Parole hearing.

I've been back at home for five days and, so far, the side effects of Round 2 of Chemo are nowhere near as bad as Round 1.

I was back at hospital yesterday and my blood results were good. I'm not neutropenic but I have to be aware this could still come. 

I was up for parole on Friday the 7th of March but it all hinged on whether my blood had been behaving. Thankfully, it hadn't shanked anyone in the yard, so I was informed I'd be going home again later that day. Translation: my white blood cells, plasma and platelets all looked healthy.

I'd slept fairly well but was getting concerned about the ulcers coming back. Symptoms had peaked about a week after chemotherapy last time and I was still waiting for the final dose of Round 2. I was worried it might stop me coming home, or cause me to come back in. While I had my Idarubacin the nurse explained that it targets fast moving cells. Unfortunately, it can't distinguish between other fast moving cells like your hair and your digestive system. I imagine a day will come when it can. For now, I just have to put up with being bald and having a gammy tongue.

So I was sent home with a load of medication, feeling tired and groggy. My partner collected me and we had a massive takeaway and watched the latest Beverley Hills Cop film. It was easy for me to imagine how Axel Foley must be feeling these days (Eddie Murphy is now 63). Early night and lots of sleep ensued.

The next day we went for a walk at Cresswell Crags. The weather was stunning for March and there were lots of people out. I needed a lazy afternoon though, so we watched three films back to back. I was then treated to a spaghetti carbonara - Swedish style - and it was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time.

On Sunday the 9th I had a visit from my Daughter which was sadly cut short as I was feeling knackered. My mate visited me in the evening and brought me a photo collage with some of the highlights of our time working together.  Great memories of the good times and how much we used to have a laugh at work! I survived being cornered by a herd of cows with this person. That type of shit bonds you for life. You know who you are!

 Another early night - the side effects were not getting any worse but the chemo had given sloth like energy levels.

Three days after chemo and I was still feeling relatively good. I started to think I might get away with it a bit more this time. My partner came round and we had a walk before I cooked tea. I was starting to think how nice it would be to go in a pub, or anywhere busy with people! I've not done that since early January because of the infection risk but, all being well, I'll be done with treatment in time to catch a bit of beer garden season! 

I was back in for a blood test on the 11th. I left straight after, unaware that I was supposed to hang around to see the Doctor. Oops! I later received a phone call, asking where I was. Luckily, my blood results were all OK and I'll be able to catch up with the haematology team on Friday.

I had another visit from my Daughter, once she'd finished school. I had a lot more energy, so it was great. She read me a story (role reversal), we watched Sponge Bob, played Mario Kart and had lots of cuddles. Mario Kart was hilarious as she was following her character with every twist and turn of the track. 

I did a light workout after she'd gone. I was really starting to miss training properly: running, lifting weights, MMA, etc. I can't wait to finish treatment, get the PICC line out and start training again properly. I'm looking to the future now and thinking of ways I can help the people who have helped me. I'll be pestering you to sponsor me for Cancer Research and the Reorg Charity no doubt!

I watched PSG and Liverpool that evening, while having some banter with my mate who's a die hard Red. 

As I write this I'm starting to feel confident that I've faced the worst of my treatment and the tactic to attack the cancer aggressively at the beginning has really paid off. It fills me with optimism going forward and I'm actually feeling excited about the future again.