Blog 41 Wednesday 28th September 2011
Nurse at Home service today to flush the Porta Cath through this is to be done every week for the first four weeks prior to chemo as the device is newly fitted. I have been given some Anesthetics cream (EMLA) for use one hour prior to any use of the Porta Cath. EMLA (an abbreviation for Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics).and contains [1]Lidocaine/prilocaine is a mixture of equal quantities (by weight) of lidocaine and prilocaine. It didn't seem to work as I could still feel the needle go through. The Porta Cath was flushed with saline and the nurse tried to draw blood. It also didn't work but she said it was fine as the device had taken the saline ok. I hope I don't get a problem when they come to take the blood tests next week. Busy week next week appointments with Dr Macmillan (Oncologist) in Northampton, Mr El-Rabaa colorectal surgeon in Kettering. Blood Monday and Chemo Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday...............bring it on....................
Blog 40 Tuesday 27th September 2011
If Wendy can do it anyone can!!!!!!
Wendy has sent off for a pack to run a Half Kilomathon being organised by Bowel Cancer UK. The Kilomathon is being held in March 2012. You can either run the Kilomathon (26.2K) or Half Kilomathon (13.1K) This takes place in Derby in March 2012 and Edinburgh in April 2012.
A few years ago Wendy ran in the “Race for life” for breast cancer in memory of her very close school friend Caroline from South Africa.
In return for a charity place Bowel Cancer UK asks you to try and raise:
Kilomathon: minimum sponsorship £300 (registration fee £25)
Half Kilomathon: minimum sponsorship £200 (registration fee £25)
You get a fundraising pack and running vest to get you started!!!!
Wendy has sent off for a pack to run a Half Kilomathon being organised by Bowel Cancer UK. The Kilomathon is being held in March 2012. You can either run the Kilomathon (26.2K) or Half Kilomathon (13.1K) This takes place in Derby in March 2012 and Edinburgh in April 2012.
A few years ago Wendy ran in the “Race for life” for breast cancer in memory of her very close school friend Caroline from South Africa.
In return for a charity place Bowel Cancer UK asks you to try and raise:
Kilomathon: minimum sponsorship £300 (registration fee £25)
Half Kilomathon: minimum sponsorship £200 (registration fee £25)
You get a fundraising pack and running vest to get you started!!!!
Tel: 020 7386 4006
Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Bowel Cancer Advisory Service: freephone 0800 8 40 35 40
Come on guys get your trainers on !!
Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Bowel Cancer Advisory Service: freephone 0800 8 40 35 40
Blog 39 Saturday 24th September 2011
I have been feeling extremely unwell over the last two days. lack of sleep during the Chemo session became a big problem and hit me on Thursday and Friday. I had to ask for something and the doctor gave me some Temazepam It sure knocked me out, and allowed for a complete nights sleep. My nurse has told me to avoid sleeping tablets if possible. I will probably use the Temazepam during the chemo sessions if needed, it may make the daytime more bearable. Obviously the steroids prescribed to give me energy are doing just that but at the wrong times. Today we went to Rockingham Castle local country fayre and felt I had to sit down through breathlessness whilst simply walking. Luckily Hope was making a corn dolly at one of the craft stalls, it was great to watch her do this craft. I couldn't even bring myself to have a pint of the real ale on offer !! in the beer tent. This first session has really knocked me for six. Next week, I have a break from the chemo but will still be getting a visit from the nurse on Thursday to flush the Porta Cath through, ready for the next session...... One down ........Eleven to go..............
Blog 38 Thursday 22nd September 2011 - Chemotherapy Day Three - Session 1
Now it hits! Feeling nauseaus inspite of anti sickness drugs. Couldnt sleep, the IV was getting wrapped around my neck at one stage. Just generally larthargic and feeling like C**P ! The IV is to be removed today by the 'nurse at home service' but not until tonight at about 5pm. I have noticed that the surgery for the Porta Cath fitted into my chest to take the chemo drugs has started to become inflamed. If this gets to a stage of being infected, I must go back to Hospital for strong anti-biotics. I am feeling tired during the day but must not sleep. Take the dog out.......... Go to Morrisons food shopping, and I have an annual eye out patient appointment at Kettering Hospital. All the above finished, Its still only 2.30pm and I cant wait until 5.30pm.
