I’ve just had my latest set of scans (CT and MRI) on my bowel and liver.
And the results are……….(drum roll)… very good.
The tumours on my bowel and liver have had an excellent response to the chemo and targeted therapy I’ve been on. 4 sessions of Folfox and 9 sessions of Cetuximab. These haven’t been easy but I survived. The side effects have been difficult at times. I developed some nasty painful cracks on my feet, had varying degrees of nausea and I’m constantly tired. I’ve also had a problem with my sense of taste. Food and drinks that I normally enjoyed now taste bland at best or downright horrible. Plus a spotty face due to the Cetuximab.
But as I said I survived.
I’ve known since my first diagnosis that I will require major surgery on my bowel and liver. So the next step is a PET scan to confirm the state of the tumours before the surgery can be scheduled. Fingers crossed.. And for this I have to be chemo free for at least 6 weeks. So no more chemo for me for a while.
And no chemo over Christmas more to the point. It might even mean I get my sense of taste back. Either way I fully intend to enjoy every minute of it.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect back on the past year. When I think back to this time 12 months ago I was having a few issues with a sore bottom, nothing to worry about I thought. What a difference a year can make! My life has totally changed. I have one overriding issue in my life. Everything I do is affected by my cancer. It’s difficult to explain but it never leaves me. As hard as I try to put it to the back of my mind it’s always there. From the moment I wake up til I go to sleep it’s there.
I feel so lucky that I’ve received the level of care I have. It’s so easy to knock the NHS but I won’t hear a word against it. Thank God I live in the jolly old UK. I’ve been so fortunate that I have been able to take advantage of the use of Cetuximab funded by the drugs fund. Thank you.
I know I’ve called this my cancer but the past year has shown me that I’m by no means the only one affected. I would like to thank all my family and friends for the love and support they have given me. I really couldn’t do it without you all. There has been numerous occasions when I’ve been at my lowest and you’ve picked me up and pointed me in the right direction.
I know that this is just another step on my journey and that there’s a hell of a way to go but I’m determined to get there and with the help of the medical staff and the love and support of all my family and friends I know that it won’t be for want of trying.
I’ll update again when I’ve had the PET scan but in the meantime God bless and Merry Christmas.
Big Pete
x
