Its been a while since I was last seen hobbling around the blog board with a funny walk and baggy jogging bottoms - So I thought I should update matters.
I Have in the last 2 weeks been to St James hosp in Leeds twice now. Fabulous building, never seems to look too busy, everythings well hidden away and the staff are generally very good. I say generally as the oncologist I saw last week was a little bit confuzzled. He at first told me my cancer was 'non - seminoma based' - then it was 'seminoma based and that their was a strong chance that the CT scan results would show that the cancer has spread - sorry NOT spread' (im in character here). The prefererred treatment for seminoma based cancer Robert would be chemotherapy' 'Is it??? - I said - hmmmm that contradicts basically every sodding thing ive read on the webternet! ' Sorry I mean non seminoma' He said ...confused yet?...I bleeding was....I was also confused as to why this obviously learned Dr and specialist oncologist couldnt find a pair of trousers that actually fit him correctly? grey chinos --- at extreme half mast!.....black socks......brown shoes!!. something about him suggested I should seek a second opinion :)
I got my second opinion today when I returned for my CT scan results (everyone must have already written what a fabulous experience it is to sit for an hour prior to your scan and drink that foul sulfate. aniseed solution diluted in an imported orange squash....mmmmmmmm ).
There is some good news.
I have Stage One cancer. It appeared that the bad stuff was contained in my dearly departed right bollock and all that did show was the obvious trauma (milking it here) of my hematoma.
Im still not completely recovered yet and have to face 2 oclock If I want to aim my piddle in a straight line!!
My tumour markers of Beta HCG have come right down to 50..this was the level LAST weds.
It was explained to me today that should my level drop to ZERO by next weeks final blood test then I face the option of going on a monitoring programme - where I may never need to see them again OR possibly develop cank years down the line. then be required to undergo a much more concentrated course of chemo, More aggresive than the 6 week course explained to me as the fail safe option. If my tumour markers HAVENT dropped to zero by next week - then they will be asking me to start the 6 week chemotherapy anyway.
Now for those people that know me. the prospect of undergoing chemo and suffering hair loss is undoubtledly going to cause much debate as to whether or not my hair might grow back different!
To say that I have MORE than my fair share of head hair is putting it mildy. I have often needed to think of witty retorts to such amusing observations upon my bonnet as: Carpet head. Microphone Head, CurlyWurly!. amongst several other side splitting and truly ego boosting phrases!. On the positive side I DO posses a forehead. and 2 eyebrows rather than 1 - Plus im devastingly handsome - so.....how indeed is my hair going to grow back.....Im thinking of running a sweep, perhaps I'Il develop a sophisticated grey swish. perhaps it might grow back GINGER...my son is a rusty bonnet and my beard is peppered with red hair...hehehe maybe it will be poker straight and thin enough for my barber not to swap scissors half way through.
When I last got my hair cut he found 2 pencils and a triple A battery!!
I shall no doubt keep you all posted :)
Im off now to eat some grapefruit coz my sister told me in her hybrid Aussie/Yorkshire twang...that amongst other foods she mentioned its a great liver detoxifier and immune booster ... just what one needs when faced with the onset of chemo :)
Ta ra
Robert
