Well today is the day to return back to our local GP for my stitches to be removed by the nurse. It is also the day that I appear to have developed a sore throat and a very painful left hand, around the area that a cannula was placed into my hand during surgery. I was to have the bandages removed and refreshed. The nurse found, two of the wounds on my back, have become infected. The nurse cleaned and redressed the infected wounds and prescribed Flucloxacillin. This is a penicillin anti biotic which would also be good for my throat.........and possible for my hand..........and .....
Whilst investigating the pain in my hand, left by the cannula, the nurse was obviously concerned and asked for a second opinion from the Doctor in the surgery. Dr Watts was called and investigated. I was prescribed "Ibuleve" which is a penetrating, anti inflammatory, pain killing gel. I noticed the expressions on the nurse and doctors faces and I am know getting quite worried. I have been told that there is a small chance that "something" may have been left in my vein from the cannula. OOOHHHHH Brilliant !!!! I thought .................. Dr Watts has asked that if no better by next week an ultra sound scan will be done on the vein to check if any foreign bodies; LIKE PLASTIC TUBE, is still in my vein ......................???
As previously discussed in the early part of this blog I have had a "Cesarean" to remove the original Bowel Cancer,............ later on I was destined to have an "Epidural" for pain relief,............. and now and ultra sound scan............................ All the above normally associated with childbirth .................. NO I am not pregnant and never was !!!
Having the stitches removed and the infection cleaned out, I feel a lot easier and can move more freely. I am sooooooooo looking forward to my bed tonight, to see if I can actually sleep better!!........ On Monday 1st August 2011 I am back in front of Mr Al-Rebaa my colorectal surgeon specialist in Corby. Things are moving quickly now, questions are being answered.
I also learnt today that as a cancer patient I qualify for free prescription's Yey!!!! thanks Mr Cameron, its the first free thing in my working life from the government. Hope is now on school holidays for six weeks and Wendy finishes today for three weeks holiday ....She deserves it.
Blog 18 Monday 25th July 2011
I am able to move around quite easily, but the pain in my chest stops me in my tracks every so often, especially when I have an unsolicited cough. The incision wounds are healing quite nicely on either side of my back, and Wendy has been able to remove some of the dressings. I have an appointment on Friday 29th July at my local surgery to have the remaining stitches removed. On my disharge I was prescribed "Tylex" painkillers, which I assume are the strongest tablet painkiller for my case but it sometimes doesn't feel that they are doing anything. Sleeping is still a problem, I cannot sleep on my side as I usually do, sleeping flat out on my front gives chest pain and breathlessness. Sleeping on my back, raised with four pillows is probably the easiest but not natural for me so I keep waking up. Wendy says I snore even worst than before in this position. Nany naps and moaning for the next week I think ..............
Healing nicely !!!!!
Healing nicely !!!!!
Blog 17 Friday 22nd July 2011
I have been discharged!!!!The nursing staff of the Spire in Leicester ward two and Mr Waller were fantastic and I'm very thankful to them all. I met a chap called Michael in the High dependency unit going through the same procedure as me. Michael had also had the disease in his liver some years ago as well as Bowel Cancer. It was good to talk to Michael as he was the only other cancer sufferer that I had spoken to since my original operation. Unfortunately Michael had complications and at 01.30 am all the lights in the HDU went on. Michael was in severe pain, on-call theatre staff were called in and eventually at 05.00 he was taken back to theatre for a secondary procedure. I am still in a lot of pain but now the pain is in my back, I have been discharged with three boxes of painkillers and some fresh bandages. I left with warnings from the nursing staff "Don't do too much" and "Keep the compression socks on". I have slept all day........................Wendy has just changed one of my bandages as it was weeping quite badly but all in all the nursing staff and Wendy has confirmed the scars are very "Neat" and should heal well. My back feels as if it's on fire......... As promised some photos .......
High Dependency Unit, Just out of Recovery
High Dependency Unit, Just out of Recovery
 |
| Nurse Wendy attending my every need! |
Very much still under anasthetic
The dreaded "Chest Drain"
Other "Chest Drain"
The arrows were drawn on me
by Mr Waller prior to surgery (Scary)
by Mr Waller prior to surgery (Scary)
Nurse Wendy
What would I do without her
I have already made enquiries about Chemotherapy but must wait for the histology results I'm very tired and incredibly sore I'm going back to bed .....................
Blog 16 Tuesday 19 July 2011
I woke up with loads of pipes protruding from my body 6 in total and equipment buzzing and beeping. I couldn't feel much at this time and very confused "Is it over" I asked I was soon to find out the operation was over but really it had only just started with the drugs and pain.....morphine to suck on I am soon to find out how painful the drain tubes are sticking out of each side of my ribs and the incisions on my back !!! Photos to follow !!!!!!
