Claire TH's Update-Grim few weeks but glimmer of hope
1 minute read time.
FormerMember
Hi Everyone,
Never blogged before so please bear with me if you can. So much has happened in the last few weeks, and with not being on here for awhile, thought it might help to write it down.
The lump found in my abdomen turned out to be Melanoma-GRRR! Another enlarged nodule was found immediately next to it, and that has also been removed-(awaiting results but don't need three guesses to know it's the dreaded MM).
My Oncologist says I'm now classed as Stage 4 as the Melanoma has spread from the original sight (neck-although I'm classed as having an unknown primary). Have looked at the Cancer Research UK website and frightened myself silly by looking at the statistics for Stage 4 Melanoma-shouldn't have done that really, but still going to fight it all the way, regardless of the numbers.
The most surprising response has been from the medical people themselves. I've been offered help left, right and centre-appointments at local CancerCare Centre, and been assigned a lovely MacMillan Nurse who is helping me claim Disability Living Allowance under the 'Special Rules'-as I have an uncertain prognosis. (Finally managed to get Employment and Support Allowance after 6 weeks of wrangling). Don't get me wrong, any help is appreciated but it certainly freaked me out-like they know something I don't even though it's probably what they have to do if you are classed as having advanced cancer.
One big piece of good news in all this is that my CT Scan on Feb 4th came back as clear after the abdominal Melanoma was removed. What a relief! A three month reprieve! Can't believe it as I've hardly had any remission since being diagnosed eight months ago. I also feel really well (apart from having surgery for the Melanoma and having periodic hypercondriac tendencies) , so having a MacMillan Nurse and going for counselling seems a bit surreal at the moment.
Although I have an uncertain prognosis (whatever that really means) I'm determined to fight it all the way. Got too much to live for, like we all do. Hope this makes sense-thanks for taking the time to read it.
All the best
Claire Th
FormerMember
Hi Claire, what a lot has gone on for you recently! It's like the 'good cop, bad cop' scenario isn't it? The good news is the scan shows clear , bad news that MM has reared its ugly head again. Good to hear your fighting spirit is still as strong. There's no other way to be is there? Take advantage of every bit of help that's being offered and remove as much stress as you can from your day to day living (easier said than done I know!).
Sending you a big hug and please keep blogging here so we know how you are etc.
Hi Claire, its good to hear you are remaining positive and i like you looked at figures and
I think some people need to know what they are fighting and coping with, it always has helped me to talk about my melanoma, I like you have stage 4, and am awaiting further treatment in the form of a new trial, and as i said to the doctors i will take anything that you can throw at me if it gives me a shout,
Good to hear you are getting as much help as you can, keep going and keep fighting be positive.