This is only the first of 12 Chemo sessions, every two weeks until next March !!!! Mentally I'm sure this is going to test me and family but staying positive of how the drugs are killing the Cancer will overcome any anxiety I may get.
The Porta Cath must be purged every week for the first four weeks and his is destined for next week Wednesday then Bloods the following Monday and it all starts again. The nurse has turned up on time and very quickly removes the IV and checks the Ports Cath, thankfully its not infected, just a small trauma from the drugs on new scars.
This is only the first of 12 Chemo sessions, every two weeks until next March !!!! Mentally I'm sure this is going to test me and family but staying positive of how the drugs are killing the Cancer will overcome any anxiety I may get.
The Porta Cath must be purged every week for the first four weeks and his is destined for next week Wednesday then Bloods the following Monday and it all starts again. The nurse has turned up on time and very quickly removes the IV and checks the Ports Cath, thankfully its not infected, just a small trauma from the drugs on new scars.
Blog 37 Wednesday 21st September 2011 - Chemotherapy Day Two
I did not sleep well at all last night. The tube for the Flourouracil Folfuser is not really long enough, so it ended up under my pillow This picture is showing the Folfusor in place for 48 hours
Folfusor 4800mg in 110ml Sodium Chloride
48hr infuse 2.5ml /hour
This morning I have taken anti sickness Ondansetron and Dexamethasone Steriods (previously explained) still with the niggling headache. I was originally told that I would get pins & needles sensations in hand and feet................ Wow !!! and how; when I touch anything cold. Washing hands in cold water is a big problem and simply picking up a bottle of milk........ Hands suddenly turn freezing and Pins and Needles immediately. Hope has left messages on the basins and fridge "Hot Water Only Daddy" as I have forgotton a few times.
True daddy very true. I even used my letter magnets on the fridge to say hot only daddy!
Blog 36 Tuesday 20th September 2011 - Chemotherapy Day One
I am very grateful to have my treatment at home by the nurses of Healthcare at Home Ltd or otherwise known as nurse at home.
Yesterday, I had to have my blood taken for a full blood count prior to Chemo. This will have to be taken every two weeks prior to my Chemotherapy. The nurse, Vanessa, could not use the Porta Cath as it had not been purged with saline solution since its insertion last week, so back to the good old needle "Just a small scratch" even Vanessa said "its nothing like a small scratch is it"? No! its not.
Chemotherapy started today. The first stage started at 11am, in my lounge by Janice of the Nurse at Home Service. The Porta Cath was purged and drip set up. Please click on the links for full explanations.
I start with Ondansetron a powerful anti sickness drug via IV drip, the list then reads like a pharmacist order list Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic steroid drug. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It is 20 to 30 times more potent than the naturally occurring hormone cortisol . When all that disappears from the IV, I then have Magnesium Sulphate and Calcium Gluconate in IV this is taken just before and just after a two hour session of the main Chemotherapy Drug Oxaliplatin
I was able to move around with the tripod and drips, which was lucky, as all the above came in 100mls or 250mls which meant that I had to keep running to the loo (it was like carrying a large hat stand with tubes) I then had an IV of Folinic Acid Folinic Acid assists the Oxaliplatin but please click on the links for the full explanation.
As this was finishing, Hope my daughter came home from school and bravely checked out the dining room, with all the nurses equipment adorning the floor and table. She also was able to see the recent addition of the Porta Cath and how it will now be used. My thoughts go out to all the children and young people around the world that have been diagnosed with cancer .... incredibly brave comes to mind.
I am then married up to my 48 hour IV which sits on my belt and is administered over the next 48 hours at 2.5 mls an hour 5FU Flourouracil The IV bottle resembles a baby feeding bottle and has a 'bubble' within that is under pressure the bottle contains a drip that will only allow 2.5 mls through an hour. I say married to me as this is continuing every two weeks for six months. I know my newly acquired "marriage" will get under my skin several times over the next 6 months!! I will be sleeping with, eating with, cuddling with, walking with and the bottle top is Pink !! Hope said I should ask for a Blue one.
