Blogging can be a great way to journal your experiences and share with others. Why not create your own cancer journey blog, or have a read of other blogs created by our members?
Unsure how to get started? Take a look at our help pages on blogs.
Met with the oncologist today. I really like him. He's German and has a sense of humour. He spent a lot of time with me even giving his secretary a rollicking because she put two phone calls through to him when he was dealing with me.
My ex-husband (we're still friends) and my friend Kath came with me which was a good support. The doc said "This is a tough team"! He also said to me "You are tough. You have come in here and you are smiling a beautiful smile. I like that". I think by tough...
Penultimate rchop tomorrow - I hope - then maybe radiotherapy if advised
Seems ok so far - apart from fatigue from time to time
Any tips as to what to expect from radiotherapy much welcomed
Nurses at bMI Bath have been outstanding
Ten days I presented yet another Gross Hematuria. It was after I been for a 10k jog. When I got home I urinated prior to showering and was absolutely shocked to see the output. I immediately went to my GP and after taking a urine test, was put my on the 'Two Week Wait' appointment with Milton Keynes Hospital. He subsequently called me to advise that the urine test disclosed traces of blood.
I attended Milton Keyes hospital last week for an ultrasound scan. Nothing out of the ordinary was...
I've been wondering how big the stoma is likely to be. I have seen pictures but it's hard to judge the size. Does it stay red? What are the best seals? Does one have to buy a rubber sheet or are they supplied? Do they give one stuff to take home? How big is the bag? Any answers welcome.
I still haven't heard when my operation will be. It's my pre op on Tuesday so I guess they'll tell me then. I can't say I'm not worried because I am. It's a big operation, four and a half hours. I only stopped smoking a short while ago and I still have the odd one, occasionally. I'm trying not to have any more but it's hard. I have a Nutribullet and it's great so I will be getting my fruit and vegetables in a daily drink or two. It should help me to eat after the op too. I've ordered two nightshirts...
I'll be getting my cystectomy soon. Many people have talked of leaks from the stoma. Can anyone with a stoma tell me their initial experiences? Thanks.
Where do I start?
I've had quite a time of it over the past fortnight.
We managed to get a week away, all of us without incident. I had to remember to pack all my medical things (all new to me) but we made it. We stayed in a little lodge in Northumberland and just relaxed, did a little sightseeing and laid in most days.
The children played outside in the big courtyard, it was nice just sitting watching them play on their scooters. Carefree.
Some good friends visited the region once we were home...
It is now exactly three weeks since the phone call that changed my life. I have run the whole gamut of emotions since then. After living and working abroad for over 35 years I had decided to take early retirement and return to my Scottish roots. At the moment I should be packing and preparing to move all my belongings back to the UK next month. Instead, I will stay here for some considerable time longer to have treatment and surgery. Not only that, I will have to do so with a 50% reduction in income...
