I’m in a quiet ward, which is a nice little extra, but no nearer to the exit route.
Still having IV antibiotics for sepsis, but today was hunted down by the blood labs, as I have something ‘unusual’ ? (trust me!!) growing in my blood from Friday night.
So had another load of bloods taken today, and I’m sure the junior doctor was young enough to be still wearing his school trousers… he asked ME what I thought my swollen mouth and tongue would benefit from. I actually cannot open my mouth wide enough to say the obligatory ‘aaaah’. I said, ‘well hopefully something to soothe the swelling and pain’. He actually suggested Vaseline ?. I mean !!!
My neutrophils have risen, but they have added another IV antibiotic to the mix now, and are saying this may need to be given for another 10 - 12 days, depending on the result of the wierd blood tests. So it’s mouthwash, earplugs, sleep hat drawn downward to shut out the hospital lights (good tip, that one…?) and hopefully some answers in the morning.
Night night, and don’t forget to put your Vaseline on your sore mouths…?
Hi Georgie
Sorry to hear you are in still in, hope your bloods come back ok or are easily resolved
What is that Vaseline business about? Good luck with that!
As you say your next cycle will be probably be delayed, providing that you go ahead of course - big decision for you
Hi Jacqs
Sorry to hear you are in as well, hopefully they can get you stabilised & get you home ASAP
The doctors came to my bedside with aprons on yesterday and told me that the mystery blood causing the query, has tested positive for MRSA.
This is of course means that for the moment at least, I need to settle in and call my isolation room home.
I was really tearful yesterday but coming coming to terms with it today. The antibiotics for the sepsis were not covering the MRSA, hence the extra one, which is pumped in IV by the nurses once a day, like some of the chemo drugs are. They think it may be in my mouth / throat / downwards… may have some tests.
I was like this for a few days a couple of weeks ago but it did pass after those few days - not sure what it was or why. My temp was also ok - was just cold and couldn’t get warm. I just wrapped up - went a bit mad and bought a couple of fleeces with high necks and so far I’ve not needed them. Sod’s law I think that’s called.
Oh Georgie. They sure know how to kick you when you are down. Bet you picked up the MRSA in hospital! At least you won’t be in a ward of snorers and Mia nets. Keep your pecker up. We are all with you and rooting for you. Lots of love Kxxx
Does anyone have any tips on what I can use on my scalp - it’s quite dry at the moment. Wasn’t sure if to use face moisturiser or body moisturiser or if there is something out there more suitable? I’ve read about olive oil or almond oil - has anyone else used either of these?
Sue - I’ve been using a baby shampoo for the last couple of weeks & my dry patches have all gone, so might be worth a try
Georgie - it’s going from bad to worse for you!
Hope they get you sorted quickly & that you cope ok in hospital, at least it should be quieter in isolation - thinking of you x
I’ve seen my oncologist today & am having herceptin on Monday - you have to be monitored in hospital for 6 hours after the injection for the first one! I then go back the next day for the T!
Jacqs - you’re having a tough time as well, your timescales sound tricky, 6 months to get sorted - thinking of you x
Sue Moo Goo is good, available from Amazon, but top recommendation is to get your GP to prescribe Doublebase. Make sure your have filled out the free prescription form! Your face moisturiser is good but I think it needs something a bit more industrial. My skin has got drier with each cycle so I am slathering Doublebase on everywhere! It feels a bit greasy at first but is stopping the flaking and is free!!! Kx
Hi Sue
I got a revolting sort of cradle cap on chemo & was told olive oil by the lady at cancerhaircare. You just massage it in very gently. Sorted my dry scalp out x
Georgie and Jacq’s – so sorry to hear about your hospital visits, you are not having the best of luck ladies……but I am sure that will change! Sending you lots of hugs and hoping you both feel better very soon.
Jude – I’m still feeling icky after my third FEC on 21st Sept but at least it was the final one, I move to Herceptin and T on 12th Oct. Interestingly I am booked in to have my first Herceptin and T on the same day rather than consecutive days like you.
I’m also feeling the cold especially on my head so sleep hats turned out to be a good buy! And thanks for all the top tips to keep well moisturised.
Hope you start to pick up soon from your last cycle!
With regard to the herceptin & T on the same day, be prepared for a long day as they might give one then wait a few hours before the other
My oncolonist had said that if you get a reaction (which is more likely for the first time), they like to know which drug has caused it - hence on 2 separate days
I’ll let you know how I get on - not looking forward to it but halfway there now ?
Good evening ladies. I haven’t checked in for a while.
I had an MRI on Monday and see the oncologist tomorrow to see if the tumour has shrunk so more chemo or if not discuss surgery. I’m on EC I think that’s what it’s called at the moment but I think they will want to move me to Docetaxel. I don’t know why but I’m pretty concerned about that move. I think it’s because fingers crossed, apart from tiredness I’ve been ok. Anyone have some good stories about Docetaxel ot anyone refused to have it and to continue on the EC? Thank you.
Good news that the infection has cleared up
The blood clot on your lung is a little worrying I would imagine but at least it’s been found & they can treat it
Fingers crossed that you get home soon
Unfortunately there don’t seem to be many good stories on docetaxel ?but it is a 3rd generation chemo drug & is pretty badass to those pesky chemo cells
I’m starting it next week along with herceptin - are you having herceotin as well? They don’t generally give herceptin with EC as the E element can effect your heart as can the herceptin so they don’t give together
Maybe you need to check with your oncologist as to why they are suggesting it
Good luck
