So the big guns are out now, Chemo cycle one started yesterday. Thought it worth chronicling in case useful for anyone else going to six sessions of adjuvant Docetaxil Chemo before Radiotherapy. They are trying to catch any micro mets that might not have showing on my clear PET PSMA scan.
So preparation was called for, blood test, meeting with Chemo Nurse sister and consents all signed. Even had a tour of the day unit to reduce any nerves! All between Monday and Wednesday this week (along with next Zoladex implant).
Packed a bag yesterday morning containing drinks, snacks, pre-med Steriods (had already taken four before bed and four on waking), phone, earplugs, iPad, book, hat (for wet Cold Cap hair afterwards) and of course wore comfortable clothes as per instructions. What I forgot was conditioner for the hair (they had some so lucky there) and a headband (yes a girls one) to keep the temples warmer and relieve the cap tightness when inflated with water.
After some consideration I opted for the cold cap not out of vanity, but as I am trying to keep working I did not want to wear my treatment so visibly for clients and colleagues, especially as I will be hunting my next contract soon! They took time checking my blood pressure (178 over 120, when normally 120 over 85) so I clearly was more stressed that I felt! Then we got started with the cold cap which has to be on for 30 mins before Chemo goes in. Actually it was fine for me, icy cold very quickly, especially as they wet your hair and put in the conditioner to stop the cap sticking to your hair after. I got really sting ache pains in my neck for first 10 mins, but after that everything was a ok with just some minor irritant around the edges up to all numb at 30 mins. No guarantee my hair will survive, but worth a try for sure and minimal discomfort. Music and distraction from my gorgeous wife helped to get me through the cooling phase really well. Oh and on advice from internet asked nurse on arrival if I could take 2 paracetamol to help, which she said was fine. That may have helped with the brain freeze as well so recommend. Tube a back of hat where the water come in and out pressed against the headrest and my neck, but a pillow behind the head and a reclined chair sorted that, which was essential as the cap becomes heavy over 3 hours. (they put eh chemo in slow 1st 2 times and the cold cap stays on for half an hour after as well as half an hour before). Nurses were great, even though I had to be stabbed three times to find a good vein. Drink loads for 2 days before an it will help them not have to do that to you! I did feel dizzy and shaky towards the end of the session (which was combination of the cold cap and perhaps the Docetaxil. Other patients we not chatty, but all absorbed in what they were doing which was fine with my good lady to chat with the whole time (except when playing loud music). Next post will be the after effects on the same day. I went in at 10am and was out at 1pm just for the record! :-) Feeling strong and feeling good so far!