My ever present friend and other health issues:

An extra rest day this cycle with the next cycle, number 5 starts tomorrow with the infusion. Hopefully I will be able to further my concerns about the capecitabine tablets regarding the anhydrous lactose. Phones Peter H, Ann and Peter BD phoned to confirm the arrangements for tomorrow. BSC - 4/5 with wind.

Tired during the day after a reasonable night.  Blood test with an urgent number from the MDCU. The receptionist checked to see if there were ant cancellations for later appointments, but no. She also provided a parking permit for Peter. Peter as a very good driver once again, a very good friend. BSC - 4

 Much better night, up just once at around 4.30 am. Phone the Chemotherapy Helpline and spoke with Nurse Abbie who managed the first infusion on 4th November. Told her about my discovery that the capecitabine tablets non active ingredient, anhydrous lactose appears to be what is causing the flatulence that I have been suffering since the first cycle. I also flagged that my lips have been swollen during 4th cycle. She will email the consultant and put notes on the chemo care page for the team to be aware of my issue. Hopefully this will not cause a delay in treatment but will deliver a solution to the problem. Phoned Ray, had a good Christmas but hurt his back by picking up a box from his car boot. Also had a chat with Ann about her Christmas. She and her family visited Peter and had 2 hours with him. We talked about gifts and inheritance tax, the seven years rule.  Very tired, had a sleep during afternoon; unusual. BSC - 4

Comfortable Day. Spoke with Peter about the anhydrous lactose content of the chemotherapy tablets. Suggestion to phone chemo help line to flag the intolerance issue and potential allergy challenge. BSC - 4

A rest day! A good day. BSC - 4

Christmas Day, last 6 tablets of cycle 4. Read the details of the cap tablets that revealed that they include anhydrous lactose. This may be causing intolerance and the flatulence. Farting is the lead symptom of lactose intolerance. Outdoor explain my problem.  Now there is 5 days rest before cycle 5 starts on New Year’s Eve. Spoke with Mike and Amanda; Andy was not available. BSC - 4 and 5

The penultimate day of cycle 4, 6 cap tabs, anti nausea, B6 and 1 loperamide hydrochloride for loose stools. Struggled to get to sleep, but only need to get up 2 hourly, much easier. Spent the day discovering how Kindle app works in listen mode. Now I have access to a wider range of audiobooks to listen to. Had a chat with Graham M and Teresa.  BSC - 5