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Today was the day I was looking forward to and dreading in equal measure - Results Day.
I had already received a copy of my blood analysis in the post and a couple of results were out with the norms but since I'm not a medical person.....
The doctor told me to turn the page over and look at the tumour markers. It showed 1.8 (should be <5). I said that last time it was 1.6 so did that mean it was going up. He reassured me that you could take that test 5 times in a day and you would get a slightly...
Lying awake at 4am having been awake since 2am your mind goes into overdrive, you think of anything and everything! At the moment this is a pretty standard night for me, the only time it has been different was on a recent week away to the Norfolk Broads where we were on a boat and what with the motion of the boat, the relaxation of holiday and the fresh air out on the water gave me 6 whole nights of uninterrupted sleep - clearly I need to be living in a boat!
But as I lie/sit/generally fidget here...
It has now been 3 weeks since I had the laser surgery and I wanted to update you on recovery so far. For the first 4 days after surgery the area was completely numb - so going to the loo/walking wasn’t painful at all. Every time I went to the loo I used the shower head to wash down below. I also applied OptiLube (the one with local anaesthetic) three times a day for the first 2 weeks.
After the first 4 days I started getting pain when I went to the loo and showered (but not much pain...
Please do not continue to read if you are easily offended by comments of a sexual nature....
Today I went back to see the Prof who carried out my surgery, these appointments require you to leave your inhibitions at the door.
A full internal examination was required today, fortunately he didn't use the rather large speculum you have when a smear is taken, but a rather more delicately sized one, ladies will be familiar with the knees together, flop relax routine, yeah right your coming at me with...
A number of people have reminded me that I haven’t updated my blog for a while. So here it is. I was waiting until there was something concrete to report but I just need to get this off my chest.
As previously written I have been having increasing problems with my left leg. I now can’t walk without the use of a walking stick. Everything seems to take 10 times as long. Simple things like emptying this dishwasher is a complete pain. My frustration at not being able to do the most simple of tasks...
Well, just had the follow-up at 6 months (...and a bit) post-treatment.
Surgeon had a look and said that he's happy that there is no indication of any "nasties". Happy with my current weight and general health etc. Doesn't see the need for a PET CT...said would rather delay that. I'm happy with that if he's happy with it!
Instead, I am booked in for an ultrasound on 4 November and a follow-up with him on 14 November. He is already content for me to move to 6 month checks...
Had the most recent appointment with the Oncologist out here in Doha. You know that feeling you get that someone really can't be bothered..? Yep, well he's that someone. I honestly think that he should have retired before he started working! He once again came out with the gem of ,"Ah yes, Mr John...you can get on and live your life."
Umm, yep...that's kinda what I am doing...but maybe now would be a good time to discuss how my symptoms are?
So, not receiving any obvious prompt...
I work in education for local government recently I had an occupational health meeting the doctor said I was fit for work and was to have the appropriate days off during my chemo treatment. I have worked for my employer for over 8 yrs . Now my cancer is stage 2 my manager has called me in several times to discuss my death in service and also whether I wanted the option of early retirement. The numbers that they offered me are very low and I can not afford to live off that . In fact the whole thing...
It is now three months since treatment finished. Today I have my first quarterly check with a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. I've been awake since 5.30am. Apprehensive, moi?
How do you decide what to do to feel an iota of your old self after losing your hair? I'm currently living in a beanie hat as I have a small amount of hair left at the front and back. Once this goes I do not know what to do... I've always had a lot of hair, kept it in a reasonable condition but taken it for granted. Do I try for a full on wig or look for a clip in piece if I keep the sides.
I certainly cannot rock the cool, bald chick look as I have the ugliest head in history. There must...
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