This week continued the increasing ‘normality’, which felt good overall, although certainly not getting complacent!

The main side effects this week are an increase in the finger tip and soles of my feet sensitivity, alongside some skin peeling; something not experienced for many weeks. This week was also when my medication decreased; the final chemo did not take place, so I moved to the oral chemo only, backed up by one steroid per day for the next two weeks, which we guess is aimed at a gradual removal of that aspect - the last time I came off steroids instantly, there was a notable increase in the tiredness levels, but we’ll see what the next few weeks brings in that respect. Although I did not realise it, there is still a requirement to have the pre-chemo blood checks, followed by a return two days later to physically collect the tablets. I always associate this with the infused chemo, so had not connected the fact that the oral chemo is still chemo - just not as potent. I also anticipated them giving me more tablets, therefore less need to visit the cancer unit. However, for the moment, I will still be on the three-week cycle of pre-chemo bloods, check that, then issue 21-days of tablets, which will be in place for a few cycles at least. The reason for that is for them to monitor the reduction in the medication, then adjust accordingly.

Last, but certainly not least, is the CT scan appointment, which will take place soon. That will allow Dr Raman to assess the impact of the infused chemo and whether it has had the impact he is hoping for. A very apprehensive stage to be at, but an essential one that, like the rest of this situation, is out of my control.

Outside of the medical aspects, Sandra and I continue to increase the ‘normal’ day to day activities, for most of the week. I had a reprint of one of my books arrive at the start of the week, which then shifted focus onto fulfilling customer orders from the wait list, alongside delivering books to trade customers too, for them to sort their customer base. Nice to see a quality book done at last, after many teething issues with this particular book (unreliable printers used initially).

When I first announced my situation, via this Blog, many of you got in touch (thanks) and two people in particular (Kim and Emma) formulated an idea to have a HX reunion for those of us that used to work together. That concept has been moving on nicely in the background with the help of another Kim. This week, Sandra, me and the two Kims got together to discuss the final plans for that, so watch out for more details and hope to catch up with some of you there. During that onsite visit, we got to briefly catch up with a number of former work colleagues, which was great.

We ended the week with two days of ‘out and about’ normality, although that appears to have thrown up some issues with my back and legs. Going from not doing a lot, to then trying normal aspects clearly highlights that the stamina requires some focus. We plan to get some walking in place to build up that stamina and muscles again, following very little use over the past months. Another reminder that, although I can temporarily get complacent and think that there is nothing wrong (as some days, I feel normal), my body reminds me that that is certainly not the case!

Thanks for the continued interest and support, plus great to see some of you face to face.