It is now 9pm and 10 hours since the IV's started I am tired, my legs and arms feel heavy and I have had what feels like the start of a headache for about 4 hours. Honestly just feels like the after effects of a cheap bottle of Cabernet Sauvingnon! I'm sure there is worst to come. !!!
Yesterday, I had to have my blood taken for a full blood count prior to Chemo. This will have to be taken every two weeks prior to my Chemotherapy. The nurse, Vanessa, could not use the Porta Cath as it had not been purged with saline solution since its insertion last week, so back to the good old needle "Just a small scratch" even Vanessa said "its nothing like a small scratch is it"? No! its not.
Chemotherapy started today. The first stage started at 11am, in my lounge by Janice of the Nurse at Home Service. The Porta Cath was purged and drip set up. Please click on the links for full explanations.
I start with Ondansetron a powerful anti sickness drug via IV drip, the list then reads like a pharmacist order list Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic steroid drug. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It is 20 to 30 times more potent than the naturally occurring hormone cortisol . When all that disappears from the IV, I then have Magnesium Sulphate and Calcium Gluconate in IV this is taken just before and just after a two hour session of the main Chemotherapy Drug Oxaliplatin
I was able to move around with the tripod and drips, which was lucky, as all the above came in 100mls or 250mls which meant that I had to keep running to the loo (it was like carrying a large hat stand with tubes) I then had an IV of Folinic Acid Folinic Acid assists the Oxaliplatin but please click on the links for the full explanation.
As this was finishing, Hope my daughter came home from school and bravely checked out the dining room, with all the nurses equipment adorning the floor and table. She also was able to see the recent addition of the Porta Cath and how it will now be used. My thoughts go out to all the children and young people around the world that have been diagnosed with cancer .... incredibly brave comes to mind.
I am then married up to my 48 hour IV which sits on my belt and is administered over the next 48 hours at 2.5 mls an hour 5FU Flourouracil The IV bottle resembles a baby feeding bottle and has a 'bubble' within that is under pressure the bottle contains a drip that will only allow 2.5 mls through an hour. I say married to me as this is continuing every two weeks for six months. I know my newly acquired "marriage" will get under my skin several times over the next 6 months!! I will be sleeping with, eating with, cuddling with, walking with and the bottle top is Pink !! Hope said I should ask for a Blue one.
It is now 9pm and 10 hours since the IV's started I am tired, my legs and arms feel heavy and I have had what feels like the start of a headache for about 4 hours. Honestly just feels like the after effects of a cheap bottle of Cabernet Sauvingnon! I'm sure there is worst to come. !!!
Blog 35 Thursday 15th September 2011
Unfortunately I was kept in hospital last night, unfortunately for Wendy as she had to leave the hospital at 10pm and return again this morning to pick me up in the Northampton rush hour. This also meant that she had to cancel a work appointment.
I came out of surgery at 8.30pm !! and was kept in the recovery for another half hour as my blood pressure was unusually high. During the procedure the anaesthetist kept me just under sedation, so when the surgeon spoke to me, I was able to garble a reply. With the sedation and the local anaesthetic all I felt during the procedure was a bit of pushing and pulling on the Porta Cath to get it into position. I was in surgery for fifty minutes but due to the lateness of the hour I was not discharged. I saw Mr Ratliff this morning and he said that during the surgery and sedation, I had apparently asked for "Another Gin & Tonic" I never drink Gin & Tonic!!
I have also been contacted today by the 'Nurse at Home' service. I am having the Chemotherapy administered at home by local nurses which will be much better for all. I am starting on the 19th September but firstly have to get blood tests
My new Porta Cath shows as a lump on the right side, where the previous illustration on the blog shows. It actually feels like a brand new pair of shoes, far too tight, needs wearing in, and sore as hell when you move....... The good thing is the Porta Cath can take up to 1,000 needles before it needs replacing (no not all at the same time!!!!!) I am presently very relaxed about the whole thing, but also worried about the unknown.
