That’s me. I’ve gone from looking forward to a stoma reversal, to being told that my first blast of chemo after the op hadn’t done the trick and that I’m now inoperable. I believe that this may be because I had no follow up tests and stuff after my emergency op on 30/9/19 for over a year. So I rattled my cage and had the belated scans and tests to recently learn that the new chemo that I’ve just started might give me up to two more years on planet Earth.
Now for the good news!...
I have the BRAF gene mutation, which means I’m suitable for a new concoction only available since last November. This is why I may get the two years mentioned above instead of one. I’m not angry. I understand that the NHS have been under huge pressure with Covid whilst I’ve been living in relatively mild discomfort. I’m 73 and had a very full and adventurous life around the World. I still have both parents whose combined age is 197 years. It’s no fun and I don’t want the same. I live alone and I’m fine with that. I’ve got a brilliant son and friends all over that thanks to WhatsApp, I can video call for as long as I like for nix! Brilliant.
To quote Piaf and Shakespeare, I have no regrets and All’s well that ends well. Reasons to be cheerful.
Gaul.
Hi
A very touching post . The implications of the covid restrictions will never be fully know for sure but I have to say it often makes me sad to see how difficult it often is to access services during this time . However I have to say on a positive note you sound incredibly resolved and I hope the treatment goes well for you .
You have attracted quite a following on your thread with . I have to say you have a lovely writing style .
Anyway aside from that I hope you have a good night and weekend .
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Hi Court,
First and foremost this otherwise excellent website should get their Web designers shot at dawn. Drives me nuts trying to navigate it. I was trying to find out how Louloubellle64 is coping but I can’t get to her stuff. Grrr. That’s got that off my chest....
I’m now on the eighth day after the start of my second course of chemo and I’m not enjoying it much. The oncologist said that he will start me on 100% and see how I go but that it can be reduced. I translate that as meaning ‘brace yourself sunshine’. I further reason that the success of this treatment is enhanced if I can tolerate the 100% so I’ll give it a go. The neuropathy has returned and my appetite has gone. I could also sleep til next Christmas. Such fun (Miranda’s mum).
When I was but a student and found work wherever I could to keep body and soul together, I was always looking at the time, willing it to knocking off time. Now I look at the clock and tell myself that if I don’t go and make myself some lunch soon it will merge into time for dinner and that I will lose even more weight. So here I go.....
Gaul.
Hi
Gosh the way we view time changes so much ! Hope it does not get any worse in terms of side effects. Sounds a bit tough . Are you able to eat still? My mum lost her sense of taste and food was a bit of an issue to be honest . It seems such a tough treatment !
I have linked in your thread with
I was thinking about her too. It’s at the top of the post and hopefully if you click on it you will get straight to it . It’s been a busy forum the last few days . It had slipped down a couple of pages .
There certainly a couple of aspects to the layout that are difficult for sure with this platform . You can actually bookmark threads . If you pull down the arrow at the top right hand side .The second one along is the bookmark .
It would mean you could always find your thread .
Been out a walk today . The temperature has popped up here and the rain held off . Only issue everyone else had the same plan . Had to leave the park and head up the side streets but lots of life coming through in the gardens .
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007