Positivity

As many of you know I've had a slightly different journey than most through my cancer.  My bio has most of the details, but it has been dealt with entirely through surgery.  I've been away so not really able to post due to the new site format and it being really quite bad on mobile devices....

However, I was called in for a short notice PET/CT whilst I was away sailing.  So a change of plan and a very long trip to Southampton for that.  Then, on Wednesday of last week I was called by the hospital to attend an appointment the following morning!!  Like most I feared the worst with an appointment of less than 24 hours notice.  Another long trip from the boat...

The appointment under Covid rules was really well done.  They clearly have learned a lot since my last one in May and it was easier and smoother.  That said, my consultant went into self isolation the day before and I was faced with a different consultant, 2 doctors and a nurse, none of who I'd met before, when I walked into the room.  I could have fainted, fearing the worse.  I just asked the question we all ask; and was told that the PET scan still indicated something was there but they are sure that, for the moment, it is not cancer :-)  The primary has never been found, hence all the interest in me by the clinical team...  I seem to be an "unusual" case.

The result is that I am now on 6 monthly checks - and I'm happy not to be scoped every 2 months!  Probably a PET/CT before each appointment to keep an eye on what's going on.  I am under strict order to raise any changes immediately with the team - fortunately I've been involved with cancer pathways before so fully understand the freedom and responsibilities they have given me.

Aside from feeling really good about things (and oh my god the hangover the following morning was momentous!), I write this for those just staring their journey to say there are good outcomes. 

Not all journeys involve surgery but mine was entirely surgical.  In many hospitals the neck dissection is a very discrete incision and scar - and they confirmed they removed everything from my right neck as a precaution.  The resulting scar is not what you may see if you google it!  Yes there are potential longer term issues, but it is doable.  And sometimes you don't go on to radiotherapy or chemo, but still have great outcomes. 

So... Wishing positivity for all in this club and onward and upward to the 5 year marker!