Wendy
Jonathan (John's eldest son) and Victoria (Jonathan's fiance) arrived at about 10.00 and sat with me while we waited for news. At about 11.00 they came and told us that John was out of surgery and in recovery. However they couldn't tell us anything else. At about 12.45 he was wheeled up to high dependency ward to be hooked up to all sorts of monitors. At 13.10 we got into see him.
He was lying in bed, pain written on his face, a drain protruding out either side of him draining this reddish fluid from him. He had ECG pads stuck to his chest, pulse monitor on his finger and a drip into his arm. He was very hoarse from the pipes that had been down his throat. Oh and I nearly forgot, the ever important morphine pump. He had had 20ml of morphine during surgery and since coming around a further 11ml at that time. Flying high comes to mind. They also attached a bottle of liquid paracetamol to his drip.
I had a quick look at his surgery notes. On one side he had three 2cm incisions and the other side 2 x 2cm and 1 x4 cm incisions. The letterbox incision on his right side of his back was about 6cm.
The drains protruding from his body filters blood from between his lungs under his sternum.....ouch, and that is where John kept rubbing because of the pain.
However it wasn't long when he started feeling a bit more comfortable.
I left at the same time as Jonathan and went and picked up Hope. She was very strong and very glad to see her dad. She had made him some cards and paintings and when he managed to get his chicken mayo sandwich down, she helped him with his crisps.
I did not get a chance to see the surgeon as Hope was getting bored so we left at about 6.30, and when a text came through from one of her friends mum's offering to look after her tomorrow. She asked her dad if he would think her very mean that she did not come tomorrow, but just sitting there was boring!
That made him laugh....ouch! Anyway we left soon after that and on the way home, Hope got her McDonald's!!
Wendy
Jonathan (John's eldest son) and Victoria (Jonathan's fiance) arrived at about 10.00 and sat with me while we waited for news. At about 11.00 they came and told us that John was out of surgery and in recovery. However they couldn't tell us anything else. At about 12.45 he was wheeled up to high dependency ward to be hooked up to all sorts of monitors. At 13.10 we got into see him.
He was lying in bed, pain written on his face, a drain protruding out either side of him draining this reddish fluid from him. He had ECG pads stuck to his chest, pulse monitor on his finger and a drip into his arm. He was very hoarse from the pipes that had been down his throat. Oh and I nearly forgot, the ever important morphine pump. He had had 20ml of morphine during surgery and since coming around a further 11ml at that time. Flying high comes to mind. They also attached a bottle of liquid paracetamol to his drip.
I had a quick look at his surgery notes. On one side he had three 2cm incisions and the other side 2 x 2cm and 1 x4 cm incisions. The letterbox incision on his right side of his back was about 6cm.
The drains protruding from his body filters blood from between his lungs under his sternum.....ouch, and that is where John kept rubbing because of the pain.
However it wasn't long when he started feeling a bit more comfortable.
I left at the same time as Jonathan and went and picked up Hope. She was very strong and very glad to see her dad. She had made him some cards and paintings and when he managed to get his chicken mayo sandwich down, she helped him with his crisps.
I did not get a chance to see the surgeon as Hope was getting bored so we left at about 6.30, and when a text came through from one of her friends mum's offering to look after her tomorrow. She asked her dad if he would think her very mean that she did not come tomorrow, but just sitting there was boring!
That made him laugh....ouch! Anyway we left soon after that and on the way home, Hope got her McDonald's!!
Blog 15 Tuesday 19th July 2011
"Today is the day" Got up before the alarm, bathed with the sterri scrub provided by the hospital to prevent MRSA and re-packed the bag that I had packed three times in the last day! and we set off with in trepidation. Only twenty minutes later we were there, its 07.30 and taken straight to ward 2 where we had a private room.told to get into my hospital gown as I was the first into surgery ID badge placed on my wrist and we were away, final goodbye to Wendy and surrounded by people in Green I was wheeled down to the sterile area, lots of jokes by the nurse and anesthetist (trying to calm me probably) and those immortal words "Just a small scratch on the wrist John" yer yer I know I'm just about toooo......................zonk!!!!!
Wendy
The nurses have been so attentive this morning and every thing moved very smoothly. The room is to the side and back of the hospital with a leafy view. The room is very much like a hotel room but with a hospital bed and medical equipment around. A bit dated though. The staff however have been lovely.
