Page 398 - She's One Crazy Lady!

out, reaching other parts. In other words, the cancer was spreading and Marilyn was told Doctors were not keen to do any more surgery. However, they felt that she would benefit by having chemotherapy initially planning to administer the same powerful drugs she had back in 2013/14, although, on reflection, they chose a similar drug (paclitaxel) saying that her body would not tolerate a further regime of the stronger drug. Marilyn had the choice of either having this done at Nottingham or at Leicester – she chose Leicester as this was a shorter journey and we knew the Royal Infirmary well.
Marilyn was discharged from Nottingham and was now under the care of Leicester where she met with her Consultant Oncologist and became acquainted with the Chemotherapy Department that she was to visit for thirty six sessions – once a week for three weeks with one week off. It was such a demanding time for her as the days were long compounded by the treatment making her very tired. A District Nurse would call in to see her at home each week to take bloods to ensure she was well enough to tolerate the next dose. When going to Leicester we took lovely picnics and always looked forward to buying fresh fruit from the busy market stall at the entrance to the Unit. Part way into her treatment she had a PICC Line fitted on her arm as her veins were playing ‘hard to get’. This made life slightly easier and less stressful. Thankfully Patient Transport agreed for us to change to taxis which were more comfortable and more reliable time wise but still had to be booked through their Service.
Overall, Marilyn tolerated the chemotherapy really well and had to be admired for this. It was such a big ask. However, the one side effect that upset her more than any was the neuropathy issues that developed in her feet, making walking painful. This greatly affected her confidence. It affected her fingers too, and she hated it when her nails became very loose and discoloured. We always made sure she had regular
manicures and changes of nail varnish colours. – Marilyn was very particular about her nails, as she was her make up – always applying fresh lipstick and eye makeup before she went out.
At the end of these marathon sessions she was told she could have a three month ‘holiday’ from any further treatment to give her body a break from all the toxins
Not only did Marilyn have to endure the chemotherapy during this long spell, but she was also having to go to the Burns and Plastics Department at the LRI on a regular basis to have dressings on an open unhealing
“Marilyn tolerated the chemotherapy really well
and had to be admired for this. It was such a big ask.
”
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