14. First Chemo

The day before the chemo they started me on Steroids, this is to help reduce chances of any reactions to the drugs. I had to take them for 3 days. The down side to the Steroids is they made me wired, I was buzzing! So I didn’t really sleep well that night.

The morning of the 1st February came around so quickly. Wasn’t really sure what to expect, I tried googling it but you don’t really get a full picture as everyone’s chemo is very different.

My appointment was 11:30am, so I got up like I would on any normal day, got ready and packed my bag.

The night before I downloaded films on my iPad, found out my headphone, got some crochet ready and found some chocolate…this all went in my bag. Some people also pack a blanket as you might get cold sat for a while. But my crochet was my blanket!

With my bag ready, Dan drove me to Yeovil. The Oncology Ward has been moved to the old St Margaret’s Hospice Building in Yeovil to help protect against Covid.

Dan dropped me off at the front of the building and drove off, due to the stupid pandemic I cannot have anyone come in with me. I went to the front desk, gave my name and took a seat in the waiting area.

One of the Macmillan Nurses came and collected and we went to one of the ward rooms.

The room was very light and airy with big windows looking out to a nice garden. It had 4 big purple chairs in the room spaced out nicely and it had a small bathroom in the corner.

They sat me down in the chair next to the window, I popped my stuff down next to me. It took a little while to set up, get my notes up on the computer, get the drugs needed and flush my PICC Line.

The drugs I was having today are Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide, try saying that 3 times fast!

Before anything they gave me a sickness tablet to try help any nausea, if you get any.

They then hooked me up to the drugs via my PICC line and a pump/machine. The first one is Docetaxel, they dilute the drug with saline. I wasn’t sure what % they started me on as I wasn’t really paying attention. They just kept saying to me if you feel unwell in any way give them a shout.

I set my table up with my iPad and started watching a program, 10-15mins into the treatment I started getting a feeling of indigestion and slight light headedness. The nurses are always about so I just told them how I was feeling.

They stopped the drip and gave me some antihistamines and waiting 30mins for the symptoms to pass. The drip was started again after it all calmed down. The nurse started the drip again.

A volunteer came round taking my lunch order, I chose a Tuna Sandwich and a slice of Lemon Drizzle cake, which both were lovely!

After about 2 hours all the Docetaxel was gone, so onto the Cyclophosphamide. No issues with that one so that was done and dusted in 30mins.

I gave Dan a heads up and he came and picked me up.

The day itself was quite easy, all the nurses were very nice and attentive. The chair was comfy and I didn't need a blanket in the end!

Once I got home I was feeling very sleepy as I didn’t sleep very well the night before so I went to have a lay down. I woke up after an hours nap feeling a bit crap. My chest was tight and my breathing was laboured. Any time I laid down it got worse. I was told the nurses that if I feel ill anytime to ring the cancer helpline, I was not to solider on! This is quite hard for me to do, not solider on, as suffering with Fibromyalgia you do that every day!

It got to about 8:30pm and I wasn’t feeling any better so I called the number. They told me to ring 999 and get an ambulance out to see me. So I rang for one and got dressed ready.

4 hours passed and nothing had arrived, I still felt funny but I couldn’t stay awake much longer so I called 999 again to say not to worry, I will sleep it off and see how I feel the following day. They said, no I would need to be seen by someone that evening, so they suggested I go to A&E myself. Its gone midnight by now. Dan and I got our coats on and headed to Yeovil A&E.

You get given a special card at the moment when you are having chemo, so anytime you do need to visit A&E for any reason you are dealt with quickly and isolated from others to reduce the risk of covid.

So once I got to A&E, they take your temperature at the door and ask you the reason for you visit, I explained everything and showed them my card. Luckily it was quiet so I was brought right through into my own room to be looked at.

I had bloods taken and was hooked up for heart rate, blood pressure and O2 levels. I also had an EGC, all this took about 3 hours, I felt so bad for Dan sitting in the car waiting for me.

The results all looked ok, so they could only really put it down to a reaction to the chemo. They gave me some antihistamines, checked my vitals again and then sent me back home, I just had to keep dosed up on antihistamines for a few days. The arranged for me to come back for some more checks on Wednesday.

Once home we both collapsed in bed. Sleep…..