My Uninvited Lodger Part 2

More episodes of pain caused by a blockage, all cleared by the lovely nurses and told I could now wear a smaller catheter tied onto my knee. Discussed with staff that walking was a problem, only journey between the bed and my armchair and I was wobbling. My wife arrived and amused to find me walking with a zimmer frame accompanied by two occupational therapists who were returning tomorrow to ascertain if I could manage stairs unaided. Informed by my wife that she was employing a professional carer who was moving into our house for a couple of weeks, so get used to the idea!

Registrar doing the rounds, catheter not fixed properly so instructions given to remove. Occupational therapists tested my ability on using stairs and satisfied no problems. Following breakfast, my first hormone therapy injection. Initially not a big deal but shoulder ached for the next few days.

Second Saturday, a deputy consultant accompanied by the staff nurse doing the “round”. Queried why I couldn’t be discharged, I explained that my wife had two operations in 2017 to remove a brain tumour, I am her carer.

First signs of a side effect from the hormone injection, beginning to sweat profusely and very uncomfortable. Told by nurse, if no further blood in my urine, I will be discharged this afternoon. Given a sample bottle and analysis showed no problems.  One more visitor, after he left, put on my clothes, discarded my sexy hospital socks, said my goodbyes, and was told to sit outside the bay until my transport arrived. Returned home, introduced to our carer and told by my wife to sit quietly (as much chance as AFC Bournemouth have of winning the Premier League).

Requested quotes for live in carers and had a meeting with a London based firm- too expensive and would probably exhaust our savings in a very short period.

Completed questionnaire from liaison between hospital and Macmillan, to look into my mental state and establish a care plan.

Obtained several booklets from Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan, both organisations extremely helpful. Researched via Google and discovered that advanced prostate cancer survival average is about 3.5 years. Extremely upsetting and agreed with my wife not to conduct any further research as it could affect our mental state.

Pre-treatment meeting, my wife and I met the registrar, oncology nurse and liaison person. Discussed my treatment. Given contact details for oncology nurse and leaflet on chemotherapy (Docetaxel). Told I would be given a tour of the chemotherapy area prior to first session, never materialised.

Separate meeting with liaison person to review my answers to the questionnaire and discuss my concerns.

First pre-chemotherapy meeting. Now required to take an additional 8 steroids on the day prior to each session of chemotherapy. Height and weight measured. (I was beginning to rattle at the thought of so many pills, when are you supposed to eat?)

First chemotherapy session (went alone silly boy), nursing staff extremely calming.  Area consisted of ten individual bays plus additional side rooms. Given an anti-sickness pill and signed a disclaimer voiding the hospital of any responsibility if the insertion of the chemotherapy pack caused any damage to my veins or tissues. A needle via a cannula was initially inserted to “flush out” my system which took about 15 minutes. Big pack of Docetaxel appeared and lovely needle was inserted via the cannula into my right arm. Enquired how long it would take to enter my system and was told the average was about an hour.

Given a supply of pills including anti-sickness and for extreme circumstances, an anti-sickness injection pack which would have to be administered by a district nurse, Dexamethasone, Imodium and my daily dose of Prednisolone. Also, given a record card with emergency numbers and details of a ward to contact if any of a long list of side effects occurred. No feeling of nausea but noticed that my taste buds seemed different.

Pre-chemotherapy session with pharmacist, height/weight again measured and weight gain of 1.5kg to be reduced by a diet and exercise plan. PSA down to 3.0 and agreed by pharmacist to write to my dentist to confirm no problems with having any treatment. Finally, for problems with my hands (extremely sore) prescribed E45 hand cream.

Pre-chemotherapy session with pharmacist, put on more weight and heaviest for years. Pharmacist spoke to the oncologist, decided I was putting on too much weight so daily steroids withdrawn.

Third session of chemotherapy, no problems with the actual process. However, beginning to notice side-effects:

1. Hair on head beginning to fall out in large clumps, not a lot to begin with (a small percentage has subsequently returned but nothing to get too excited about).
2. Body and facial hair rapidly disappearing, shaving no longer required (no great change some 2+years later).
3. Sense of smell and taste buds beginning to alter, unable to determine what I am eating.
4. Finger nails becoming discoloured and very painful.

Pre-chemotherapy session, PSA 1.5 and liver function slightly raised. Flu jab completed on the 16^th November. Hair loss slowing down but more problems with fingers. Dose of chemotherapy to be reduced.

More side-effects from treatment:

1. Pins and needles in fingers, great difficulty in doing up buttons and zips.
2. Fingers becoming very sore, applying special cream.
3. Fingers bleeding, twice phoned emergency number supplied by the chemotherapy department but no response, very reassuring!
4. Sores in nose and small nose bleeds.
5. Acid reflux – medication prescribed.

5^th and penultimate chemotherapy session.

6^th and final session of chemotherapy and agreed that my wife should accompany me for the first time.  Advised that my PSA was now 1.4. Thanked the staff for all their due care and attention and tremendous support they had given me since my first visit in September.