Chemo side effects

/ Ceri's blog

Here’s the tough blog. The good news is that the second pump fitted last Thursday worked. I woke up Friday morning to see that the chemicals had been released into my system through the night. But the side effects are really kicking in now. I felt really ill all Friday with bad diarrhoea so we didn’t go to the doctor’s Xmas party as planned. I simply wasn’t well enough.

However I was determined to see my niece Jane get married in Staffordshire on Saturday, and we did! It was a lovely wedding. Neil drove the whole way and the roads were empty. My other determined plan was to spend Sunday with Cara in London as it was her 30th birthday, so Neil drove us down to Islington after the wedding speeches and we arrived at Cara and Andrew’s canal side flat at about 10.30pm. Sunday was perfect, spending it with Cara and Andrew, and then we drove home to Devon. What a happy weekend.

But I’m struggling. My mouth is very sore and eating makes me feel sick. My weight has plummeted and I’m trying really hard to force myself to eat anything, simply to keep my weight up. It’s such a shame as all that wonderful progress I made recovering from the operation seems to be turning backwards on me. If I can’t get decent nutrition into me, my body will deteriorate, which is what I feel is happening. I can barely walk half a mile now as I’m quite weak. And with only half a stomach, the problem is much harder to deal with that other chemotherapy patients. It’s certainly a challenge!

Strangely I still feel quite OK. I guess because the process has started and I have only 3 more chemo sessions left. I’m looking forward to Xmas with family and no more big events to attend. I’ve decorated 2 Xmas trees today, so I’m really tired but content that it’s done. Next I have to figure out what I can eat for supper. I tried my cottage pie lunch time and ended up with diarrhoea, so I’m a bit stuck. I called the dietician in the hospital who’ll get back to me tomorrow. I’ve been googling and have printed out various meal ideas for me to refer to. I’m really hoping that my body will adjust a little and things will get easier. Someone mentioned that the first chemo is the worst. I hope so !!!! My hair hasn’t started falling out yet so that’s good news, although I know it will.

So that’s my update. I’ve promised to be completely honest, and I don’t foresee much change for a while. My next chemo session is straight after Xmas, so I’ll get on with trying to eat what I can and enjoy the Xmas festivities, even if it’s simply sitting in front of our cosy log burner watching the TV with my adorable husband. That’s definitely good enough for me.

9 thoughts on “Chemo side effects”

  1. Oh Ceri. That sounds so horrid, but look at what you’ve achieved through it! I still haven’t decorated my tree and it’s been up a week! I wish I could help, but I can’t, so I’m holding your hand from a distance, and sending good vibes every minute of the day xXx

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  3. Bless you, Ceri – this treatment is so v gruelling – but despite something which wd b a v good reason for many people to retreat from life for a while, you continue to show up for life, for these special events, regardless and carry on with your ‘business as normal’ attitude – facing each new challenge head on, using your intelligence and determination to find the approach which will get you over the next hurdle – I loved the pic in the hot tub for instance – typical Ceri – wonderful – am sure there are many times where it is a monumental effort to maintain your positive attitude – yet you do – all love to you xx

    Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

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  4. Ceri….your determination and positive energy is just amazing. I’m so glad you made the wedding and Cara’s birthday. Now it’s time to relax go with the flow, sit back and enjoy Christmas with your very handsome gorgeous husband ♥️ Big hugs 🤗 all my love and prayers to you both and for you both xxxx J

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  6. LOVE the three photos you’ve chosen – so typical.” I WILL enjoy the hot tub whatever the weather and whatever my chemo does, I WILL attend that wedding (and we SOOOOO appreciated your being there), I WILL be with Cara on her 30th, I WILL get those trees decorated”. ALL DONE. REEEELAAAAX now – let others do Christmas cooking – why have a houseful and bark yourself (????have I mixed my metaphors here?). This IS the last lap Ceri, it’s a b….!!! it’s proving to be the worst when energies and body are at their lowest ebb. You CAN do it girl! Especially if you let others help….. and your wig looked great so don’t worry. I only wish my love and determination was transferable. Huge amounts of sympathy, love, and hugs.Sis xxx (I wish I could find the emojis)

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  8. I love to see you are still the strong woman that I’ve known you to be no matter what the fight!!! I’m so glad you re keeping us all posted on how you are doing-soon you and Neil will be off on another fabulous trip to some remote spot in the world. I don’t know if you have noticed, but I’ve been paining a lot of couple portraits. I would love to paint one of you and Neil. Could you select one from your wedding that I could paint? I do have the Arizona desert painting that has dried enough for me to send it to you but I would love to paint one of the two of you on your special day. Keep going strong Ceri- that’s the only way I know you to be. Tom and I are coming over to see you and Neil next year!! Love, Cindy

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