Back on the cycle...

I did think when the Cycles changed from weekly to every 3 weeks that my visits to the hospital would also diminish. But I have been 4 times in the last 5 days.....again principally because of the side effects.

Generally, all is looking better. I had my 3 weekly consultation and my bloods and potassium have not improved but I know that I feel much better so neither of us are particularly worried about it. We are just keeping a watchful eye and I will continue taking the tablets.

The Doc is satisfied that I have recovered enough to go back on the immunotherapy so that was my treatment on Thursday.

I cannot say that I was not anxious about it, but I also recognise that my grade and type of cancer needs this treatment. Chemo on it's own is simply not as successful.

I hope that my new found energy, along with the new tablet regime, helps to stop the immuno attacking more than just the cancer and leaves the rest of my organs alone.

I am off nearly all of the steroids which means my weight has stopped increasing. Now I can only hope my metabolism kicks in and helps to balance my weight out. I still look like a buddha facially and on my rounded, bloated belly.

I am trying to eat well, even when food is the last thing on my mind. Fruit is one of the go-to's, but my taste buds keep changing. One week I can tuck into say, grapes. The next absolutely not. Which is what happened this week.

Now I can normally shrug off this sudden distaste of certain foods but being put off grapes....? If I cannot eat grapes, what does that mean about the reason they are grown....for wine?????? This is clearly something to worry about.

I have also undergone an echocardiogram this week to clear up further questions regarding my breathing issues. We know my lungs are clear but my pulse rate is still high, as is my blood pressure. This may still be as a result of my low blood count, anaemia, thyroid et al but the Medics need to be cautious and felt a heart scan was a necessity. Chemo and immunotherapy can affect the heart valves too, another reason to do the scan. Results in a week or so.

I watched the screen during some of the scan. It's similar to having a baby scan (not that I have had one). Lots of jelly, a bit of pressure and lots of grainy pictures and heart beats. I can tell you now that I am an expert, that I am having a boy and a girl and something that looks like the child of ET and Alien!!

Nothing to worry about then....

ps...Given the time of year I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all the messages, the consistent and constant support with drivers, food, telephone calls, offers of help and general all round love. I am overwhelmed by the support.

I wish you all a Christmas full of love and joy and a very healthy and happy new year.

Mwah x