Peter Higgins

5 months of chemo

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Last week I completed the 5th month;y cycle of chemotherapy. The results are evident in the substantial reduction of the visible signs of the sarcoma. If you could reach through the web-page and touch my skin, you would feel that the surface has fewer bumps and bibbles and the orange-peel on my forehead has almost disappeared. The … Read more

Oncology Cycle 2

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My Oncologist is pleased with the progress of chemotherapy to date, as am I. We had a serious discussion about my traveling to Vancouver for my son’s wedding – the only way I could have assisted my body in restoring its resistance, would have meant canceling a complete monthly cycle of scheduled treatments with no guarantee … Read more

Chemo 5 and 6

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Chemo 5 and 6 did their job of reducing the size of the sarcoma – hard to blog about the equivalent of watching paint dry. My blood count is taking a beating and I have kept to my bed these last few days in the expectation that my energy levels will return with continuous rest. … Read more

Chemo 4

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Chemotherapy number 4 was uneventful – or in medical jargon unremarkable. Continued shrinking of the edema on both cheeks and forehead and the skin returning to be soft and flexible to the touch with no significant side effects. Daughter Ashley accompanied me to the station where the drip is installed and the chemicals do what … Read more

Oncologist 1st Month Review

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This meeting was me saying that the chemotherapy seems to be working and the sarcomas are shrinking. Med-Onc checked the tumor on my scalp and the edemas on my face and agreed. The balance of the conversation had to do with whether I was experiencing any unexpected side effects like nausea, indigestion etc and I … Read more

Chemo 3 + 5 days

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It occurred to me that the impact of the chemotherapy extends over more than one day – so in future I will post the image snapped 5 or 6 days after the therapy. The difference in the results seems subtle to the eye but I can see and feel the difference as the days progress. … Read more

Chemo 3

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Its the day after chemotherapy treatment 3 and I see and feel to the touch further reductions in the size of the tumor on my head and the edema on my left cheek disappearing – to the point that my skin has returned to being soft to the touch, My right eye remains closed but … Read more

Day B4 Chemo 3

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It’s 6 days since the last treatment and I see and feel reduction in the size and thickness of the edema on my left cheek and temple. The tumour on the top of my head has shrunk significantly – all good. The swelling around my right eye remains firm although the lower lid is softer … Read more

Chemotherapy Two

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Today another few hours of relaxation – waiting for solutions to be prepared and then the painless flow of fluids into my left arm. The experts in the Sarcoma Daycare really know how to find a vein to insert the drip. My veins occur as being timid – a little shy, hiding under my pale though freckled skin. No worries after being enticed to show themselves and be of service to the one who carries them everywhere. No pain and no side-effects other than a heightened tiredness during the trip home.

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Chemotherapy One

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I had my first chemo-therapy treatment yesterday and as promised, am publishing the experience and the outcome.  The drip into my veins took almost 4 hours. Two solutions (a strong cortisone and then an anti-histamine) to condition my body to take the main drug (PACLitaxel – other name Taxcl) which is toxic to the cancer but also to normal blood cells.No adverse reaction and no obvious side effects from the therapy – today indications of reduced size of sarcomas and drop in pressure in tissues of the right eye. 

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