Hope's blog
Daddy keeps showing me the thing that happend to him and it looks horrid and I don't want to see it again. Anyway hello everyone. I just wanted to say a quick I am so sad because I am goodbye.
I came out of surgery at 8.30pm !! and was kept in the recovery for another half hour as my blood pressure was unusually high. During the procedure the anaesthetist kept me just under sedation, so when the surgeon spoke to me, I was able to garble a reply. With the sedation and the local anaesthetic all I felt during the procedure was a bit of pushing and pulling on the Porta Cath to get it into position. I was in surgery for fifty minutes but due to the lateness of the hour I was not discharged. I saw Mr Ratliff this morning and he said that during the surgery and sedation, I had apparently asked for "Another Gin & Tonic" I never drink Gin & Tonic!!
I have also been contacted today by the 'Nurse at Home' service. I am having the Chemotherapy administered at home by local nurses which will be much better for all. I am starting on the 19th September but firstly have to get blood tests
My new Porta Cath shows as a lump on the right side, where the previous illustration on the blog shows. It actually feels like a brand new pair of shoes, far too tight, needs wearing in, and sore as hell when you move....... The good thing is the Porta Cath can take up to 1,000 needles before it needs replacing (no not all at the same time!!!!!) I am presently very relaxed about the whole thing, but also worried about the unknown.
Hope's blog
Daddy keeps showing me the thing that happend to him and it looks horrid and I don't want to see it again. Anyway hello everyone. I just wanted to say a quick I am so sad because I am goodbye.
Blog 34 Wednesday 14th September 2011
Off to The Three Shires hospital in Northampton for my appointment with my surgeon; Mr Ratliff, to have the Porta Cath fitted, my buddy for the next six months. Nil by mouth since 11am this morning,......Mmmmmm............. back by 10 pm tonight.
Blog 33 Tuesday 13th September 2011
It has been two years, almost to the day, that a colonoscopy revealed my colon cancer in advanced stages. It has been four months to the day that a CT scan revealed polyp's on my lungs had changed in size and increased in number.
Since then Ive been pushed, prodded, injected, anethetised, sedated, incised, clamped, stapled stitched and sewn. I have eleven incision scars across my torso, soon to be twelve. Ive attended Nine different medical establishments on two different continents for various procedures. I have seen more of my internal organs via video, photos and on surgeons vdu monitors than I have ever seen of my back, (for instance) ................but in all this time I have never felt ill.............. never felt as if I'm sick .........never felt unwell with the cancer, probably because I was lucky and caught it in time................................
Yesterday, I met Mr Ratliff, the surgeon who will be inserting the Porta Cath. He was very reasurring and confirmed the procedure for tomorrow at the Three Shires Hospital in Northampton. I will be going in at 3.30pm and have been offered overnight stay, but will probably be discharged at about 10.30pm that night if I have the option.
With the usual consent forms completed, and authorisation numbers exchanged, as of tomorrow, I will be wearing this Porta Cath device in my chest for six months to receive the Chemo drugs.
A few weeks ago I mentioned that my previous wife; Janice, was also going through a difficult time with cancer and the devastation that this had caused my sons. Janice has been readmitted to hospital and is going through various procedures and Chemo. What are the chances of both of us going through similar operations and Chemo at the same time.?
Since then Ive been pushed, prodded, injected, anethetised, sedated, incised, clamped, stapled stitched and sewn. I have eleven incision scars across my torso, soon to be twelve. Ive attended Nine different medical establishments on two different continents for various procedures. I have seen more of my internal organs via video, photos and on surgeons vdu monitors than I have ever seen of my back, (for instance) ................but in all this time I have never felt ill.............. never felt as if I'm sick .........never felt unwell with the cancer, probably because I was lucky and caught it in time................................
Yesterday, I met Mr Ratliff, the surgeon who will be inserting the Porta Cath. He was very reasurring and confirmed the procedure for tomorrow at the Three Shires Hospital in Northampton. I will be going in at 3.30pm and have been offered overnight stay, but will probably be discharged at about 10.30pm that night if I have the option.
With the usual consent forms completed, and authorisation numbers exchanged, as of tomorrow, I will be wearing this Porta Cath device in my chest for six months to receive the Chemo drugs.
