Chemotherapy: Cycle 1, Day 11

So far my introduction to chemotherapy has seemed very gentle to me. No nausea, no vomiting. The heavy metallic [platinum from cis-platin] taste in my mouth in the first week seems to have disappeared. Now into week 2, I am on a continuous pump infusion of the 5-FU drug. My energy levels seem normal, appetite is good. There is not much I cannot eat and enjoy. The novelty factor has worn off and now I accept that I am at the start of a long process of chemo which may hold many surprises along the way.

Last Wednesday I went back to the Zita Mary Clinic at the Calvary Hospital for a checkup and supply of a new Baxter 7-day infusor pump which pushes out the drug solution at the rate of 0.5ml/h. My blood test results were good and port was working properly. The nurses even managed to get some blood from me out of the port!

On my morning walk today I met and started conversation with Roy whom I had never previously seen. He was walking in my direction and at my pace. He looked about 70, fit, healthy and with a spring in his step. We made light and easy chat and he mentioned that he had had 'serious surgery' about a year ago when he retired to Port Macquarie to live. Well, one thing lead to another, and it turned out that his 'serious surgery' was to remove his stomach after being diagnosed with stomach cancer!!!
I was left amazed that our paths should cross this way! I of course got him to stop in his tracks [see picture] as I told him my circumstances, and he then openly and frankly discussed his pattern of treatment. His first symptoms were a pain in the solar plexus when bending down. Once the cancer was diagnosed it was off to surgery with no delay, no second thoughts and no second opinions!! After surgery he had 18 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by radiation therapy. He has lost weight, but enjoys a wide range of foods and is feeling fine.