First week of chemotherapy...

So far, so good! Brian has a funny metallic taste in his mouth, and is a bit tired.
We forgot on the last blog to mention that Brian was asked at his Marsden appointment if he wanted to donate sperm to be stored. He asked if it was considered to be in the National Interest?! It wasn't!! On second thoughts, (as his doctor is quite gorgeous), Brian should have asked if he personally was going to assist!!

After stocking up the larder on Thursday, (26 bottles of Lipton's Iced Tea!), Brian and I went to the South East Cancer Help Centre, situated in the Tesco complex in Purley. They were very helpful, and we have massages booked for 30/9, 7/10 and 14/10.

Yesterday we went to his GP, Dr. Muhundan. Brian has high blood pressure and a fast heartbeat due to sub-conscious stress at the whole cancer thing. Dr. Muhundan said he needs to lose weight, as his colesteral is high, but the Dr. thinks that the chemo might take care of that! All his doctors agree that Brian should not work. It is the responsibility of the GP to provide the medical certificate, which Dr. Muhundan is happy to do on a 2 monthly basis, so that we maintain some contact, although he suggests this should be by telephone or fax, as he doesn't want Brian at the surgery, due to risk of infection.

My cousin Carole and her husband David came to visit on Sunday - we provided the main course, they brought desserts and bagels for later (see pic). Graham, the vicar, popped in yesterday afternoon, along with our friend David Grant. Brian's family are planning to come down from Felixstowe in the next two weeks.

Brian now has breakfast at 8.30am, so he can take his first chemo at 9am; lunch at 1.30pm; soup at 6pm and a snack at 8.30pm ready for his other dose of chemo at 9pm. He is still enjoying his books, although now with the chemo he does tend to fall asleep halfway down the page!

Ian xxx