Janet's blog

 A taster - I have said that I want to be considered for this trial. There's no guarantee that I get on it. I understand they only have eight people from this centre so far, my blood pressure's been a bit iffy since the bevacizumab/Avastin treatment and my white blood cells have been a bit borderline even with the filgrastim injections. I've no idea what effect these might have on suitability.  I think the final decision gets made after some tests that would be done in the 4-8 weeks after Chemo II finishes, and I would enter the trial soon after they've got the results. In the meantime I've met one of the clinical trial practitioners and she took extra blood, the doctor I saw yesterday listened to my chest and prodded my tummy, and I signed and initialled some consents. If they do think I'm suitable, it means more check-ups at the hospital, more scans and it all means more journeys in and out. I'm sure that should argue agaist taking part but a near-year of ...

 Am surprised this place isn't steaming - it's been so swift and efficient today. Maybe the new computer system is bedding in. I got to the chemo suite at about 10:12 - would have been earlier if not for a liar of a lift which took me down from the 1st floor after telling me it was going up. BP, pulse and temperature done, chair and table baggsied and cannula in (left arm, first time!!) by 10:24 - well knock  me down! (Breathy David Attenborough whisper) Today, the drip stand forest has been approached by a small herd of cannula trolleys. They are timid, only the bravest venturing to the very edge. It's been high frequency hospital visits this week - Monday for Covid test and bloods, Tuesday for face-to-face consultation to sign the consent for the ICON9 trial, and today for chemo. That would have meant five drives in and out if I had not previously embarked on some cycle training. As it is, I did and it's been very much a net positive, but it is just possible that all ...