
some sort of proteas at the entrance to the hospital.)
In
general, they're happy with how I'm doing, although my haemoglobin is a little
low so I'll be going there again on Wednesday to see whether it's gone up or
whether I need a transfusion (this is all quite normal at this stage - nothing
to worry about).
I'm
now in the quarantine week, so no visitors at the moment (it's a bit
paradoxical that I'll be allowed to walk around in the hospital in two days'
time, but anyway ...).
Lots
of love, always 🌹❤️
Hi
again - I went for the extra check at the hospital, and I don't need a
transfusion. So I just need to keep safe at home.
It's the kind of day to stay cosy inside (the sunny photo is from the hospital entrance, a few days ago).
Here's hoping you're all keeping warm or cool (depending on which hemisphere you're in)!
Lots
of love 🌹❤️
24 May
Hi
everyone - just letting you know that I continue to do well.
Here's
the link to some photos from Muizenberg (Gail and Neria trotted; I ambled) on
Wednesday before the current cold snap.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wFoN2dsFeTsko79j7
Lots
of love to all of you. 🌹❤️
30 May
Hi
everyone!
Today
is chemo day - Cycle 3. It's a real duvet day in Cape Town! Conducive to
snuggling up and letting it all happen.
Once
again, I'm sitting in bed in the day ward, waiting for my turn to be hooked up
(there are still several people before me). Today's blood counts show that I'm
ready for the chemo, and at the same time my haemoglobin level is being
monitored - it's possible that I will be admitted for a transfusion when I
return for my Day 2 injection tomorrow.
I
have continued to feel well and to have some energy - Gail and I even managed
to do some of the unpacking from our move, which had been interrupted by my
health crisis!
Lots
of love to all of you, as always. 🌹❤️
31 May
Thanks
for all the lovely messages of support after yesterday's message!
How
it went (long story alert, but no major issues):
Well,
that was a little different from expectations!
My
turn came very late, and then it turned out that I had (unwittingly) not quite
obeyed protocol, so I had to take a short walk with my first drip to the
hospital's main reception to check in formally and get my hospital stickers,
which also involved waiting my turn. (I think I must draw a flowchart for
myself, for next time!) This added some time to the process.
When
Danie popped in while the chemo was in progress, he told me that he'd decided
that I should have a blood transfusion today. What with the lateness of the
chemo (which ended after 8pm), the decision about the transfusion, and the fact
that it was a particularly cold and wet evening, the nursing sisters offered
that I could simply stay put and sleep over in the day ward. I eventually
decided to do that, and slept in my clothes as I had left my overnight bag in
Gail's car (we'd thought I wouldn't need it). She even offered to bring it, but
I dissuaded her from driving around in that weather!
I
also had no more charge in my cellphone, so it switched itself off.
This
morning, we were able to start the transfusion early, as I was now first in the
queue.
Gail
visited with my charger and a few other things that I needed, and this
afternoon she'll fetch me to go home.
I'm
still feeling fine - hope it lasts!
Lots
of love 🌹❤️
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