An Example Day in the Life of Parkside

So then, thought you might like to see what an example day at Parkside is like, albeit it slightly odd one as it's Day 1 of treatment (or was meant to be!) but here it comes:

Busy session at Parkside today – just the 5.5 hours and some home faffing to be done as well:

• Had bloods done and usual pee in a potHad Kyphoplasty back dressing changed as part of it has gone a bit oozy – Mr H looked a bit green this morning when he checked it out. I of course can't see them damn thing as its right in the middle of my back
• Saw Prof and signed the consent forms to go ahead with treatment
• Prof got on my mobile and discussed my heart situation with heart guy at St Georges – am now seeing him tomorrow
• Have been talked through all the side effects of treatment, now that's a fun old list. You can bet the only side effect I have no chance of getting will be the 'weight loss' one, phlurgh
• I will have to come for bloods a day before each twice-weekly chemo session so that's a min of 4 trips to PS a week
• Had an ECG so there's a heart baseline before treatment starts as the chemo can impact on the heart (handy when I already have ticker issues…)
• Got Prof to sort two letters for insurance so we can cancel the holidays
• Forgot to get a bag of extra painkillers that I'd run out of, so need to whack that on tomorrow's list
• Chased BUPA to get them to sign off the Myeloma treatment so I could get underway
• Went into the PS Chemo Lounge for my first visit in 7 years – the egg sarnies haven't changed a bit.
• 
• Had my first monthly IV dose of a bone strengthener called Zometa – every month from now on, it's also good at keeping the old osteoporosis at bay too
• Had a second tray of tea as had waited so long that anything with cake looked good to me
• 
• My Radiotherapy final three slots are also lined up for this week, although am still not sure I can lie flat for these. I've got till Wed afternoon for my back to recover from the op and for me to shove in the entire kitchen counters worth of painkillers so I can actually get this done….. Bit freaked at the prospect
• Didn't have my first dose of the Velcade sub-cut (injection into the tummy, good job there's plenty of that to go round) as the special 'clean room' that it's done in  was already closed for the day
• But worse, I didn't get my first dose of Revlimid to take with me as Revlimid of course turns out to be horse sized capsules which I will never be able to swallow. Overnight calls to the drug manufacturers now planned and we will see if any options arise…. Mix it into yoghurt? Shove it where the sun don't shine? General anaesthetic twice a week to ram it down my throat? Sigh.

And there was Nicky saying to me last night 'how are you going to keep busy?'. I think this says it all. It is a full time job so far and we've only just begun…….. X