Next op

I'm now booked in to have my Hickman line removed on Wednesday. This is a minor op under local anaesthetic which is only "a little uncomfortable" according to the consultant - this is of course doctor speak for it's going to hurt like mad and I guess that means I will be a bit sore on Thursday. Despite my wimpish fear of any medical procedures I am looking forward to this next step in removing some of the medical equipment that adorns my body.

I'm now three and a half weeks away from my last chemotherapy infusion and I would like to report that I am getting back to normal. Unfortunately, my impatient mind must wait a little longer. The tingling fingers and numb feet have actually got a little worse since the last treatment cycle - apparently this is not unusual and it may take months to go completely. Tiredness continues to be a problem and it's weird - a bit like driving a car with a broken fuel gauge - I feel fine and attempt a short walk only to that I struggle to make it back home, without any warning suddenly I find I have no energy and need to sit down and rest. Sarah is now getting used to this having gone to collect the car to pick me up after my last walk, and yesterday on returning from the kids guitar exams in Bath, having to all but carry me back to the car park.

I'm sure it's just a question of time, and I know I need to be patient and take things steady. It's very comforting to feel that the worse part of my treatment is now behind me and I can look forward to getting better rather than more ill.