chemo cancelled | davidinireland's Blog

i had to stop the chemo, it is causing more problems with my tumor in my neck and is making it swell and become very painful.

i have not been able to type for a little while now, but with the right meds i am able to get through a while sitting at the computer.

i am not able to do capital letters as my fingers are cramping too much, so please excuse all of the many errors typed here today.

a few days after the chemo was given to me, i began to have bad pains in my arm and spine, the spine was terrible as it is so central to all of my movements. my wife drove me into hospital and they gave me some shots of morphine, but it did nothing, then they gave me a few more and it helped a bit, they they plugged me into a morphine drip and after a while i began to feel the pain ebb away.

after a few more hours they let me go home, but they wanted to admit me again, i am not sure why, more tests? but they can do these test with me at home, they do not need to admit me each time there is something wrong with me. i think they find it easier to get the tests done if i am in a bed, but they simply do not understand that the last place i need to be is in a hospital bed, if i need a bed, it is my bed i need.

so it was decided that I should stop the chemo immediately and instead begin doing radiation therapy to the neck tumor to try and bring its size down a bit, just to help with the pain, then, if the radiation works, i will try again with the chemotherapy.

it has not been an easy couple of weeks, i am on a lot of morphine which is making me sleepy, i am on a lot of steroids which are keeping me awake, i am on a lot of lyrica which turns off the body and many of its feelings.

today is the first day of feeling better, the pains are still there, but they have moved from the forefront of my mind.

i begin radiation on monday, they are rushing me through 'verification' and giving me my first treatment all in one day, this is not something that is done here, they usually have a 2-4 week wait between verification and first treatment, so i know they are doing their best for me trying to get me treated as quickly as possible, i am greatful for that.

to all of you that have commented, messaged, tributed, etc. etc. i just want to say a great big thank you for all of your words and thoughts.

i must stop now as the pains are begining to increase.

with a smile from Ireland.

David.