A few weeks ago I mentioned that my previous wife; Janice, was also going through a difficult time with cancer and the devastation that this had caused my sons. Janice has been readmitted to hospital and is going through various procedures and Chemo. What are the chances of both of us going through similar operations and Chemo at the same time.?
Blog 32 Saturday 10th September 2011
I am off to Northampton Three Shires Hospital on Monday to meet my surgeon David A Ratliff MD FRCP FRCS Mr David Ratliff is a Consultant Vascular, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and will be performing the operation to insert the Porta Cath into my chest. A portacath consists of a reservoir (the portal) and a tube (the catheter). The portal is implanted under the skin in the upper chest. It appears as a bump under the skin. The catheter runs in a tunnel under the skin, going over the collar bone and then enters the large vein in the lower neck (the internal jugular vein). Since it is completely internal bathing is not a problem. The septum of the portal is made of a special self-sealing silicone rubber. It can be punctured up to one thousand times and therefore can be used for many years. (Hopefully not required for too many years) The appointment to have the Porta Cath inserted is Wednesday 14th September 2011.
I will then start my Chemotherapy the following week. It has been arranged that I will have the nurse come to our home to administer the drugs for the next six months..... brilliant!!!! I could not handle having to drive or be driven to hospital. I am so pleased that this is the way forward, It seems to make it easier and especially for Wendy, who would have had to drive me. Wendy has a very stressful job and I do not want to give her any more stress in her life.
I have also had a visit from Macmillan Cancer Support who are presently looking into benefits that I may be able to claim...............There are certain benefits that are available for Chemotherapy Cancer patients, as well as assistance if the patient is suffering financially. A very worthwhile charity who support many cancer suffers in a far worst position medically than I. Please support Macmillan if you have the opportunity.
I will then start my Chemotherapy the following week. It has been arranged that I will have the nurse come to our home to administer the drugs for the next six months..... brilliant!!!! I could not handle having to drive or be driven to hospital. I am so pleased that this is the way forward, It seems to make it easier and especially for Wendy, who would have had to drive me. Wendy has a very stressful job and I do not want to give her any more stress in her life.
I have also had a visit from Macmillan Cancer Support who are presently looking into benefits that I may be able to claim...............There are certain benefits that are available for Chemotherapy Cancer patients, as well as assistance if the patient is suffering financially. A very worthwhile charity who support many cancer suffers in a far worst position medically than I. Please support Macmillan if you have the opportunity.
Blog 31 Tuesday 6th September 2011
My appointment with Dr Macmillan yesterday was scary..... I am to start a 6 month period of Chemotherapy. Next week I have to attend Northampton general hospital to receive an implant in my chest under local anesthetic .
The line will be put in at the hospital by a doctor or specially trained nurse. my neck will be checked for a suitable vein using a small ultrasound machine. The area where the line is to be inserted is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small cut is made in the skin near my collarbone (the insertion site) and the tip of the line is gently threaded into a large vein towards the heart. The other end of the line is then tunnelled under the skin to reach the exit site. The exit site is placed under my skin and stitched in which acts like a reservoir for the insertion of the drugs via Intravenous Injection without exposing anything for possible infection. I will have a chest x-ray to make sure that the line is put in the right place. For a few days I am likely to have some discomfort where it has been tunnelled under the skin.
I am to receive Chemotherapy every two weeks for 6 months and will be receiving a drug called Oxaliplatin 5FU with Folinic Acid Folinic Acid is not a Chemotherapy drug but is given to make the Oxaliplatin more effective and to cut down on side effects This combination of chemotherapy is sometimes referred to as the FOLFOX regimen, named after the drugs used. There are several different FOLFOX schedules that vary in the way the 5FU is given. The different schedules are given a number, such as FOLFOX4 or FOLFOX6. Dr Macmillan refered to the combination of these drugs as oxaliplatin modified de Gramont (OxMdG).
I will be receiving FolFox 6 the different numbers Folfox 1 through to 7 is I believe the differing amount in mg of the drug Oxaliplatin. The reason I say the appointment was scary was because all the unfamiliar names, procedures and side effects. I have been assured that the side effects are treated considerably better now than they were a few years ago...........
