A week ago I went for a series of tests in advance of my first follow up appointment at the end of November - this would be three months after I completed my second round of carboplatin.
I had a blood test, CT scan and chest x-ray. All very efficient, was in and out within a couple of hours - nice work Sussex County Hospital...
Had the meeting yesterday and must admit, although an underlying degree of low level stress had been building the week before, I didn't really properly feel stressed until I was sat in the oncology waiting room. Fortunately, my name was called pretty quickly...first thing that threw me was that it was a different doctor - I had seen the same doctor all the way through my treatment, someone I had never met before.
Obviously on edge I was kind of hoping he would get straight to the point and tell me the results, but he seemed more intent on discussing my (very) unusual treatment route - not the standard journey by any stretch of the imagination.
Eventually he asked what tests I had had. He said the blood tests came through negative (but they never showed any markers anyway). Not much consolation.
Then he mentioned the CT scan, but didn't mention the results. And went off to find the chest x-ray results - after a bit of fumbling he found them - but without a report from the consultant. At this point my heart sank momentarily as I was worried I would have to wait for a final result. Anyway, needn't have worried as the Doc told me they were perfectly normal.
Funny part - both my wife and I saw the strange white mass near the bottom of the x-ray and thought "what the heck is that?" - we were later told by the student doctor (who was in the room at the time also) that this was my heart - should be more worried if that wasn't there. Embarrassing!
Couldn't wait any longer - asked about the CT scan - also all clear. Massive relief ensued.
Then got on to what happens next - not quite what I was expecting. Apparently I have to have blood test and an examination (feel lymph nodes and remaining testicle) every two months for the next year. Every second appointment would include a chest x-ray.
They don't repeat the CT scans as...
1. The chances of recurrence after this three month check are very slim (1%)
2. The excess radiation, and associated risks, don't warrant this (Chest x-rays come with way less radiation apparently).
3. You have blood tests each time because, well, why not. No risk, only minor discomfort etc...
After the first year appointments would be reduced to every four months, then eventually six months.
Personally it gives me confidence to know I am being so closely watched for this period - I reckon should anything else happen I will be in a good place to catch it early.
It worth saying at this point (again) that, in my case, the NHS have been amazing from start to finish. I have been seen at four different hospitals all over Sussex and London, I have been given a genuinely unique treatment plan and really feel like they have listened to my worries all the way through and have done everything in their power to put me at ease.
I don't have a bad word to say about any of my journey so far, and I couldn't be more grateful to all the doctors I have met - starting from the locum I first saw at my GP's surgery that was so on the ball to refer me straight away going through two operations, multiple types of tests, and ending with the result they were so confident they would get at the start.
It's not all been plain sailing but they have made the right decisions all the way through this process - they have got the right balance between being proportionate with the treatment where it might be unnecessary, but then pouncing on problems when they arise in a flexible and sensible way.
Thank you NHS - you have literally SAVED MY LIFE!!
I am now going to grab a few thank you cards and write some letters of thanks. I don't imagine they get enough positive feedback from people. I have personally written and thanked my GPs surgery and hospitals along the way, but still have a couple of pick up on.
Next appointment is at the end of January. It's been almost a year to the day since I was first diagnosed. This Christmas will be significantly better than last.
