chemo 4
By jeand
- 1809 reads
My chemo has gone well over the last few weeks, with no new nasty side effects. So what is there to write about?
This whole piece of writing started with my Bell's Palsy, and today for the first time in six months, I could see both of my eyes blinking. One is a little bit lazier, but they both close. My mouth however gives the game away. Certain letters make my mouth screw up and that has been a constant feature. I wonder if it will ever go away. They say some people keep a residue of the problem forever. So if people look at me, but don’t talk to me, I look almost normal.
My stoma isn’t really causing many problems now either. But there are moments of humour or embarrassment depending on the circumstances. Stomas make lots of noise - not unlike the noises stomachs make on occasion. But they tend to make them louder and more musically - and you are never quite sure when they are going to start the chorus. When we were doing chemo last week, I asked for a cup of tea. I don’t like tea very much, but I was thirsty. As soon as I started sipping it, Effie started singing. The room was nearly empty, but as no doubt many of the others who come for chemo will also have stomas, it didn’t worry me. But it was funny and my daughter and I couldn’t stop laughing. I’d take a sip, and she would say “eeuw,” sort of cat like. Then another sip, and “weeee” and again, and perhaps “pop, pop” and on it went. I probably took 20 minutes to finish the tea, and then started on an egg sandwich, and immediately she was quiet.
I feel quite protective of my Effie and often sort of have my hand comfortingly over her, and sort of petting her. Sort of like I would have done when I was pregnant - but this time instead of protecting new life, I am protecting old life - as without her, I would not be around. I know it was the clever surgeon who created her, who I am really appreciating, but it is nice to have a symbol of my life being saved.
I see the oncologist tomorrow for the second time, and he will decide if I can tolerate a larger dose of the drug. I don’t see why not and if I can’t presumably they can put me back down again.
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Comments
You sound upbeat which is
You sound upbeat which is good, Jean. Keep us posted and take care of yourself. Paul x
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Good to read your writing
Good to read your writing full of good humour again, Jean, and that you are still able to enjoy life, and have your daughter(s)' company. Also good that some of the Palsy problem has stopped, maybe these things can quietly improve when you aren't waiting for it. Rhiannon
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Hi Jean
Hi Jean
Still keeping me smiling, in spite of. Loved your description of Effie's singing. My writing class teacher has a stoma as a result of a ruptured bowel a couple of years ago. Very nasty at the time but now she is fine and is coping well with her Effie. Does have to be careful what she eats though and when out needs to know where the nearest loo is!
Keep us posted Jean and good luck tomorrow.
Lindy
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Effie the Singing Stoma. Good
Effie the Singing Stoma. Good thing this doesn't include illustrations - that might be a challenge too far for any artist. Keep going Jean and good luck with your continuing treatment!
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we're all protecting old life
we're all protecting old life. even when it's new life.
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When my wife
was undergoing her treatment for a different kind of cancer, the chemo gave her what amounted to IBS. We had just returned to the UK from 15 years abroad in Spain. Throughout 2018 and some of 2019 we had many a panicked and fruitless search for a lavatory. One of the differences we spotted, after so long away, was how few public lavatories there are any more.
Keep going, I hope all goes well for you.
Ewan x
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Your sense of humour and
Your sense of humour and making the best of this situation, I'm sure has helped in your recovery. Long may it continue Jean. Take care and hope everything goes well for your next appointment.
Jenny.
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That's great your eyes are
That's great your eyes are blinking, makes me feel your body is pushing towards working properly all the time? I suppose your Effie must feel almost a part of you now, and comforting in a way, a tangible help.
I hope your visit to the oncologist was positive and everything continues to be painfree as possible, you are a strong lady with a huge spirit!
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So very glad to hear things
So very glad to hear things are going well so far. The bit about singing Effie was wonderful - I had no idea that was one of the diversions to be had with a stoma!
Fingers crossed things will continue to go smoothly.
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