Before every chemo, I have a blood test to make sure my body is healthy enough to cope with the chemotherapy.  I had my PICC line fitted this morning which was far less painful and awkward than when I had it done in Plymouth, so I was very relaxed and happy. They took the blood tests through the PICC line which was great as I had no new needles prodding me.

Then I happily drove off to see my dear friend Laurel Keeley who was my talented pottery teacher in Exeter. She’d thrown some beautiful flower vases for the receptions at Oncology and Cherrybrook (the chemo ward). After my previous treatment in these wards, the staff were so great that Neil and I gave them all flowers, but they had no where to stand them. We asked Laurel to throw some pots for them with the wards names written on them so no other wards could pinch them! I wish I’d taken photos of the pots as they are beautiful. Anyway, both departments LOVED them and when I complete my chemo in January, I’ll give them some beautiful flowers to stand in them.

So back I drove into the hospital to receive my chemo, only to be told that my liver function blood test had failed. Bummer!  I have an ALT (a liver enzyme) of 382 and it should be around 0-50 so it’s way off. They asked me if I felt OK and I feel great! (I’d walked 6 miles yesterday up the beacon and far beyond). Had I been in contact with sick people? No. They gave me a liver ultrasound scan which showed my liver as perfectly fine. So we’ve no idea where this has come from.

They had to discharge me and I have to return this Thursday morning at 9am for another blood test. If I pass that, then chemo can start the same day, but 3 days is pretty soon for that high figure to drop so much. They’ll have the results of a virus blood test they did today to see if that’s the problem. I  must admit that quietly I was thinking I’m glad I’m off alcohol as I’d be beating myself up if I’d been enjoying a G&T in the hot tub with Neil in the evenings. I’m such a saint these days!!! Ha ha. But I hope I’m not too saintly over Xmas!

So…… that’s all from me. I’ll update you Thursday evening, but it does look like some delays are afoot. It’s only 6 weeks since my op and the window for successful chemo post op is up to 3 months so there’s plenty of time. And, as always there’s a bright side to everything. No wig at Xmas!!! Yay!!!!