To say I was apprehensive is to understate the way I was feeling as I walked the corridors of Blackburn Hospital on my way to the Chemotherapy Unit. The hospital was busy with lots of people talking and laughing, but I was very much in my own little bubble.
‘Can I help you, sir’ said a friendly voice and I noticed a hospital orderly alongside me. I told him where I was going and he smiled and pointed down the corridor.
‘Not far to go’, he said. Now why did he make that gesture – did I look lost, confused – doesn’t really matter, it was kind and timely.
I stepped out and pushed open the door that stated ‘PATIENTS ONLY’ and found myself in what looked like a departure lounge – armchairs and tables, interspersed with stands bearing monitoring machines. I gave my details to the receptionist and was casually told to sit anywhere and the nurses would be along shortly.
Hardly five minutes and two nurses armed with computer tablets introduced themselves, gave me a book an began to explain the procedure. They said it would be a while because the medication is only prepared once you arrive, but there were some preliminary things to get done anyway.
They fitted a cannula to my left hand and left me to read my Cancer Treatment book.
Returning with a vast array of liquids and various pipes and valves, they then proceeded to administer the medication and explained exactly what each was for, although I cannot recall now, but effectively they initial ‘shots’ were to prepare my system – anti-nausea etc etc.
I was hooked up and the timing was explained and I settled down to listen to a new audio book ‘The Extra Mile’ written and narrated by Kevin Sinfield – not that I think it needs my endorsement but well worth a read.
Time passed, lunch was served, more time passed and almost to the minute my treatment was over at the specified time. I was disconnected, gathered my things and headed for the main entrance of the hospital where my brother was waiting to take me home.
That was Tuesday and it is now Friday, so any side effects would have become noticeable by now, so here goes… hardly anything – in fact physically I feel much better than I did on Tuesday morning. My joints are not as stiff or so and I feel much more mobile. I was extremely tired on Tuesday evening and didn’t do a great deal the following day. Wednesday night I had an extended session of hiccups and some uncharacteristic heartburn.
The only thing that I am struggling with is ‘brain fog’ but I find if I make a proper list of things that need doing, action them one at a time and apply a bit of discipline, I’m managed to keep it under control and be productive.
So, no dramatic outcomes and all that is left to say is that I cannot praise the NHS enough. The vast unseen logistics that make this happen are astonishing and the cheerful, professionalism of the staff, from orderlies to surgeons is above and beyond, particularly considering the pressure they are under.
