gillydx2's blog

Bald as a coot

2010-04-18T18:27:42Z

Well after a week of trying to pretend my hair was just getting a bit thinner a neighbour- who is s hairdresser came and shaved it all off .Strangely feel much happier now - more in control. I never realised I had such big ears.

Love Gill x

I DIDN'T EVEN GET A STRAW - SHORT OR OTHERWISE!

2010-04-09T15:14:52Z

Sorry not to have posted for a few days. A great deal has happened. I have had m y 5 sessions of Radio Therapy. No problems at all. Just waiting for my hair to fall out!! I can honestly say it wasn't too bad. Wearing the mask was fine - white mesh one without any holes for mouth or anything but wasn't uncomfortable.

I have seen two more doctors who now say I have tumours in my lungs as well. I have asked about any treatment - operations etc. and they say nothing would work. I even have a couple more melanomas on my leg that they say it's not worth going through anothe operation. Haven't even got another appointment fo 8 weeks. Also I have no symptoms whatsoever apart from my left hand being numb.

It finally hit home when my GP told me he was applying for a grant for me - do nothing - just collect the money and when I looked it is for terminally ill people who are not expected to live longer than 6 months. SO first ambition get as much money from the government as possible. 6 months is only a number - not taking any notice of that. Anyway I am 65 at the end of August and I want a party.

Well, will keep you up to date.

Take care

Love Gill x

First day over

2010-03-30T19:35:31Z

Thank you all for your kind wishes for today. They really helped to cheer me up. Had my mask made this morning then had a four hour gap when I went to visit a friend for lunch. Back to the Marsden for the RT. No problems at all and still feel fine. Apparently because I am on steroids I may not get bad side effects but the hair will go!!!!

I am so greatful I am being treated at the Marsden - brilliant place. I have often wondered if anyone in the waiting rooms was from on the site - have to have a coffee sometime.

Thanks for your support, it really means a lot.

Love Gill x

Treatment starts tomorrow.....

2010-03-29T15:32:29Z

I have to be at the Royal Marsden at the crack of dawn tomorrow to have my mask made. Then back in the afternoon for my first blast of radiotherapy to my brain. Only five sesions in all but they have warned me that as it is my whole brain my hair may fall out!!!!. The treatment MAY bring back the feeling in my left hand, but no promises.

So if anyone else says "IT WAS ONLY a MOLE" please may I thump them?

Please wish me luck,

Gill x

Why did I have to get the short straw?

2010-03-19T19:58:24Z

I wasnt sure how to post this on the Melanoma forum so thoughi would try a Blog. As you can see from my profile had a mole removed from my ankle two years ago, groin dissection etc. I was all clear at my checkup in January and all was fine until I had a fit on Sunday. Was rushed to A and E where they thought I had suffered a stroke. After endless tests I was discharged and told to go back to the Royal Marsden where they told me the cancer had spread to my brain and liver with lesions all over my body under the skin. I was fine until they brought in the palliative care team!!!! I have to have radio therapy next week which will hopefully restore the feeling in my left side (I am left handed) and stop any further damage to my brain.

They told me surgery wasn't an option.

Life is bloody unfair isn't it?

Gill x