I had a good background in the mathematics/science subjects
and excellent tutors in my engineer father, and sister Linda who
had achieved her H.S.C. the year before.
Even if I failed, I was young enough to spend another year
on the course if required, because I was a year younger than
the normal age for attempting the Higher School Certificate. But
this possibility was not one that I wanted to seriously conternplate.
An unusual reaction to the radiotherapy occurred. I was
experiencing a sickness far above the intensity expected by the
experts. This led to a special discussion with the Haematology
sister. We were back at the Alfred, waiting for notice that my
blood counts had returned to an acceptable level, so that another
CROP could begin.
"414983."
"HiWayne," the sister replied, smiling at my hospital humour.
"How are you today?"
"Fine thanks."
She had a warm face, highlighted by striking eyes.
"Except for the nausea," I threw in quickly.
"It's strange," she remarked with a concerned expression.
"Tell me what has been happening."
We talked about the sickness for a little while, until she
discovered the problem.
"Sounds to me like you have an allergy to that Nystatin you've
been taking. I've seen that happen before."
The antibacterial mouthwash that I had been using for six
months, with regular courses of antibiotic tablets, was the culprit.
It was not the radiotherapy as had been suggested, so the doctors
changed my prescription that day, and the nausea ceased. I really
didn't need to feel sick when I wasn't having chemotherapy. I
was sick enough during it.
