Hi Gang, Well the day before we went to Salou for a fortnight, I had my six month check after my spinal decompression op. They took an X-ray and the surgeon admired his metal handiwork which is now holding my spine together. He was very pleased and told me there would be no need to make a further appointment but I could phone his secretary if I started having problems. So off we went on holiday!
When we got back, there was a letter from him asking me to contact his secretary to make an appointment as he now had the written report for the X-ray. I phoned and was told I'd need a CT scan which they had already booked for me as well as a further aptm for his clinic to discuss the results. The latter was last Monday 28th! On the X-ray & scan there was a shadow just at the bottom of my right shoulder blade. The consultant examined my back and felt a lump. He explained that he was going to take a biopsy to be sent away but after the scan, he said it was too deep to do it with a local anaesthetic so suggested surgery to remove it with a GA then they will send it for biopsy.
Next he said he had arranged to do the pre-op assessment there and then, which came as a bit of a shock as you can imagine! However, that's it done and now it's just a case of waiting for a date to get it removed! I phoned his secretary once we got home, to tell here we had booked to go to Manchester from 5-10 Dec inclusive to see the Christmas Markets etc but I also said I didn't expect to get word as quick as that but was just letting her know anyway! We all know urgent can mean 6-12 weeks with the NHS, so I won't hold my breath!
So there you have it! I've had a few other lumps etc removed in the six years since stage4 dx but this is the first they can't do at the clinic with a local anaesthetic! Up until Monday we hadn't said anything about it to our son and daughter and to see "that look" again on their faces was heartbreaking! I'm trying to be upbeat about it, smiling and saying it could be nothing of course! Any prayers, I would be grateful for, they certainly can't hurt! This will be my eleventh surgery but you never get used to it! Take Care everyone!
Hi Ruth
Happy birthday to you 
. Have a great day
You have the right idea about enjoying life, that's what we have to do. Someone up there likes you, you're going to be able to relax, to a certain extent, over Christmas, no treatment.
I feel sorry for those that are sleeping rough over Christmas although part of me is wondering if they are professional beggars. Instead of giving them money in case it's spent on drink or drugs, I nip in somewhere and buy them a hot sausage roll or a burger or similar. I've never yet been turned down because the recipient is vegetarian or vegan! It's not as easy to pass them whilst suddenly becoming interested on the opposite pavement. I'm in a chair, slowly coming towards them at their height. I usually get a cheerful hello because they have sympathy.
Enjoy the rest of your day, Ruth. Btw, what's a Marla?
Tvman xx
