This week started with a continuation of the cold impact, which did not really begin to decline until the tail end of the week.

The hand rash continued, but diminished daily, which was a relief, both physically and psychologically.

The next notable side effect was the loss of many of my hair follicles. Something that you know will happen, but something that is hard to watch and a weird feeling. I took the decision to get a crew cut, to limit the impact of the loss, which, so far, has not resulted in bald patches, just lots of follicles falling out; one to monitor closely.

That has been the next difficult emotional peak so far, as it is such an outwardly visual impact of having cancer, that is something anyone can see. Standing in the shower with handfuls of hair falling out, made me feel like a helpless child again, with something happening that you cannot control (again); a big challenge. Now that the hair is a lot shorter, just getting used to it, whilst I watch it lose more, or hold its own and maybe start to grow back?

This week brings to an end the first ‘3-week cycle’ and will have to say in summary, not a great 3-weeks, when you factor in all that has unfolded. My body has felt battered from the accumulation of everything, which adds to the overall tiredness and general impact.

One light moment though, on the Sunday morning, was when I went for a short, but intensive walk up a hill near where I live. The weather was nice and it was good to get out for the first walk in a long time. Something I want to increase, to offset the impact of the chemo / cancer, but will see what unfolds.

Thanks for continuing to read and take the time out of your day.