What’s the rule of thumb when giving injections? Are you supposed to stab in the needle or put it in slowly? At an angle or not at an angle? Should the person receiving the injection be standing up or laying down? I have to give Sam an injection in the evening to try to get her bone marrow to reproduce white blood cells quickly. They have to be done for 7 days after each chemo session. I seem to be able to do a “That wasn’t bad” jab one day and then a “YOU MUTHA F#$@€R!!” jab the next.
Looks like tiredness is the winner of the side effects this week (with nausea and taste buds coming a close 2nd and 3rd). She is absolutely drained, which I suppose is only natural considering her white and red blood cells are being killed one by one. Just doing normal things like carrying Charlie knocks the stuffing out of her. I can see she’s trying to fight it and be strong but it’s all becomes a bit overwhelming for her. She’s having a hard and very tearful day so far today but hopefully she’ll start getting stronger as the week goes on.
I made Sam ring the hospital just a minute ago because we hadn’t heard anything about the CT scan. She was on the phone for around 15 minutes talking to Becky so I knew something important was being said. When she walked back into the room I sat there and waited to hear what was said…………..
SCAN IS CLEAR!!! 🙂
Apart from an insignificant cyst on her liver (which we all have somewhere apparently) there is no sign of cancer anywhere else in her body (Thank f#@k for that). Her lymph nodes look a bit raised and angry but that could be down to the treatment. We already know there was a trace of cancer in one of the nodes, but the fact that they’re raised doesn’t necessarily mean that all the other nodes are infected. They could still end up taking them all out when they do the surgery, but that’s a decision that will be made closer to the time.
We’ve also had some more details on what will be happening in the next couple of weeks. On the 10th of March Sam has got an appointment to fit the PICC line into her arm. This is the permanent catheter that they will trace from her arm to just above her heart.
When Sam had her first session of chemotherapy there were lots of people with their hands in bowls of warm water. This was to make their veins come up so that the nurses can put a line in easier. The problem with having FEC-T is that the veins seal up and become very tough after each treatment. This makes it very hard to get a line in again afterwards. This can become very tricky for the nurses, but also very painful for patients when they have any future sessions. The PICC line basically puts her vein on tap and makes it easily turn off and onable. It’ll be an uncomfortable process but it will make future sessions a lot easier for Sam. The only downside is that there will be a permanent line on her arm which will be easy to knock when she’s around the house. It will basically look like this (but bandaged up):
On the 11th March we have an appointment to see the wig lady. This is where Sam can go and try on various wigs, scarves and other head wear that will help her with her hair loss. Apparently, the wig lady (I don’t think that’s her proper title) is excellent at what she does and can be a real help to people who are going through this. I’m not sure what kind of look Sam will want to go for but I’m told that some of the wigs are very realistic.
On the 12th March we have the pre chemo appointment where they will, once again, take Sam’s blood to check to see if she is able to proceed with her 2nd session (which will be the next day on the 13th March). They’ll also sit her down to talk about how she reacted to the first round of treatment.
So all in all she’s got a busy time that week. The good news today though is that we’ve at last had a positive result with the CT scan. I know it’s only a little gold nugget in a big pile of shit but at least they’re starting to appear. Phew. 😉
funkybald1
Welcome to the Himalayas 
Great news about the scan x x x
Thanks Michelle. It’s a big relief. Xxx
Yeah, some good news at last. Sorry to hear how
tired Sam is. Thinking of you all xx
Thanks Shelley. She was owed a little bit of sunlight. We’re all glad it came through for her. Xxx
So relieved prayers have been answered re results of CT scan.
Always in our thoughts and prayers.Get a wicked wig honey or be proud and bald.You will always be a funky chic whatever- and a beautiflu lady with such an amazing husband and family-and friends we love you.Jan jimmy x x
Yay! Loving that little gold nugget!!! Lots of love and hugs darlings xxxx
Thats fantastic news about the CT scan results, that must of been an amazing phone call to receive 🙂 so happy you’ve had good news, you bloody deserve it. I think Sam should go for the hairstyle she’s always wanted in the wig choices. I’ve always wished I had hair like J-Lo or Catherine Zeta Jones, its never going to happen so I’d have a wig like that……and end up looking like a right tit no doubt 🙂 Sam’s so pretty she’ll look fab bald…you and Spence pull the look off pretty well so it can’t be that hard 😉 Hats are v.trendy now too so she’ll have lots of options bless her. Be nice with the injections Rich you mutha f+£@er 🙂 Love to you all. Take care. xxx
So happy to hear the CT scan was good, you guys deserve some good news for a change. Sending our love and prayers to all of you from across the pond xoxo
Hi Rich and Sam
So pleased that the scan was clear! Fantastic news!
Your doing an amazing job of taking care of Sam, Rich. Keep
Up the good work, I know how tough it must be
For you. Sam, I’ve been thinking of you a lot and I hope
That you get a few non sick days soon. Go crazy
With the wigs, you can have the hair you’ve always
Dreamed of! Lol. Look after each other guys. Xxx
Such great news to hear the CT scan was clear, thank goodness x
Rich, you do make me laugh…….make sure Sam doesn’t go with the wig pictured, as gorgeous as she is, I don’t think the ‘soul glow’ look is for her! Really hope Sam starts to feel better soon, having a baby (and 3 other children) is tiring enough without all of this thrown in.
Sending lots of love and positive vibes your way, take care xx
Fantastic news, about blooming time your luck started changing. It’s a beautiful day today & after all the miserable weather of recent weeks (pretty much since Sam fell ill I reckon), lets hope this is a taste of what’s to come – beautiful blue sky & sunshine from here in in the Lester household. Much love Lynsey xx
Fantastic that the scan is clear. All of Sam will be clear in time too. Keep up the good work Rich. You’re doing well. Much love xx
Been checking everyday for an update on the scan…. Wahooooo so so happy for you…. The power of prayers has certainly worked here…. …you’re blogs never fail.to make me giggle Richard…Sam must love every dayshe spends with u… U amaze me how with all this you are still coping with all your family life of work and children…. If she needs any help always here to do anything …. Big hugs as always.. Abd realky hope the side affects ease off…. Love as always guys xxxxxx
Fantastic news about the scan xxxx