More Pills!

Radiotherapy was quicker today because I am now only having  booster shots until the course is finished.  So we should have been home really early.

Alas, it was not to be.  Three days ago I started getting terrible itching under my armpit with a fiery red rash. Looks just like nappy rash that a baby gets.  I did mention it to the radiographer on Tuesday.  This is NOT the side I am having radiotherapy on.  She said it looked like a heat rash, keep it cool.  She said it could have been caused by the awful sweats I was getting on Tamoxifen.  I bathe or shower at least once a day and often twice.   Anyway, on Tuesday I had to see Dr. Robinson again.  She was pleased the way everything was going but she had been notified by the staff  that my anxiety levels had been much higher  and the counsellor also told her the state I was in when I phoned her last week.

Dr. Robinson advised me to stop taking the Tamoxifen whilst I am having radiotherapy to make it easier.  She assured me that stopping for a short time would not make any difference. I can re-start once I am finished.  I told her my blood sugars had also been much higher and she said this was due to the stress.

So I reckoned this rash was caused by the sweating, the high blood sugars, stress etc. etc.  Strange though that it did not affect the side that is being treated only the armpit on the other side.  I was not unduly worried, it was more the awful itching.  I can hardly keep my hands off it and want to tear it to pieces.  Obviously I cannot walk around with my arm in the air so the armpit is not exposed to much fresh air as it is usually by my side.

Anyway, it was so bad this morning I mentioned it to the radiographer again.  She had a look and immediately said I needed to go upstairs and see the nurse.  Up we trotted, the nurse took a look and was not happy so she buzzed for a doctor.  I expected to get a tube of cream.  Oh no, not that easy.  The doctor took a look and said she could see signs of infection starting.  She could give me no idea why this has happened other than that it could be due to my diabetes, being run down from radiotherapy etc. etc.   Anyway, I now have to take two antibiotics, three times per day - as if I am not on enough medication!  She also suggested I might like to take an antihistamine to cope with the itching.

I am not a happy bunny today.  Antibiotics upset my stomach badly and this is not what I needed whilst having to get to the hospital on a daily basis.

Mike duly took the prescription to our local pharmacist.  He immediately advised against the antihistamine.  He has all my drugs on his computer and said it would be too much of a cocktail for me and would not advise such a mix with all the other medication.  He is a very knowledgeable man and we trust him implicitly.  He said  just take the antibiotics, try and keep it as cool as possible and try not to scratch it.  How I am going to keep from doing this I do not know.  It just seems one thing after another.  I do know that when radiotherapy is finished, I have to get my sugars sorted out.  Maybe they will just drop naturally when the strain is off.

At this time because of the tiredness, I am not getting any exercise which does not help because it is important to stay active when you are diabetic.  Diet and pills alone will not do it when you are inactive. I have been told to forget my blood sugars whilst I am undergoing treatment.  Easier said than done, believe me.   If they do not drop, then I will have to see my diabetic nurse.  I am due for a full diabetic check anyway.  Will these medical appointments ever stop?  Will I ever be able to get a rest?  Give me a break!

I can only hope that the antibiotics work.  I would have preferred an antibiotic cream to have applied externally but there you go.   It is a never ending saga at the moment. I know it sounds silly, but for those of you that pray, please pray this armpit clears up.  I was greatly worried when she said it looks like it is becoming infected.

Lots of you liked my Avatar yesterday.  I have made another one because I did find a short hair style, more the way I wear my hair and I like the background better, so I am sharing this with you today.

No, other pictures for  you today.  I did say I would take you on this journey with me and that is what I am doing.  I just cannot believe I now have this extra problem, I am certainly getting things heaped upon me in abundance.  As we are coming up to another Bank Holiday weekend, I had hoped things would be calm and relaxed. Instead I feel very depressed now.  Who would have thought a thing like an armpit could throw a spanner in the works?

Well, I suppose I had better get off here and take my first dose. Keep your fingers crossed that at least they work because if they do not then I do not know what will happen.

Like I said, this is the last thing I needed right now.  Well, hopefully things can only get better.

Love