Day 16 - Solaris Clinic
Woke up Monday at 5.30am. I had a larger breakfast because I was going to be riding to the hospital again. I had booked a session of Reiki treatment at the SolarisCare Cancer Support Centre, which is located in the corridor just outside the Cancer Centre.
I ate a bowl of weetbix, then a bowl of my home made muesli as well, plus a banana and an Up N Go drink. I did a little work and then got myself ready for the ride to the hospital, including my normal M&T Routine, face and neck hygiene routine.
I started out at 9am but found I'd left my key medical folder at home, so I had to turn around. I had travelled about 2kms so it wasn't too far, but it meant I was then running a little late.
It didn't matter. I arrived in plenty of time at 10.50am. Once I'd locked up my bike, had my normal wash in one of the many disabled toilets (there are no end of journey facilities for patients at the hospital) and changed, I made my way up to the Café on Level 8 and had lunch - chicken and salad. After I'd finished, I made my way to the SolarisCare for my Reiki treatment, which was scheduled for 12.30. When I arrived, I was given a form to complete and then I relaxed to wait for my SolarisCare appointment to begin.
SolarisCare is a self-funded, volunteer driven, service that aims to improve the quality of life of cancer patients by providing a range of different therapies to cope with the emotional and physical side effects of cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Cancer patients can utilise the services free of charge. The Reiki treatment was unusual, but it was very relaxing. I think I nodded off a few times.
Once finished, I checked my next massage appointment and made another appointment for two weeks time (you're only allowed on therapy treatment per week). I then walked down the corridor for my radiotherapy treatment.
I was right on time and didn't have to wait long. This meant I was in and out in around 15 minutes. It wasn't particularly hot outside so I decided to get changed and head home straight away. I arrived home around 5pm.
That night Vic cooked amazing marinated chicken pieces on the bone. It was really good. We added a few vegies and a little cheesy pasta as well. I went back for more chicken. It was a little spicy and I find I am still liking spicy food, so I'm going for it for as long as I can tolerate it.
Went to bed around 10.30pm after completing my M&T Routine and my face and neck hygiene routine. I am still not liking the salt water mouth wash and toothpaste combination, but it seems my teeth and mouth are holding up.
My lips and the tip of my tongue are another story, they are very painful and feel like I've had a day in the hot sun without sunscreen with my tongue hanging out. My lips are blistered and bleed a bit, and my tongue is red and perpetually sore.
I've tried a lot of topical ointments to try to relieve the pain from my lips, but nothing seems to work conclusively. I'm using Sorbalene a lot and a Cocoa Butter Lip Balm which seems to help. It is usually worst around 3-4 hours after radiotherapy, so I'll have to remember to ask the Therapist if this is what is causing it and if they have any suggestions. It will be tolerable in the morning, so sleep was the best medicine right now.
To try to relieve the pain from my tongue, which hurts from simply touching the back of my teeth, I started using Difflam mouth wash. It has an anaesthetic property that relieves the pain for around 3 hours, so I had this just before bed to see if it helped. It did. My mouth went numb immediately, and I didn't feel the pain in my tongue until the morning when I woke up.
