Post 206: Blood test failures and unnecessary worries.
What could go wrong? The millionth blood test this year — and I turned up with an empty left arm and no blood form.
Bugger.
The usual nurse said, “Don’t worry, I’ll find it and print the last one.”
I said I’d get the list up on my phone from Patient Knows Best.
She printed the wrong one, but my list was spot on.
So she succeeded in getting blood out of the right arm and filled the three vials just like normal.
You’d think that was that — but when I went to bed, early as usual, I was reminded to check for the two emails I normally get with links to the blood test results — via the “Patient knows Best” NHS system.
Nothing.
Obviously, I couldn’t get through to anyone that late in the day, so I emailed my oncology team to let them know and ask for advice, if needed.
Done and dusted.
———
With only a few sleeps till the Powwow, I’m thinking about the meeting more and more.
I’m hoping for some answers — the rib problem, the joint pain — and maybe a new treatment plan I can get behind.
With five chemo sessions done, and the CT and bone scans to review, there’s a lot to discuss.
I’m curious (and nervous) about the PSA too. It was 257 last time, but that was four weeks ago.
If it’s higher than the 133 it was at the start of chemo, then chemo hasn’t done its job.
Of course, the scans will tell the real story — whether things have spread or shrunk — but without the whole-body MRI that never got organised, it won’t be a full picture (pardon the pun).
I’ve written down so many questions for my oncologist that Thursday’s meeting could go on forever — if I get full answers, that is.
More likely, I’ll forget to ask something important and leave feeling deflated.
But with my Darling and our youngest coming along, we should be alright.
I’ve managed to forget about work for a few weeks, but I can feel the dread of Thursday creeping in: Will I be able to go back to work safely, soon?
Can you tell I’ve got the jitters?
I’ll be okay. It’s just another meeting, for goodness’ sake.
What could go wrong?
Mr Vicious was his usual winter self today — only happy when glued to my lap.
Bloody cat. Why me?
Have a nice day with your pets, if you’ve got any.
