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Much of the diversity of cancer largely arises, of course, from genetics. We are all genetically unique and our cancers, caused by mutations, add to the uniqueness. A work colleague once did a study of the language used by cancer doctors to talk to patients; as well as the obvious ‘tumour’, ‘growth’, ‘lump’, etc., there was ‘naughty tissue’. I laughed at the time but actually it’s rather appropriate. In my case, the naughty, mutant tissue is T-cells, which are normally part of the body’s immune system...
Chemotherapy is administered in a large, open Day Treatment Unit (DTU), in which around 20 patients receive treatment while seated on chairs or lying on beds. The atmosphere in the DTU could have been gruesome, given that many of its occupants are heading for their grave, but in fact it is one of cheerful efficiency, and it’s very obvious that the nurses are very much in charge. It is a female environment, with no apparent hierarchy. For me, it has become a comforting and familiar place, where I...
It became apparent to me that, for what remained of my life, I would be in the hands of the NHS, a prospect that made me apprehensive, given the fog of bad publicity and gloom that has surrounded it in recent years. Everyone I have dealt with or who has treated me in Oxford’s various hospitals has done so with the utmost kindness, respect and enormous skill. Above all, they care. The problems facing the NHS are many and obvious but, if low morale is one of them, it has not been apparent to...
I was diagnosed with Lymphoma just before Christmas 2016; specifically, I have Angio-immunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma (AITL). A recent study described the prognosis for this disease as ‘dismal’ and concluded that there has been no improvement in survival for AITL patients over the last 20 years*. It was clear to me from the beginning that this diagnosis was probably a death sentence.
I intended the present narrative to be an account of my experience with lymphoma, but as I have been writing...
Hello
Decided to write about what has been described by the hospital as Supraglottis Cancer as when I searched I could not find anything relating to cancer in this area.
On 25th March I visited my GP as I had been getting a sore throat and pain on swallowing for about 3 months. To be honest I thought it was an apthous ulcer as I am a Crohns sufferer and the past year have had a lot of flare and pain. Also had been on Vedolizumab infusions (this is an immunosuppressant supposedly that only targets...
This blog is my (hopefully therapeutic) attempt to explore the sometimes overwhelming emotional challenges of navigating the choppy and often tumultuous waters of the cancer diagnosis of a loved one.
When my husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer I was devastated. My eldest brother told me that I needed to ‘steer the ship’ for the family while my husband sought treatment. I thought this was an apt metaphor coming from an ex- navy man. Steering the ship seemed like a manageable task, but I was soon...
Having postponed my DEXA scan (assesses or measures bone density) in September as I was due to start chemo, I finally had this a couple of weeks ago. I now have osteoporosis due to the dramatic weight loss. I have to say I wasn’t surprised having been diagnosed with osteopenia some years ago. My GP called me to let me know and will be prescribing calcium and vitamin D tablets. However, the usual medication for osteoporosis is not suitable for me given my sub total gastrectomy. He is referring me...
It’s time for another Dining with an Ostomate post. This week Debbie shares with us a TASTY AND SUPER SIMPLE ‘Carrot and ginger soup’ recipe. Here’s Debbie to tell us more about the benefits of carrots and ginger…
The benefits of carrot and ginger…
As an Ostomate, I am always looking for tasty recipes to add variety to my diet. With summer around the corner, although we’ll soon be thinking about salads rather than warming soup, my next recipe is a soup. It...
Its been a while since I have posted on here so I thought I would take the opportunity today.
My wife (Shirley) has had a bit of a journey in the past 7 years with BC. She finished chemo (Carboplatin) on the 8th March this year after having 8 treatments from September, during this time she had to have 2 blood transfusions.
Approximately 6 weeks ago she noticed a change in her breast area and contacted her Consultant and saw her in clinic she sent Shirley or a bone scan and CT scan. The bone scan was...
Last week I had my 6 month check and it was not without some trepidation! On Wednesday I attended the breast clinic, everything has healed well and no lumps or bumps. In December when I have my next check I'll have a mammogram too. My CLL check also went well and all my blood counts are normal. During the past 3 months we've had a fantastic holiday in Portugal, a family weekend in the Lake District and our social life is back on track. I must add that my priorities have changed and I know those who...
