Monday 8 April 2013

Round Two

I was at the Western General this morning for the pathology results and I am to have radio and chemotherapy, as I said earlier I was prepared for this result.

Okay doky, I now know what’s ahead, that’s been the hard bits really, the unknown from the very beginning on my first appointment. The word ‘may’ appeared as in “This may be sinister.”  To “You ‘may’ need further treatment.” Well, now I can face it head on. It will take six weeks starting on 22nd April, I’ll have radiotherapy Monday to Friday with the weekends off and for the chemo, one hit on my first day of the radiotherapy with a single night staying in the Western so they can monitor my kidneys and bloods.  It shouldn’t be until around the third week when they hit me with the second and final blast of chemo that I’ll start to feel a bit rough, my mouth will get sore and my neck will feel like it’s sunburnt but that won’t be permanent and there’s a few other minor side effects .  The one thing I’m not liking the sound of is that I’ll end up with a dry mouth and that will be permanent, but keeping a bottle of water on hand definitely beats the alternative!

So the Fling will be around the early part of my treatment, and as long as I feel ok I’ll come up to cheer everyone on, but I’ll be a DNS for the WHW. That is the hard thing to get my head round, but next year will be all the sweeter when I slap my hands on the Leisure Centre’s doors.

I've still got the best support crew in my corner…seconds out…round two...ding ding.
.
Hands up, chin down. COME ON!

9 comments:

Helen said...

as you say Fiona, at least you know what's ahead and can prepare yourself for each part of the journey... I'm still quite new at this ultra running lark and I have to recce the course in sections before I'm confident to tackle it head on - you have loads of experience and you know how to get up the big hills! Keep roaring you're one helluva lady xxx

The Flying Fifer said...

I'm sorry to hear that you will need the radio and chemo. I was crossing my fingers that you wouldn't, and therefore you WOULD be on for the WHW this year. But the race will still be there for you in 2014 and, as you say, your tenth finish will be all the sweeter because of the health issues that you're facing now. You're one hugely positive lady Fiona. Your fantastic attitude will get you through the next few weeks. RESPECT! xx

Christina Schmidt said...

It's a bummer that you'll need radio and chemo - but if that's what the cancer needs to get its bum well and truly kicked, then I'm sure you'll give it some good kicks indeed. The WHW will be even sweeter next year. Stay strong. x

nathalie said...

you are utterly amazing and so positive facing this so wonderfully head on. I am routing for you and willing you well so very very very soon. take good care. xxx

Julie said...

A permanent dry mouth? Now that's going to be the best excuse ever for a few wee Taliskers whenever you fancy. xx

Subversive Runner said...

Hands up, chin down Fi. And don't stop punching.xxxx

Debs M-C said...

You're the best, Fiona!! x

KarenR said...

Time waits on no man. Fight it, beat it and be on the start line next year. So in awe of how positive you are! An inspiration x

Anonymous said...

Those doors in Fort William will be waiting for you to batter them down in 2014.

Nothing will stop you getting there.

RobertK