Happy new....maybe not!

Since my last chemical infusion I have simply been unable to shake off the dizzy spells and the breathlessness that appears at the same time. It's been a consistent and constant side effect of my experience, from about week 5, whilst undergoing this body-battering treatment. Along with nausea.

The re-balancing of my thyroid gland has definitely helped but only to the extent that the dizzyness is not as severe as it was. But it still causes me problems, and when added to the intense nausea I endure immediately following any treatment, I have to admit that I have not been a happy bunny !!

Christmas was written off. Not a big deal because I really felt rotten and frankly would have been dreadful company. My family were very understanding. My plans for New Year (dancing, singing, drinking, eating - oh sure) were also written off as I was invited back to the hospital on 30th December when feeling decidedly off kilter.

Tests showed a ridiculously low blood pressure, full blown anaemia, low haemoglobin, low cortisol and a very low sense of humour! An ECG, and a chest Xray showed lungs and heart were working OK, but it was clear that I was struggling so for the first time I was admitted to one of the wards for further examination and treatment.

This is not what I wanted. The wards are full of very sick people and that was not me. My 'not a happy bunny' state of mind was being tested further.

The hard-working and very delightful nurses and doctors took more blood, even more tests and decided on day two that my body was not going to recover on its own, so a blood transfusion was ordered. This should, in theory, bring all my previous mentioned low readings up to normal or at least to a level where my physical symptoms were reduced.

I asked the nurses how they were going to add over a pint of blood to my already full body without it leaking out but I think they thought I was just joking with them so I didn't get a proper answer. I spent the first 3 hours of the transfusion checking my orifices for leakage! I am pleased to stay it all stayed within my body.

The next day and before the second transfusion was started I already felt better. After the second transfusion I was allowed home with a promise to call the emergency number immediately if this, if that, if the other happened.

Nothing untoward happened. I went to bed and next morning awoke to a refreshing feeling of dizzy-free movements and lung clearing breathing.

Good job guys. It worked.

In the meantime, I have had a meeting with my Consultant. He apologised for trying to kill me (No he didn't) although I am determined to get him to consider an apology.

We have two more treatments in this series (this week and 1st February) and he is reducing the strength of the chemo and has given me stronger tablets for the nausea. Immunotherapy continues.

We are both hopeful that when my latest bloods come back they will show my whole body is stronger and therefore more capable of finishing the course.

In the meantime, I have a date for surgery in March, and numerous other appointments including an MRI to hunt the tumour, a test on my pituitary to make sure it's still working and a pre-op assessment to talk through what surgery may entail and what it means.

We are in the closing phase of stage one. It's not over by any means. Following surgery there is further treatment but we'll deal with that step when it's closer.

In the meantime, I have not been dizzy or breathless for 9 days.

That's a win....!