Hey!!!! I have just received a reassuring phone call from Macmillan Cancer Support (same name but nothing to do with my Oncologist Dr Macmillan) .........................that was a nice surprise!!
My drugs will be administered over a 46 hour period via a continuous intravenous infusion and Dr Macmillan said the device resembles something the size of an orange I cannot begin to understand but I am sure it will all become very clear soon.
I always take Wendy with me when I go into these consultations as it always happens that half way through the consult I can see the doctors lips moving and I know he is talking to me, but I cannot take in or understand what is being said !!!!! I think my brain switches to defence mode or something.
I have been assured that my hair will NOT fallout but I will suffer Nausea, Vomiting, and Hypersensitivity, in my fingers and toes, as pins and needles the severity of which will be closely monitored. As the drugs given kill off good cells as well as the bad I have been told that I cannot afford to get a virus or infection in any form and will be immediately admitted to hospital if this should happen.........well here goes..............................................!!!!!!!!!!
The line will be put in at the hospital by a doctor or specially trained nurse. my neck will be checked for a suitable vein using a small ultrasound machine. The area where the line is to be inserted is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small cut is made in the skin near my collarbone (the insertion site) and the tip of the line is gently threaded into a large vein towards the heart. The other end of the line is then tunnelled under the skin to reach the exit site. The exit site is placed under my skin and stitched in which acts like a reservoir for the insertion of the drugs via Intravenous Injection without exposing anything for possible infection. I will have a chest x-ray to make sure that the line is put in the right place. For a few days I am likely to have some discomfort where it has been tunnelled under the skin.
Position of a central line 
I am to receive Chemotherapy every two weeks for 6 months and will be receiving a drug called Oxaliplatin 5FU with Folinic Acid Folinic Acid is not a Chemotherapy drug but is given to make the Oxaliplatin more effective and to cut down on side effects This combination of chemotherapy is sometimes referred to as the FOLFOX regimen, named after the drugs used. There are several different FOLFOX schedules that vary in the way the 5FU is given. The different schedules are given a number, such as FOLFOX4 or FOLFOX6. Dr Macmillan refered to the combination of these drugs as oxaliplatin modified de Gramont (OxMdG).
I will be receiving FolFox 6 the different numbers Folfox 1 through to 7 is I believe the differing amount in mg of the drug Oxaliplatin. The reason I say the appointment was scary was because all the unfamiliar names, procedures and side effects. I have been assured that the side effects are treated considerably better now than they were a few years ago...........
Hey!!!! I have just received a reassuring phone call from Macmillan Cancer Support (same name but nothing to do with my Oncologist Dr Macmillan) .........................that was a nice surprise!!
My drugs will be administered over a 46 hour period via a continuous intravenous infusion and Dr Macmillan said the device resembles something the size of an orange I cannot begin to understand but I am sure it will all become very clear soon.
I always take Wendy with me when I go into these consultations as it always happens that half way through the consult I can see the doctors lips moving and I know he is talking to me, but I cannot take in or understand what is being said !!!!! I think my brain switches to defence mode or something.
I have been assured that my hair will NOT fallout but I will suffer Nausea, Vomiting, and Hypersensitivity, in my fingers and toes, as pins and needles the severity of which will be closely monitored. As the drugs given kill off good cells as well as the bad I have been told that I cannot afford to get a virus or infection in any form and will be immediately admitted to hospital if this should happen.........well here goes..............................................!!!!!!!!!!
Blog 30 Friday 2nd September 2011
Weird thing, today I received a letter informing me I had my NHS appointment with Bowel Cancer surgeon El- Rabaa, brought forward a month, from November to 3rd October great !!!! but I also had a call back from Dr Macmillan (Oncologist) and have secured an appointment in Northampton for consultation on the afternoon of Monday 5th September 2011. even better!!. Just when you think things are slowing down, and your case is being left on the back burner things start happening again. There is so much information about chemotherapy available on-line different treatments different medicine and all for different cancers. I have stopped reading it until after the consultation.
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