I decided to do the chemo. After a lot of reading, feedback from forums (tc-cancer.com) and talking it through with friends, I feel it was the right decision.
Last Wednesday I had my kidney function test. Then I had the procedure on Friday. I arrived at Charing Cross Hospital with my wonderful girlfriend. She has been the major support throughout the entire experience. Without her I would be a mess. We met with my doc briefly, then we waited about 4 hours before a nurse took us in. I sat in a chair. As soon as I saw the tray of needles and tubes I started to sweat. It's not the pain. Often I don't even feel it. It's the idea of a long thin piece of metal that stirs this phobia. I know, it's irrational. The nurse said, "Don't worry, I'll give you a the smallest needle the one we give to little girls," in a Filipino accent. She jabbed me and hooked me up to an intravenous drip. Have a look under Delivery on Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemotherapy
This is also a good source of info on chemotherapy: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you
I was given a single dose of Carboplatin. Have a look at this leaflet, a good overview on what it is and side effects: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/docmetadata.cfm?orgid=357&id=92730
It took an hour and I was allowed to go home. I felt a little strange, but I was able to eat that afternoon. The next morning I felt terrible. It was like a hangover. The idea of food made me feel ill. I had a headache. My muscles and joints ached. I spent the day in bed. Sunday wasn't much different. Monday feeling tired, but much better. I'm at work.
have you been able to eat something today? how did today go at work?
ReplyDeleteHey Chris. My name is João, i'm 21, and i live in portugal, 20 km away from porto. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer last month and i already got the OR. Next friday i'm going to the hospital to meet with a medic group (being them urologists/onconlogists) to decide if i get any treatment or just survaillance. I'm feeling really good, i'm an active person and i'm finishing my degree at uni. I'm glad your girlfriend has been a major support to you. You know how these times maybe hard for us. By the way, I have a prosthetic testicle and thats not a major concern for me. I just hope i get better soon. I'll keep you updated, i don't know why. Thank you for this blog man, it's really helping me through. All the best, wish you get well soon. João.
ReplyDeletePS: How long is gonna be your chemo?
Everyone here i think would have gotten a piece of their share from cancer, with some being able to survive and others dying even with the high efforts of oncologists. I had lungs cancer due to the fact that i was a hardcore smoker Due to the terrain in Alaska. I started to have symptoms in 2008 and i was diagnosed in April 2009. Several treatment therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy were prescribed but none seemed to help me. I had just less than a year to live. Less than 6 months to go i read about Doctor Roland who is a herbal doctor that treats cancer. At first i doubted because my case was chronic and even if he could help it was already late. I had nothing to lose so i contacted him and he was very encouraging even in my condition and i placed an order for the herbal medicine which i used for 3 months. Even before i was done using it i felt strong and after it all i went for diagnosis and i tested negative. This is a permanent cure because it's been three years from my supposed death and i am still very strong and alive. Do not give up soon on yourself just reach him on (dr.rolandoscar@gmail.com) i am positive that if i can be cured you too can. I pray for all cancer patients worldwide.
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