Chemo round 2 compete.

The second round of chemo means I’m halfway through the first treatment! Due to the public holiday in the ACT on Monday, I had my chemo yesterday. For the days leading up to the dose, I felt surprisingly well and back to my old self. We got out of the house most days for a walk and some fresh air which has been really nice. But with this next dose of chemo on board I think that’s about to change for the next week. I’m hoping the recovery time is speedy.

I’ve been trying to think of the best way to describe my symptoms after the last chemo and it basically feels like a bad hangover (nausea, headache, brain fog, light sensitivity). I haven’t had too much joint pain which is a bonus. Let’s see what the next round has in store for me. 

We saw the oncologist for a check-up today and he was pleased with the way I’ve responded to the treatment so far. He remains confident in the plan ahead, which will see me complete four rounds of this treatment by mid-November and then move onto the next treatment for the following four months. He expects that my energy levels will be in steady decline over the coming months, and the risk of infection will be a constant concern. All of the other side-effects are likely to remain as they are. 

My mum arrived from Tassie on Friday which has been awesome. The girls are besotted, especially after being locked down with Mum and Dad for so long. It’s definitely created some excitement in our household which has been lovely. Not to mention the extra help Mum is providing. 

My port-a-cath surgery is locked in for next week on 13th of October. This will mean I no longer have to have cannulas in my hand/arm and it will be easier to receive my treatments from here on in. It comes with added risk to infection, but I think it’s a risk worth taking in the long run.

Although I haven’t yet lost my hair completely, it’s certainly starting to fall out. Chris tried his hand at hair styling and gave me a haircut in our living room. I was a bit concerned that it took him about two minutes, but somehow it turned out OK.

Thank you to our awesome friends and family for your continued messages of support, care packages, donations and food deliveries. We are so grateful and quite literally blown away by everyone’s generosity. Thank you!