Big wheel keeps on turning ...Cycle 2, Day 1

The big wheel keeps on turning
On a simple line day by day
The earth spins on its axis
One man struggle while another relaxes

Massive Attack

The big wheel keeps on turning....here we go again with chemo (although it's not quite so scary this time round, having some idea of what to expect after the first cycle.)

Today is Day 1 of Steve's second treatment cycle: the big chemo day, with doses of both Cisplatin and Velcade interspersed by several litres of saline, a diuretic, an hour's worth of glucose solution and anti-nausea tablets. And lunch.

Steve has gained a kilo during his week off (reflecting the return of his appetite); all his blood tests came back normal, and no problems with BP, pulse, temperature, blood gasses etc, so cleared for treatment.

Unlike Day 1 of Cycle 1, everything went smoothly this time. However, news of the wasted first dose of Velcade appears to have filtered back to the drug company. As a result, in future, the trial drug will not delivered to the hospital until after the blood tests results are confirmed as clear. We can therefore expect slightly extended hospital visits from now on.

Steve's CT scan review has been set up for 13 August, so that the results will be available in time to start Cycle 3 of the treatment the following week, assuming it has been effective so far. Please, please, please, PLEASE let that be so!

Our Yorkshire mini-break went so well last weekend, we hope to arrange other visits to see friends during the chemo rest periods, towards the end of each 21-day cycle. However, we also know that Steve tends to feel tired the day after treatment, so my birthday tomorrow will be a low key affair in terms of activity. That said, I'm sure he'll have enough energy to pop the champagne cork and help me eat my birthday cake!

Whilst on the subject of birthdays, belated greetings to Mary, Stella and Jon who all had birthdays on 24 July, and a big kiss for Martin, Steve's brother, who shares a birthday (and date) with me. Enjoy yourself!