It’s a week on since the ‘adventure’ began and I’m gradually settling into the new ‘normal’ and trying to get into some sort of rhythm. Hugh has had a week of treatment, and the early signs are positive – sort of! Well, to be fair, the positive is that he’s in the best possible place to get the treatment that he needs.
He’s having a rough time and isn’t enjoying himself and, let’s face it, nobody ever put having chemotherapy and other cancer treatment on the top of their list for a holiday treat. He’s had great delight (in a grim sort of way) in telling me that his chemotherapy is much rougher than mine was back in 2003. I have no doubt that this is the case and, quite frankly, that’s a contest that I’m more than happy to be at the losing end of.
His discomfort is caused both by the disease and its impact – his immune system is totally shot so he’s subject to sudden and severe infections – as well as the treatments. As I said, chemo is horrible at any time and for blood cancers it’s worse than most.
The doctors are talking about a treatment plan of a week of active treatment and then a build up of his strength for 21-25 days followed by a further review of his bone marrow to see if the chemo worked. He’s going to be in hospital for at least a month and then we’ll see what the regime is. It’s possible that he may be able to have future treatment through Frankston but we’ll wait and see. I’m trying to manage both my hopes and everyone else’s and just taking it day by day!