Nerves kick in

July 2022

8 days after my final radiotherapy treatment the side effects started to take hold of my body. It started to hurt to poo and I was  severely suffering from constipation, when I did go it felt so sore and I found it incredibly difficult to walk. 

I was due to start chemotherapy on friday the 8th however on the Wednesday 6th I had an appointment to see my team at Velindre hospital, Professor Richard Adams examined me and explained my bowel was suffering from inflammation caused by the radiotherapy there was also a tare in my backside passage caused by the constipation I was given a change of medication and I had some tablets that I had to insert in my bottom a very uncomfortable thing to do I can confirm. For 2 weeks I suffered really painful experiences going a poo, to pass wind also made me scream out involuntarily. I started to leak blood through the night so Deb purchased me mens protection underwear, this felt weird felt like a bloody nappy but its done the job thankfully, I now have a small idea what a woman goes through once every month. Deb also kindly purchased me a doughnut cushion which is a life saver I can tell you.

The beginning of the month I had a really lovely visit from my two sisters and their family, they came and stayed in a caravan in Porthcawl for a few days it was great to see them all and to finally see my big sister Alison, I missed them both and although we talk & face time nearly every day actually having a hug off your sisters nothing really beats it. We managed to all have a sit down meal and a visit to the rides at Coney Island but this took its toll on my body, I became so tired and I was gutted I couldn't get down to see them on their last day but the pain I was now suffering was unbearable. I know they understood I'm so lucky to have these two sisters in my life they mean so much to me. It's good to reminisce on our childhood at times. 2 of Their grandchildren Ruby and Macie are an absolute pleasure 2 wonderful girls whos behaviour was excellent and Adam made sure he looked after me proving what a perfect gentleman he's turning out to be. 

On the 9th July my running friend Kerrie Aldridge ran the Pretty Muddy run in Cardiff Kerrie ran this race in memory of her Nan, also she also was very kind enough to run in my name too, kerrie even had it written on her running bib I'm so grateful to think she did this run for me it certainly made my week. 

I was starting to wonder if this pain would ever get better but thankfully after 2 weeks it has. Although walking unaided is still a problem the pain inside my bowel is not there. July 20th I went for my blood tests and these came back all OK so on Friday 22nd I restart chemotherapy at Velindre hospital this is two drips and not the chemotherapy that gave me the heart issues first time around. I am getting extremely nervous about having chemotherapy I know the part that gave me the heart and chest pains will not be given but I am so so nervous I don't want to be sick I don't want to be ill. But I know I'm going to be. 

Work again have been an amazing support and I am meeting up with them on Friday morning. I also had a former work colleague from B&Q visit me this week Sharron and I worked together for 5 years and it was great to see her.

Had another visit this month from my close friend David, its always nice to see him I know he's an extremely busy man, he is a very talented writer and sports journalist so thank you for coming to see me. Sometimes it's great to talk about other things other than Cancer. 

I know although today I'm feeling relatively fine at the moment this is going to change from tomorrow once this poison is pumped into my arm. I also know I have a remarkable wife daughters family and friends who are all supporting me and wishing me well I will take this support with me tomorrow as I'm sat in the chair watching the chemotherapy go in. I am going to fight this cancer with everything I have I will not go down easily I know I'm going to get poorly and very poorly indeed. It's times like this that makes me so very nervous. I will try and post during the month of August but this will be determined by my treatment. Until next time I'll continue to kick Cancer's Butt because it's got a hold of mine.