We met the Dr who was going to be in control of Johns "sleep" and much to John's relief will not be doing the epidural. While this was going on and all the forms where being filled out John sat on the chair feeling very uncomfortable because he was already in his hospital gown and white pressure socks. Mr Waller came in a bit later, explained what he was going to be doing and then took out a felt tip and drew arrows on John's sides, very fetching.
He was the first patient to go under this morning so this was happening quite early. Mr Waller will be tackling the lung with the surface polyp first and will be making three incisions for the equipment. John will then be turned onto his other side where they will repeat the procedure to remove the other two. Apparently the fourth one is deeper and Mr Waller will be making a letterbox incision on Johns back to get to this as he will need to use his fingers. He did mention that he might have to crack a couple of John's ribs to get in........mmmmmmmm
Anyway theatre nurse cam up, checked all the details and he was wheeled away. Quite teary at this time. I feel very apprehensive and I am so out of my comfort zone. Love you John!!
Phoned Hope as she had a sleep over last night ( thought that would be best thing as we had to leave so early). Her request was give Daddy a kiss xxxxxx
Will update this as the day goes on.
Wendy
The nurses have been so attentive this morning and every thing moved very smoothly. The room is to the side and back of the hospital with a leafy view. The room is very much like a hotel room but with a hospital bed and medical equipment around. A bit dated though. The staff however have been lovely.
We met the Dr who was going to be in control of Johns "sleep" and much to John's relief will not be doing the epidural. While this was going on and all the forms where being filled out John sat on the chair feeling very uncomfortable because he was already in his hospital gown and white pressure socks. Mr Waller came in a bit later, explained what he was going to be doing and then took out a felt tip and drew arrows on John's sides, very fetching.
He was the first patient to go under this morning so this was happening quite early. Mr Waller will be tackling the lung with the surface polyp first and will be making three incisions for the equipment. John will then be turned onto his other side where they will repeat the procedure to remove the other two. Apparently the fourth one is deeper and Mr Waller will be making a letterbox incision on Johns back to get to this as he will need to use his fingers. He did mention that he might have to crack a couple of John's ribs to get in........mmmmmmmm
Anyway theatre nurse cam up, checked all the details and he was wheeled away. Quite teary at this time. I feel very apprehensive and I am so out of my comfort zone. Love you John!!
Phoned Hope as she had a sleep over last night ( thought that would be best thing as we had to leave so early). Her request was give Daddy a kiss xxxxxx
Will update this as the day goes on.
Blog 14 Monday 18th July 2011
Here we are the day before surgery and reading all the 'patient information' given to me at the pre-op assessment. It appears that I have to wear surgical stockings day and night to prevent DVT (Deep vein Thrombosis) as well as 100% cotton scants or suffer the humiliation of wearing paper ones as previously discussed. I have also been told that I will be having an "Epidural" yes ladies ,I know I know, not only have I had a Cesarean (previously) I will also be having an "Epidural" apparently an Epidural is my surgeon Mr Waller's choice of anaesthetic yes yes yes !!!!!normally associated with childbirth , I hear you say ............the following is taken from an information site
Thoracic Epidural Block height and intensity
Typically, the effects of the epidural are noted below a specific level on the body (dermatome). This level (the "block height") is chosen by the anaesthetist. The level is usually 3-4 dermatomes higher than the point of insertion. A very high insertion level may result in sparing of very low dermatomes. For example, a thoracic epidural may be performed for upper abdominal surgery, but may not have any effect on the perineum (area around the genitals) or bladder.[9] Nonetheless, giving very large volumes into the epidural space may spread the block both higher and lower.
The intensity of the block is determined by the concentration of local anaesthetic drugs used. For example, 15 ml 0.1% bupivacaine may provide good analgesia for a woman in labour, but would likely be insufficient for surgery. Conversely, 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine would provide a more intense block, likely sufficient for surgery. Since the volume used in each case is the same, the spread of drug, and hence the block height, is likely to be similar................................so there you have it !
Help .!.......help !!..........HhhhheeeeeeLLLLLLLLLppppppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!
Thoracic Epidural Block height and intensity
Typically, the effects of the epidural are noted below a specific level on the body (dermatome). This level (the "block height") is chosen by the anaesthetist. The level is usually 3-4 dermatomes higher than the point of insertion. A very high insertion level may result in sparing of very low dermatomes. For example, a thoracic epidural may be performed for upper abdominal surgery, but may not have any effect on the perineum (area around the genitals) or bladder.[9] Nonetheless, giving very large volumes into the epidural space may spread the block both higher and lower.
