I've given a lot of detail in this blog and some of it may seem negative. This has never been my aim. I want to share our journey in the hopes that this can help others who have to face such challenges. So why add the negative detail over the PET CT scan? Was it to highlight inadequacies within the NHS? Absolutely not! it was made clear to us after we'd successfully escalated and overturned the decision which enabled the proactive medical management to be in place, that other people had not been so fortunate. Approximately 19 other Hodgkin's lymphoma patients throughout Great Britain had been advised that they had not qualified for the trial because their PET CT scan had been actioned outside of the clinical trial defined timings. Unfortunately it would seem that we were the only ones who challenged this and over turned that decision. We fought to get the best chance and the best options for treatment and medical information at the critical treatment stages. I'm not criticising anyone else's decision to accept what they were told. As consumers of the NHS we have the greatest respect for the medical professionals in this country. We respect their advice and recommendations as they are the experts. My message is simple..ask the question! You will not be punished for this. Our healthcare professionals are there to help us, and they want to help us. If we don't ask we'll never know!! I am extremely proud of being British; and I have pride in the NHS. it is great and our ancestors fought for this..lest we forget!
Life is a journey and it's up to us how we handle the various obstacles placed on our path and the challenges we face. My husband and I have a strong faith. We are not perfect Christians and we don't pretend to be. We believe in the bible teaching that you reap what you sow. Our favourite bible passage is 1 Corinthians 13. For those that have not read this chapter it is about perfect love! The support that we have received from family and friends is amazing! We have people praying for us around the world. Our Christian, Hindu and Moslim friends are all praying for my husband to be healed. Our thanks to you all!
Having had treatment 7 of his chemotherapy plan on Thursday 6th October, my husband is now resting. We celebrated our first wedding anniversary yesterday. We are deferring our full celebrations until next year when he will be feeling better. It's hard to watch someone you love go through the treatment and endure pain; but it is harder still for that person, in this case my husband. He is a strong man mentally and physically. This disease and the treatment is challenging for anyone! The physical debilitation is sending my darling on an emotional rollercoaster. Yet he remains positive throughout! What an amazing person! Beautiful inside and out! To all of the brave patients of this disease, I salute you! x
