Hello everyone

27 replies
68 subscribers
1276 views

Hi,

I’ve been following this group since March but for some reason my join request had not been approved so I couldn’t post anything. That got sorted out today.

I can see this is a hugely supportive group and hope I can add to that.

whilst you can read my bio for detail a quick summary would be:

63,

Jan 2022 stage 4 stomach cancer, prognosis less than a year.

Jan 2022 1st op (aborted, complications), prognosis reaffirmed and initially told no chemo and no op palliative only.

Following further review and quick recovery from op Chemo agreed.

Jun 2022 2nd Op - successful but post op historology not great

Adjuvant Chemo completed Oct 22

Dec 22 to Jan 25 in great health, not a single days illness, got a new job (mistake should have retired then)

Jan 25 very ill, tests confirmed cancer metastasised to soft tissue in abdomen and affecting liver. Prognosis less than a year, palliative care only. Onc offered Chemo but assessed would add 2 to 3 months at best which I declined. Immediately stopped working.

So far just getting liver related symptoms which are not frequent and I would describe as mild. Managing to get insurance and do some travelling and still golfing 2 to 3 times a week albeit usually followed by fatigue.

I have already made my peace with the situation, hardest part is not knowing what comes next or when so as most of you know it’s about living for the day, I’ve always been about moving forward so I make plans on the basis I will still be OK when that day arrives so July and August already looking pretty full.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful supportive family and circle of friends so feel truly blessed.

I have been looking into alternative medicines so would welcome any discussion from others who have also looked at that. I have been having Reiki through Sue Ryder and Sound baths privately both of which I find very beneficial. I take mushroom supplements and I think they have alleviated the symptoms I have been having. I am currently looking into the medicinal qualities of Beetroot.

Well done to anyone who has persevered and read the whole post, I do tend to say/write a lot once I get started.

I’m looking forward to contributing when I can from my experience and outlook. I have read many of the posts and my heart goes out to those who are having a tougher time than me, thank you for creating those posts as they help me keep my current situation in perspective and to prepare myself for what will ultimately come along.
Regards

Les

eddiel 1 month ago in reply to chrisdon

Good luck and best wishes for today Chris.

Eddie

chrisdon 1 month ago in reply to anndanv

Well I’m a little further forward but not by much and it’s looking like it won’t come in time for my plans anyway, granted I left it quite late to decide to go away. Anyway, the medical team are wanting to see my latest scan which I had done back in mid June, but although my Oncologist has the images she is still waiting for the Radiologists report, apparently as I had it done at my local hospitals, it has to go through their Radiologists for the report and they’re having staffing issues, so 6-7 weeks later still waiting, which I find not very good as by the time we get it, I’ll be almost due my next one. Anyway I can’t say if they will cover me and how much they’re wanting until I get this to them, I’ll still go ahead with the quote anyway as it may mean I can get away further down the line, but sadly will be a little late for my idea of getting away for my birthday next Wednesday.

JVJ24601 1 month ago in reply to chrisdon

Hi Chris,

sorry to hear what a struggle your having with the insurance, I also found it very frustrating. Just a thought but have you told them you won’t be able to get the scan report in time? If your symptoms at present are minor and manageable and providing you have confirmed with your oncologist that you are ok to travel they might still give you a quote, you’ve probably done all that already though. Whatever happens hope you manage to have a great birthday on Wednesday.

Les

anndanv 1 month ago in reply to chrisdon

Hi Chris, I think there is a shortage of people qualified to write the reports for scans just about everywhere in the country. It is sad but true! I think Les might be right it is worthwhile asking them again especially when your Onc has given you the OK to fly!

The other thing that really matters is where you want to go and for how long. I do hope you manage to get away for your birthday but if you don’t it’s no big deal. We have had to cancel or reschedule quite a few holidays in the past, the most recent being Feb this year. What we do if it should have been for a birthday or anniversary, we just celebrate it while we are away anyway, it doesn’t make too much difference!! Good luck and please let us know what they say and where you’d like to go!

Love Annette x

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!

Stella2020 1 month ago in reply to chrisdon

I am sorry you have difficulty getting travel insurance because of the scan report. Are you able to contact your CNS and she can make some noise on your behalf. Sometimes we have to be a squeaky wheel!

I managed to get insurance with insuredwith too. I have answered ‘yes’ to do you have any impending radiology report as there will always be another on in the horizon. They were OK to insure with me.

What about a nice break in this country? Maybe a fancy spa hotel stay instead?

chrisdon 26 days ago in reply to Stella2020

Sorry for late reply. Even though I couldn’t get abroad I did have a nice few days away doing the touristy stuff around the midlands. And since then I’ve had my last scan report sent through which I sent to insurewith and good news is they can insure me for 4 nights in Spain for just under £200 which I didn’t think was too bad and less than I was expecting, so I’m hoping to get away in the not too distant future.

eddiel 26 days ago in reply to chrisdon

Great news Chris,

Eddie