The intensity of the block is determined by the concentration of local anaesthetic drugs used. For example, 15 ml 0.1% bupivacaine may provide good analgesia for a woman in labour, but would likely be insufficient for surgery. Conversely, 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine would provide a more intense block, likely sufficient for surgery. Since the volume used in each case is the same, the spread of drug, and hence the block height, is likely to be similar................................so there you have it !
Help .!.......help !!..........HhhhheeeeeeLLLLLLLLLppppppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!
Blog Thirteen Saturday 16th July 2011
Pre - Op went well ECG, bloods, height, weight (How much?!!) The Spire Leicester is very nice but typically private hospital. MRSA is viewed differently as, quote; "They do not have the same problems as a NHS hospital" so hence a smaller bottle of antiseptic wash and no antiseptic thing to stick up my nose, as was given in the NHS ....I will still be using the NHS stuff! the whole experience reminds you why, if you have medical insurance use it, no tariff per hour parking, parking straight away next to the entrance, nobody in the waiting room, and good free coffee!!!!!. I am certainly not knocking the NHS but luckily we have had medical insurance through Wendy's work for the last few years, even in Australia so we have been blessed. I also had to sign my life away on numerous forms filling in health questionnaire's, searching my memory, of exactly when that happened and dates in that hospital. Wendy seems to have all that information on the tip of her tongue she even knew our individual blood groups........its a bonus marrying a younger person when the memory starts to fade !!!!!! I started getting quite apprehensive when I saw the signs to the special care unit and ward where I will be spending five days after the op.
Hope has been very tearful the last couple of days. Last night she was sobbing, that she didn't want me to go into hospital. When we got to the bottom of it and discussed it she wants me to get better but doesn't want the surgeon to hurt me !!!!!!!
Wendy
Last week before the schools break for the summer holidays, it is a good thing that I have been a Manager for as long as I have.....delegation for this week has not only gone down wards but up wards as well. Thanks to my Managers and boss. I have decided that as I will be on my own at the hospital waiting for John to come out of the operation I will do my Marketing I need to do for next term. This time I won't have a 7 year old to keep me occupied and as I am on my own will go spare with worry if I did not have something to do.
I will certainly get to know the road between home and the hospital, as it is we pass a rather famous fast food restuarant on the way....so John and I had a laugh the other day, we can just imagine Hope!
"Muuuuuuuuum I have been such a good brave girl today, I deserve a treat!!!!!!!! Can we please have McDoanlds....." You know what, we will stop and I will get her, her treat.
Hope has been very tearful the last couple of days. Last night she was sobbing, that she didn't want me to go into hospital. When we got to the bottom of it and discussed it she wants me to get better but doesn't want the surgeon to hurt me !!!!!!!
Wendy
Last week before the schools break for the summer holidays, it is a good thing that I have been a Manager for as long as I have.....delegation for this week has not only gone down wards but up wards as well. Thanks to my Managers and boss. I have decided that as I will be on my own at the hospital waiting for John to come out of the operation I will do my Marketing I need to do for next term. This time I won't have a 7 year old to keep me occupied and as I am on my own will go spare with worry if I did not have something to do.
I will certainly get to know the road between home and the hospital, as it is we pass a rather famous fast food restuarant on the way....so John and I had a laugh the other day, we can just imagine Hope!
"Muuuuuuuuum I have been such a good brave girl today, I deserve a treat!!!!!!!! Can we please have McDoanlds....." You know what, we will stop and I will get her, her treat.
Blog Twelve Thursday 14th July 2011
This has so far been the longest week ever !! waiting for Friday pre op assessment and then Tuesday Op. Hope says Ive been grumpy. Trying everything to keep occupied. My recent job was very stressful, stress, in as much as the mobile just didn't stop ringing, 24/7 and driving to contracts on the M1,M25 and M40 I just couldn't carry on. Getting up this morning, I felt really good that it is Thursday with not long to go, Wendy left at 5am this morning so I switched on the news to see how Rupert Murdoch is getting on or the on-going situation in Tripoli........ but no........ the story that greeted me on the BBC was rising cancer rates
The news piece went like this ....
"Rising cancer rates mean four in 10 people in the UK get the disease at some point in their lives, a health charity says. Macmillan Cancer Support says the figure has risen significantly in the past decade.The charity says the rise poses a "massive challenge" for the NHS." ....great !! that's all we need....
The good news is that the Survival Rates are also increasing including Bowel Cancer apparently giving us an additional 10 years on the planet . Just enough time to do the USA Road Trip we were planning but that's for another Blog..............We want to do the East Coast to West Coast featured in Road Trip USA by Jamie Jensen I am determined to do it and this disease will not stop us.
Well I bought the PJ's yesterday from M&S and the 100% cotton briefs, OR you have to wear NHS paper briefs to the OP and these look like a huge puffy paper nappy!!!!!! no street cred there then.
