Hammersmith and Sutton
Today was going to be a busy day!
Before you start chemotherapy, it is suggested for a man to make a sperm deposit as the chemotherapy could make you infertile. Even though we have NO PLANS for anymore children, there is always the "Why didn't you do it" question in the future. So - I had been referred to Andrology Department at Hammersmith hospital.
So off we went, dropped Ollie at school and made our way to Hammersmith. Having never made a sperm deposit, this was uncharted territory.
Nat joined me in the waiting room (I think more for the amusement factor than anything else - and the sheer horror of every other bloke in there) - filled out a ton of paperwork and was given a cup.
"Room 1 Mr Cook" - "There are magazines in the draw or a DVD if you wish" I entered Room 1. Not wanting to touch anything. It was one of those situations - you don't want to be here, but you know you need to do it. Magazines - I am not going anywhere near that draw, let alone the contents - can you imagine who's been near them. As for the DVD, it would mean touching the remote control and then eugh - just no !
Imagination used - deposit made - get me out of here ! Job Done. Part 1 completed - they like you to make at least two deposits.
We then headed to The Marsden in Sutton to find out what the plan was for BEP Chemotherapy.
We met with another Consultant today and he took us through the whole process, explained it thoroughly - now you understand why there was such a delay but you forget all about that when you realise the personal service you are getting here.
We then discovered that I was to have BEP3 Chemotherapy (3 Days x 3 Cycles) and not the originally mentioned BEP5. This was checked and confirmed as correct. So good news - as it means I won't need as much chemotherapy.
We went through the consent form, understanding what the symptoms are likely to be, and how likely or unlikely they are - nausea, sickness, diarrhea, constipation, lack of appetite, pins and needles, hair loss.
I signed the consent forms...... I was having chemotherapy - scared - hell yes. Pleased it was decided - most definately....
The massive question was when. Today is the day before half term starts - in fact - the kids are out already - thank you Carolyn for picking up Ollie and amusing him. Lewis took himself off to goals with his mates - loving his independence ! Anyway.....
We are due to go away next week, to Cornwall - to escape this madness, a place where I always relax - the kids are so excited to be going (as always), but we have agreed that we start chemo whenever we are told we need to start it.
They give us a date - "Is Tuesday 18th April OK for you?" YES ! It means we get to go to Cornwall, we can escape and prepare. Most importantly - it means we can now tell the boys what is going on.
Progress at last - we know what's happening.....
Before you start chemotherapy, it is suggested for a man to make a sperm deposit as the chemotherapy could make you infertile. Even though we have NO PLANS for anymore children, there is always the "Why didn't you do it" question in the future. So - I had been referred to Andrology Department at Hammersmith hospital.
So off we went, dropped Ollie at school and made our way to Hammersmith. Having never made a sperm deposit, this was uncharted territory.
Nat joined me in the waiting room (I think more for the amusement factor than anything else - and the sheer horror of every other bloke in there) - filled out a ton of paperwork and was given a cup.
"Room 1 Mr Cook" - "There are magazines in the draw or a DVD if you wish" I entered Room 1. Not wanting to touch anything. It was one of those situations - you don't want to be here, but you know you need to do it. Magazines - I am not going anywhere near that draw, let alone the contents - can you imagine who's been near them. As for the DVD, it would mean touching the remote control and then eugh - just no !
Imagination used - deposit made - get me out of here ! Job Done. Part 1 completed - they like you to make at least two deposits.
We then headed to The Marsden in Sutton to find out what the plan was for BEP Chemotherapy.
We met with another Consultant today and he took us through the whole process, explained it thoroughly - now you understand why there was such a delay but you forget all about that when you realise the personal service you are getting here.
We then discovered that I was to have BEP3 Chemotherapy (3 Days x 3 Cycles) and not the originally mentioned BEP5. This was checked and confirmed as correct. So good news - as it means I won't need as much chemotherapy.
We went through the consent form, understanding what the symptoms are likely to be, and how likely or unlikely they are - nausea, sickness, diarrhea, constipation, lack of appetite, pins and needles, hair loss.
I signed the consent forms...... I was having chemotherapy - scared - hell yes. Pleased it was decided - most definately....
The massive question was when. Today is the day before half term starts - in fact - the kids are out already - thank you Carolyn for picking up Ollie and amusing him. Lewis took himself off to goals with his mates - loving his independence ! Anyway.....
We are due to go away next week, to Cornwall - to escape this madness, a place where I always relax - the kids are so excited to be going (as always), but we have agreed that we start chemo whenever we are told we need to start it.
They give us a date - "Is Tuesday 18th April OK for you?" YES ! It means we get to go to Cornwall, we can escape and prepare. Most importantly - it means we can now tell the boys what is going on.
Progress at last - we know what's happening.....
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