Tuesday, 30th May 2006
'It's Over'.
After waking this morning, I noticed Joshua had already gone downstairs and found him busy cutting out shapes from pieces of white paper. He was in fact cutting out letters he had drawn earlier. The letters formed two words which he displayed for me on the dining room table. They simply read 'IT'S OVER'. The apostrophe was in the right place; more importantly he understood the importance of the day for me and I could not help but thinking it was probably quite a significant moment for him too. I kissed his lovely curly head, nodded and smiled. In truth, I was very moved. I reminded him that although today was a very happy day for me, I would not feel better for at least three weeks but that after that my hair would slowly start to grow back and I would get stronger and stronger with each day.
My blood test results were fine apart from the Haemoglobin level which meant I was anaemic according to the oncology nurse and, had I had more chemo in the diary, this session would have been postponed for a least a week. But I had no more chemotherapy appointments and, with the rest of the Summer to recover, I was classed fit enough to be hooked up to the drugs. I made an appointment to see my GP when I got back home (the Macmillan nurse suggested I do this so that they could monitor the anaemia,) and immediately started taking iron tablets.
Blood test results 6th and final chemotherapy cycle:
Haemoglobin 9.7 White blood cells 7.1
Platelets 352 Neutrophils5.9
In the meantime, I have the rest of the Summer to look forward to. Rain or no rain each day will get better and better. Of course there will be radiotherapy, and I have to make an appointment to discuss that with the oncologist. I do have concerns about this treatment: what do they think there is left to zap after a mastectomy? But radiotherapy will be like a stroll in the park compared to chemotherapy. Like a mariner that has been out at sea for months and months, at around midday I stepped off my sailing vessel onto dry land. That part of the journey was over.
posted by Anne-Marie @ 8:03 PM
7 Comments:
Here's a tip for you: when my sister had anaemia, the doctor prescribed Guinness - and she was only 15! Surely the world's greatest doctor (all together now) "Yes he was - and don't call me Shirley".
Ahhh, 'Airplane'. Can it really be 25 years ago? You know when you were a 'teenager' Anne Marie.
Love
Russell
Congratulations Anne Marie, I salute and celebrate with you on completing your 6th cycle of FEC chemo. I was diagnosed with an early stage grade 3 tumour which was removed back in Nov 05. At the same time, the surgeon removed all 23 of my lymph nodes and fortunately they came back all clear. I also have just finished my 6th and final cycle of FEC chemo on May 22nd. I start radiotherapy on June 12th for 6 weeks. Your website is a truly wonderful thing. It mirrors so much of what I have been through in the last six months or so and it has been great to finally find someone has gone through the same thing as me, at roughly the same time, and who also has managed to come through what should be a very bleak period - a stronger, and more enriched person for it. WELL DONE to us both. WE DID IT!!!! ;-)
ps. you may be interested in a book called 'My Left Boob. The Diary of Ann- Being -Frank'. By An Fitzpatrick. A friend of mine sent me a copy over from Ireland - not sure if you can buy it in the UK, but if you can get hold of it, it is a cracking read.
Well done Anne-Marie - hope this finds you happier, stronger and healthier than you have been feeling of late. Go enjoy your garden and the rest of the summer -perhaps we will see you up in the Cotswolds soon? lots of love Ros and the boys xxxx
Hi Anne-Marie, been really enjoying reading your latest 'garden' endeavours and now your final part of the journey back to so-called normality. I say so-called, because anyone with kids knows that life is never normal (or maybe it is?).
It seems like you are surrounded by great family and friends.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo
Very pretty design! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
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Dear Anne Marie
Hearty congratulations on getting through the chemo!! I wish it had gone past faster but I hope that you make a very strong recovcery notwithstanding the radiotherapy.
Love
Rosemary xxxx
Nice! Where you get this guestbook? I want the same script.. Awesome content. thankyou.
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