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A very good week

On Wednesday I enjoyed my 56 FOLFIRI chemotherapy infusion, All went well with the treatment. I had another very good conversation with Deputy Sister Sarah about the chocolates that I gave her from my visit to Bournville in October, Dairy Milk Biscoff was a really winner for her, she also liked the C'Dor dark samples too.

At the previous appointment 2 weeks before she spoke about having had another dangerous incident with a patient almost pushing over their IV pole, one of the older versions. Lynda and I made a Christmas donation of £1000 to the Friends of Worthing Hospital to replace 5 more as we did when I past 50 infusions earlier this year. They are most grateful for our generosity. 

I had nurse Sandra manage my infusion and she was able to tell me that my latest CEA blood test marker from Monday showed a decrease to 3 back from the 4 it had risen to after my 8 week break from treatment. Pleasing considering I have had only one treatment since restarting and it would seem to indicate that the FOLFIRI chemotherapy drugs are still very active for me.

At the September appointment with my Oncologist he told me that I am lucky. I didn't ask him why he felt that, but some research this week indicated that the median patient on this course of treatment has between 12 and 20 infusions before they can no longer tolerate the drugs. It can cause severe gut challenges. 

At 56 infusion cycles I am in that rare group of patients who are able to tolerate the treatment. The is likely down to having genetics that are compatible with the drugs. Most pleasing.

Nurse Jackie who inserted my PICC Line 39 months ago told me that I am now her record holder for the patient with the longest in use line she has ever undertaken the procedure for. 

Truly a great week. and I also asked the DWP for an Attendance Allowance Application form, the clock is ticking on the deadline to return this, 13th January and the pay from date if my application is accepted is set.

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