...just keep the side effects coming...

So if I hadn't already worked this out, I have definitely come to the conclusion that this cancer business is a bit of a bugger to put it mildly! The problem, everytime I think I've experienced all the side effects I'm going to get, something else comes along and throws a spanner in the works. The really annoying thing is that as we now know my tumour has drastically reduced in size, these new side effects tend to be caused by the treatment (chemo), rather than the illness itself.

The latest side effect seems to (according to Macmillan's website) be what is known as "Peripheral Neuropathy". In basic language, the fabulous drugs that blast away all those nasty tumour cells, can also damage some of the nerves in the body,most commonly the ones in the legs, feet, arms and hands. The damage can present itself in different ways; pain, numbness, unusual sensation and burning. In my own case, it seems to manifest itself as numbness in my left arm, and an ocaisional "burning" sensation in my left hand. Although it is not unbearably painful, it is uncomfortable and less than pleasant.
It is not my first experience of nerve damage. My accident caused nerve damage in my arms and left leg, and the toe on my left foot are still affected (I haven't felt them for over ten years!). Neuropathy, like all nerve damage is not reversable, however nerves can repair themselves, so hopefully after chemo is finished, over time the nerves will slowly repair and the burning and numbness will stop. However, as with my toes , the tips of my fingers may not fully recover..

Otherwise I have to say most side effects have reached a manageble level now. My left sided weakness is long gone and I can use my hand normally, and walk relatively well, My energy levels are only really bad during chemo week and I'm sleeping really well. The only side effect which is increasingly bothering me is my skin. Again, thanks to the chemo (why does making me better have to be so unpleasant?),my skin is incredibly dry, at times it almost feels papery, is constantly stiff and feels quite tight on my face and hands which I smother in E45 cream day and night. I have always had problem skin, but in the past it was more likely to be grasy and spot prone, so having to moisturise so much is a new experience. About five minutes after I've applied cream, it feels dry again, so it's a constant battle to feel comfortable.

WEll think that's enough moaning for now! Thankfully we have had some better weather this week which has boosted my mood and energy (although you wouldn't know it now thank to the sea mist developing outside!). Weather helps as I get less of my arthritic pain in warm weather, which makes the cancer/chemo side effects easier to bear.I have just under two weeks until the next chemo cycle , so I'll try and keep the serious moaning in check until then!