Finally had my first chemotherapy session.
By Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
Manchester, England
July 21, 2017 5:33am CST
The chemotherapy was scheduled to start on Tuesday, but the day did not go to plan. After providing a blood sample I was waiting in reception when I suddenly collapsed. I was diagnosed with an irregular heart condition which was causing my blood pressure to fall rapidly and generate blackouts. Therefore I am now undergoing treatment for two independent serious conditions.
They admitted me to a ward overnight and I was permanently attached to a heart monitor, along with regular blood pressure tests and several doses of morphine to subdue the pain. After having X-rays and a CT scan on Wednesday I was released around 7 PM and rescheduled for chemotherapy on Thursday.
The chemotherapy was less traumatic than I had expected and during the night I seem to have experienced no major side effects, so at last there appears to be some progress taking place.
Now I have another chemotherapy session planned for today and a third for tomorrow.
After what has been a horrendous week I am finally beginning to feel a little more optimistic.
40 people like this
45 responses
@allknowing (135306)
• India
22 Jul 17
Good you got through it all and the next one I am sure you will not have that much of anxiety.
5 people like this
Look at the plus side. See how the myLot community is pampering you
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
21 Jul 17
I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties but it really is wonderful what doctors can do these days. I am glad that you're receiving the best treatment for both ailments that science can devise. Chemotherapy is not a walk in the park (I found it mostly intensely boring) but one can live with it.
Let our friends in the USA and other parts of the world remember that, for us in the UK, all this care and hospital treatment is provided completely 'free' and with no co-payments or insurance restrictions or denials. That last bit is the most important, of course. Medical care in the UK is only 'free' in the sense that all employed people pay contributions towards both their State Pensions and the National Health Service
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26641)
• Singapore
22 Jul 17
Good to hear that you have such a system to give peace of mind.
In most countries we are left in the lurch and one serious illness can leave us with little choice but to accept the inevitable without follow up treatment.
I have heard it said - it's is cheaper to die than get hospitalized.
I agree taxes are high in the UK but it is higher for those who earn more; looks a fair system - siva
2 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
25 Jul 17
@CoralLevang I am fortunate enough to have a cancer that will respond to chemotherapy. It may not help, but at least there is hope.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
25 Jul 17
@CoralLevang I only wish that some day I could wake up comfortable.
@marguicha (222364)
• Chile
22 Jul 17
It seems that chemotherapy is different depending on the type of cancer you have. I had no problems at all except that I was constipated during the whole time. But I have heard od other people that have the opposite problem and even vomiting problems. Good luck with yours. I´m sending good vibes! I´m on complete remission: chemotherapy works. 
3 people like this
@marguicha (222364)
• Chile
22 Jul 17
@Asylum Luck! I believe that we can help if we are surrounded by people who care and we don´t dwell in sad thoughts.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
22 Jul 17
@marguicha I never dwell on sad thoughts.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
21 Jul 17
I'm glad to hear an update from you, for some reason you keep crossing my mind, as always I can onlty hope and pray the best turn out.
4 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
22 Jul 17
ouch, the complication of the heart condition doesn't sound good at all - I expect the distress you must be feeling about the chemo contributed to that - obviously it didn't prevent the chemo going ahead and that seems to have gone well - good luck with the follow up treatments
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
23 Jul 17
@arthurchappell Yes, I have had this a few times before, but never knew the true cause.
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
23 Jul 17
@Asylum at least the heart attack happened in hospital so they could get onto it right away
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
21 Jul 17
I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with these health issues. I hope that you feel better soon and that your health improves.
4 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (82582)
• United States
21 Jul 17
Sending positive vibes your way and that the chemo continues to better than expected.
4 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
21 Jul 17
I am virtually sitting right beside you through this whole process. I am glad that the treatments have started but worried about the dropping blood pressure.
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
21 Jul 17
So it would appear. I have only told my next door neighbour and brother offline, would really needed to know. Apart from that I have told nobody because it makes people feel very ill at ease.
Being able to confide in friends here has been a great help to me.
3 people like this
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
21 Jul 17
Although its bad about the low heart rate at least you found out and you know. I am so glad that the chemo treatment was not bad, Actually I knew it would not be to bad but not knowing is what scares the hell out of us.
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26641)
• Singapore
22 Jul 17
Good that the chemo has had no major side effects so far.
It was fortunate you had the black out when help was close at hand though it was out of the blue.
Hope and pray that the chemotherapy sessions have their positive impact soon and you are on the firm path to full recovery.
I was looking forward to this post - siva
3 people like this
@Neiltarquin (1062)
• Rass, Saudi Arabia
22 Jul 17
Good for you. Always think positive my friend.
3 people like this
@Neiltarquin (1062)
• Rass, Saudi Arabia
22 Jul 17
@Asylum its still a good thing. better to have one option rather than no option.
1 person likes this
