Quite a good day at clinic.

2 minute read time.

FormerMember

10 Jan 2012

Today went quite well at the hospital. Pat made a short list of things he wanted to ask. It is what he calls his 'Aide memoire' as his memory with Parkinsons is not so good nowadays at times. We go in as a couple but it is his consultation and I only chip in is he asks me or at the end if there are any other questions that I want to ask.

The plan is to continue with the Octreotide injections and now go up to the full dose next Monday. It transpired that the blood and urine tests we were told to have this week were not necessary. Our lovely consultant said that they are often having to sort this out as there appears to be a hiccup in communication between the outpatient suite and the dedicated treatment day centre. This has saved us another 40 mile round trip.

All other routine tests for Diabetic control and blood screens can be done at our local cottage hospital. I think surgical options are not being considered at the moment as the hormonal activity of the tumour and it's grade is low and the metatstatic liver tumour is less that 1 inch in size. It is a carcinoid secondary and not a primary liver cancer. All Pat's other medical conditions are also a factor. The Cardiac echogram showed no deterioration in the right side of the heart. This can be a complication of Carcinoid tumours, so that was good. We have a two month follow - up. I put all this detail in the blog in case anyone else needs info about this rare tumour.

There was a side development that made me feel that things are 'meant to be'. Our hospital is 25 miles from the Norfolk & Norwich and Pat was originally referred to the Director of Clinical Oncology, who was based there. He is considered to be an expert in the field of treating Carcinoid tumours. However, because he was on long term sick leave, Pat was seen by one of his team who is based at our hospital. The Director is now back at work but Pat will continue to be seen by our current lady who will liaise closely with him. This has saved us a very long journey and sometimes things are 'meant to be'.

Next stop full dose next week and I will report back.

Panda.

FormerMember over 12 years ago

Good news Panda!

I get diabetes checks at my GP. I don't know whether that may be of use to you.

Hugs for next week,

Colin xxx
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FormerMember over 12 years ago

Thank you both for your support. We felt pleasantly surprised at the outcome. It is a lovely dedicated and purpose built clinic and whilst we were there we say three patients come out with big smiles on their faces. The staff are more like friends and were happy to share the fact that they had all had good follow-up news.

We do go to our GP for Diabetic monitoring Colin but missed last November due to waiting to get Biopsy results etc. The latest is that Pat will go and have his blood test this week and then we will get back to see the nurse specialist. He is nudging the door to insulin and is reluctant to go down that route but we shall have to see.

Take care,

Panda.
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FormerMember over 12 years ago

Hi Panda,

I should have mentioned that I also get my PSA test at the GP's surgery.

Whilst I was on Prostap injections, these interfered with my diabetic control and my GP gave me a meter to monitor blood glucose. This was very useful because it enabled me to see the great advantage of excercise (walking) had in reducing my blood glucose. I don't know whether this is useful or not, but thought I would let you know. We all fear going on to insulin!!!!
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FormerMember over 12 years ago

Hi Colin,

Sadly Pat has used a meter for some time now. He takes so many tablets for all his problems that he had to come of Metformin. This is the gold standard treatment for Type 11 Diabetes. Exercise is a problem as he has no feeling in his feet and had used an electric scooter for the past two years. His Diabetes was not diagnosed before he started to get problems with his legs. Despite all this he is amazingly positive.

Thank you for being so helpful. Diabetes is a very difficult disease but as you say, it can be greatly helped by exercise and diet. Pat does do some gentle stepping up and down on a small step and marching on the spot, holding on. His balance is not good enough for a Wii unfortunately.

My cousin in Australia and also a close friend of our here have both been very successfully treated for Prostate Cancer Colin.

Do take care,

Panda.
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