Wobbly teeth and needles

Today was another snakes and ladders day as we head into the third of my first round of six chemotherapy treatments. Yesterday went well after taking some time out to celebrate my birthday on Monday I got stuck into work and was on conference calls late into the evening thanks to a corporate IT meeting in the USA, so I was feeling on top form.

I felt even better this morning when I was able to sit on the bed (samurai like in my imagination) stare at the needle and stick it into myself unassisted by Lee who was hovering nearby and hoping to get the chance herself. For me, who has a fear of needles this was an achievement but I guess a lot of you do it all the time (thinking medically not recreational) so its not such a big deal. One thing is for sure I could never become an IV drug user, its hard enough doing this when you have to.

Following that I headed of into work to meet a new German colleague who has just started working on my operations team in a critical role, poor man was a bit puzzled when I turned down his handshake but was OK after I explained the situation. Half way through the meeting the phone went and it was the hospital calling me in - I had noticed a twinge in one of my teeth overnight and earlier asked them if I was allowed to go to the dentist, I have now learnt that dental work and chemo are not well mixed.

To cut a long story of needles, blood tests, Xrays etc which consumed the afternoon in the hospital it was determined that I do have a small infection at the root of one tooth which unchecked could do a lot of damage, with my immune system running at about 5% of yours the chance of this happening is high, so I am now on elephant killer antibiotics which sadly come with "don't even sniff alcohol or you will regret it" health warnings. It was repeated by the nurse, the doctor and the pharmacy staff so I guess they really mean it.

So tomorrow is more bloodwork, self injections, and taking many different pills, hopefully none of that will stop me working normally through the day, taking my exercises round the park and focusing on the chemo, which I will get on Friday but only if the blood counts are up and the infection is reducing or gone. Fingers crossed.

My Uncle Harry got in touch to say that the Aston Martin old or new is not mundane, as I referred to it in the previous post, he lives near the factory and is a fan. I actually agree of course having wanted one since boyhood (and it looks like I still cannot afford one) so thanks for the correction Harry, nice to hear from you.

Cheers

Gerry (aka pincushion)