Hello
Things moving fast. After seeing the Consultant surgeon in Oxford Monday 21st for the first time post diagnosis and initial MDT result. Which was rather a shock as tumour was over double suspected from biopsy etc.
Had another MRI in Oxford Thurs same week (yesterday) requested by said Cons Surg with dye contrast and bucuspowhatsit ... Knowing from a call on Weds I was seeing Cons Oncologist today in Bucks.
What was thought to be Stage 1b is in fact Stage 3 is the simple version. Surgery not best option if even possible as stuck to muscles and so large/deep etc.
Recommended radiotherapy every day 5 weeks chemo 1 x a week and then brachytherapy. Decided to go with Mount Vernon as closer ... Oxon were in huge haste given 1 brach slot December to hit. Timing for MV not known yet should hear this week.
They decided this regardless of the new heart issue affecting ability to do anything under general. Those appointments only came through today - for Dec. Consultants and nurses on case to try and expedite given latest results (I got a new intermittent LBBB under general for biopsy plus colposcopy and follow up echo abnormal).
I think I'm suppressing the anxiety internally as my heart is racing often and I'm tired and breathless... I'm asthmatic anyway but this is different (and my pulse and BP normally low... I'm fit and active, don't smoke or drink alcohol with normal cholesterol so not your usual heart patient!)
Both conditions if as expected are exceedingly rare on their own... together I may be a scientific journal write up at this rate!
NHS staff and Maggie's place all fab u lous.
Still not told anyone
Thanks for listening x
Hi Ab0104
Thanks for the update, but sorry to see the staging is higher than expected. Try not to focus on the stage number-the main thing is getting through the treatment,
I had the same treatment plan at my original diagnosis-25 radiotherapy, 5 chemo and brachytherapy. However, this changed for me as things went along, and I ended up having 32 radiotherapy, 4 chemo and no brachytherapy. Sometimes plans need to be tweaked depending on various factors.
Things do seem to be moving quickly, and while the treatment is intense it is over a relatively short period of time. Keep us posted and feel free to ask any questions where can share our own experiences with you.
Sarah xx
Hi Ab0104
Just checking in to see how you’re doing/feeling. I know you’ve got a while to wait for things to start, but I’m pleased you’re finding Macmillan and Maggie’s helpful.
Sarah xx
Hi
Thank you for thinking of me. After a coordinated multiperson/dept and GP effort Cardiology relented and rang me this morning to come in immediately for the 48 hours ambulatory ecg/heart monitor. The device I'd been told for 6 weeks could only be provided by an outsourced supplier and I couldn't have an appt till end Jan.
Nothing can be decided till they have the results from this about this new intermittent LBBB etc .. you can't even have spinal blocks/analgesia nor chemo.
I don't think the Oncology Cons who rang me after the MDT repeat re me Monday was too happy I couldn't get heart help.
Have been quite sad and anxious .. life quite tough all over isn't it. At least oncology are rock 
stars!
I hope you're well and thanks again.
X
Hi Ab0104
Glad to get an update from you! I had a stroke in March so I had the heart monitor device given to me to wear for 3 days at home to monitor for any irregularities. I wore it round my neck and stuck it in my bra! It wasn’t an issue, but I’m surprised you had this wait to get it sorted out. I didn’t even know I would need to have this, and just got a hospital appointment through to go to clinic. I took a picture of it, so if you want to get an idea of what mine was like I can add one for you.
Things can feel extra difficult when you have to push for things to get done, but you learn to advocate more for yourself-something I didn’t do when I had my cancer diagnosis, but definitely do now!
It is a tough process, yes, but this is another little step forward and that’s at least something. I’m sorry to read you've been sad and anxious, but it’s very understandable with everything that’s going on, and all the waiting. But you’ve got people on your side and things are slowly moving forward.
I’m doing ok, thank you for asking. 
Sarah xx
