My ever present friend and other health issues:

Covid-10 and flu vaccination day. Having spoken to the chemotherapy helpline about being vaccinated and gaining a positive reaction having both, the safety of having a jab in my PICC Line arm, and the timing before the next infusion I was told by the chemotherapy helpline was perfect. The side effects 24 hours after the jabs was a temperature that was raised to 38.1c at the highest taken and 35.4c at the lowest. Also pain in both vaccination sites, headache and feeling less than well. A phone call to the chemotherapy helpline as per the protocol gave comfort that drinking plenty of fluids and observing temperature was adequate and a further call if my temperature remained above 37.5c. 48 hours on from the jabs and the side effects had subsided significantly.

 Almost a week since the last of the capecitabine tablets were on the daily ration. Now just a couple of B6 and a single antihistamine taken each day to reduce the effects of the lingering side effects. The main one being the peripheral neuropathy with the fingertips feeling deadened some of the time. Keeping the hands warm helps reduce this. All of the most significant challenges have faded away as the week progressed, the oral thrust has been the main health problem of the passed 7 days. The last of the Nystan is due to be taken tomorrow morning. The result of the Covid-19 PCR test that Dr Woodham recommended on Monday has been texted this morning. No real surprise that it is Negative. Spoke with Mike, Graham H and Emma. Temp 37.1c at 8 am.

The GP looked at the swab test result this morning and I received a a text message asking me to phone the surgery and say that I have a System One Message. This was a note from the GP confirming that I was diagnosed correctly on Monday, a Thrust infection and that I have been on the correct course of treatment this week, Nystan. Phone the Chemo Helpline to let them know the swab test result and my progress toward recovering from the Trush infection. Undertook a PCR swab this morning and prepared it for mailing. Spoke with Teresa about Paul Morris's wonderful commendation of the EWH website. tingling fingers, tinnitus and sensitive lips.  BSC - 4 Temp 36.8c Bloop pressure 150/75 Pulse 57bpm

Another day of six capecitabine tablets along with three antinausea, antacid, two B6, antihistamine and anti-loose poo. After three days of real challenge from the effects of the capecitabine tablets a period of calm along my digestive tract. Overnight it was hourly trips to the bathroom with flatulence and urination until around 4 am. the discomfort has been on the scale of the first cycle.  This cancer diary has proved its value over the past week as I have been able to see how the early cycles experience was compared to this final one. A message to Ruth, "just 3 more doses of the chemotherapy tablets left to take. Have to say that my smiles have been through gritted teeth on several days during this final cycle. The positive news is that my GP told me that my blood test results are looking very good across all of them, red, white, platelets, kidney & liver function. After just 21 days of 'rest' form the treatment during the last 3 months I am looking forward to a lo...

300 capecitabine taken, 150,000 mg or 150 grams of active drugs. 24 tablets to complete the treatment in 4 days on Sunday. 6 capecitabine, 3 anti-nausea, antacid, 2 B6, antihistamine anti poo. Spoke to Jo and Peter, neighbor Peter, Alex Y, Jack C, Clive J and Tim H. Also visited the Post Office, Lloyd's Pharmacist, and the Storrington Museum. I was pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app as I had four contacts yesterday during the hour that I was in Storrington. A week's pack of lateral flow test kits ordered as instructed. I did develop a sore throat overnight and sucked a couple Strepsilles to ease it.  BSC - 5 Blood pressure - 165/75 Pulse - 64 Temp - 37.4c on awaking.

A Covid-19 swab at 8 am, an unpleasant experience again. Peter picked me up at 10.40 am and drove me to the north wing of Worthing Hospital. I dropped off the Covid-19 swab to pathology and attended the blood testing clinic. I was see by nurse Jane for a 3rd time. I then went up to Eastbrook Ward for a parking permit valid for Thursday. Back pain today to add to my painful knees. Is this a side effect?  BSC - 4

Another broken night's sleep! The first task this morning was to undertake a Covid 19 swabbing of the back of my throat and nose. The swab needed to be delivered to the Worthing Hospital Path Lab by midday. This was done on my way to have two files of blood taken for testing.  Peter once again drove me to Worthing arriving in plenty of time to meet the noon cut off. My blood test appointment was booked for 1.35 pm, but the blood test unit receptionist arranged for me to be seen by a phlebotomist nurse early. Having arrived at the hospital by 11.45 I was back to the car before midday feeling very cared for. Well done to the Worthing Hospital team, once again I am most grateful. BSC - 4 and 5. Needed to take 2 loperamide hydrochloride tablets at bedtime to calm this down. Opened the sachet of Medihoney that a patient in Chiltington Ward gave me. He said that the relief the barrier cream was almost immediate. Good indeed. The patient is a high functioning addict. 

The second cycle is now complete and another 54 chemotherapy tablets successfully taken.  A key side effects have been the increased reaction to touching anything cold with instant tingling in the fingers. Also  there has been tingling when my fingers have touch surfaces a little to hard. The hot/cold gauntlets have become a must use with many kitchen activities from opening the fridge or oven to using the sink. The outdoor wear purchased including a Buff snood and heated glove liners are most effective. It was 3 degrees Celsius yesterday evening when we went for a walk and I had not cold related side effects. Keeping warm is a keep part of minimising the peripheral neuropathy. The second side effect has been the increased feeling of nausea, particularly in the first week of this cycle. The anti nausea tablets seemed to help. Ann suggests that I should start to take them before the start of each cycle. The vitamin B6 may be assisting  with this and the tingling sensations...

Another good night’s sleep ahead of my last rest day before cycle 2 starts. I am not expecting a phone call today cancelling my appointment tomorrow morning due to a failed Covid-19 test, but yesterday’s swabbing of the throat a nose was the first I had done at home.  No phone call from the hospital so it will 9.45 am at the MDCU tomorrow morning for the second infusion of Oxaliplatin . BSC - 4