But for now I am looking forward to a family party at the weekend which will also make the time go quicker..................
Blog Eleven Tuesday 12th July 2011
My Pre-Op assessment has been confirmed for Friday 15th July 2011 and I have received notification that my operation is on Tuesday 19th July 2011. So out we go to buy pyjama's !! I am ssoooooooooo looking forward to getting this cut out of my system and hopefully eradicated, the thought of the operation would normally be quite daunting........ is welcomed with open arms and I am presently in the same frame of mind as my 9 year old daughter looking forward to christmas. I can't wait to go under the anaesthetic and knife....... having seen the DVD of my colonoscopy, prior to my original bowel operation I saw the cancer in situ, it was a disgusting, horrible mass, alien in appearance, made worst by the purple black dye, which was used to identify the area for the surgeon. This has no place in my system !!!
This week just can't go quickly enough !!
This week just can't go quickly enough !!
Blog Ten Saturday 9th July 2011
Hi Guys I really do appreciate you taking the time to view my ramblings unfortunately we appear to have lost our "Followers" it appears that we are being protected by our anti virus software and the followers have been deleted please sign in again WE MISS YOU !!! .........now fixed thanks
Blog Nine Friday 8th July 2011
My Pre - Operative Assessment is now booked for Friday 15th July 2011 at the Spire Leicester Hospital now what do I do for a week without driving my family mad ! Well I have agreed to decorate the downstairs loo and I have started wine making again. One gallon of red wine is already made, so the loo may look a bit odd when its finished !! The one thing I'm really not looking forward to regarding the operation (apart from the urinary catheter) is the chest drains, these are flexible plastic tubes that will be coming out of both sides of my chest, due to both lungs being operated on simultaneously. These are there to help keep my lungs inflated after the operation, by removing air from the chest with the help of suction. The drains will be connected to a pump on the wall behind the bed and the pump applies suction until my lungs stay up by themselves. (OK you can call me Dyson from now on) The drains also remove unwanted fluid from around the lungs. The one reason I'm really not looking forward to this is "How does one sleep" ? Anyway onward and upward we are finally set.
Wendy
One word...........morphine!!!!!!!!!
Hope
Hello again this is the 8.7.11 today, and last night I started to cry on my own and I was talking to God, and praying before with my mummy, and then my daddy came up and I cried with him.This is just a short blog just to let you know how I'm getting on with my daddy so goodbye for now.
Wendy
One word...........morphine!!!!!!!!!
Hope
Hello again this is the 8.7.11 today, and last night I started to cry on my own and I was talking to God, and praying before with my mummy, and then my daddy came up and I cried with him.This is just a short blog just to let you know how I'm getting on with my daddy so goodbye for now.
Blog Eight Thursday 7th July 2011
My Wednesday phone call from the powers that be never happened, apparently, the secretary is now off sick and with the surgeon on holiday I wasn't sure where to go next, then out of the blue I received a phone call from the Hospital in Leicester..... "We have you booked in for a pre-surgery assessment on Friday 15th July 2011 but do not have any paperwork for your procedure",............. Why did that not surprise me....... not wishing to lose this spot, I contacted the health care scheme paying for this (I hope) and spoke to the the clinical care manager Julia Poxon RGN. Julia was extremely helpful and after phone calls and phoning back (bonus!!) I have been assured that I will have my order numbers to go ahead and should be able to keep to the 15th. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I'm sorry but at this point I have to draw comparisons with my experiences of the private health care system in Australia. No comparison !!!!
In Oz once diagnosed with bowel cancer, literally, my feet never touched the ground, the Surgeon actually telephoned me at home, personally, with plans on what was going to happen, offer advice etc. In a little under three weeks I went from Colonoscopy to Colorectal Surgeon to home, with the offending article removed. Well done you guys. Purely as comparison my CT scan of 13th May 2011 in the UK is the reason I'm now writing this blog and the start of my second battle ..... I'm still not sure when or where the procedure will take place, whether NHS or private, but maybe I've been unlucky with the system on this occasion. I have had some very good experiences with the NHS and as recently as last month when my father was taken to Worthing hospital for a short stay. From paramedics to ambulance to hospital staff were brilliant.
I didn't really use the health care system during my years in South Africa apart from eye care and the birth of my youngest son Jarrod. Jarrod was born at Westville Hospital near Durban, both experiences were via private medical and both pretty good, I have however witnessed some horrific scenes whilst managing security guards at Kwa-Mashu township clinic and other Durban hospitals.
Wendy
Driving to Colchester this morning I began to get really angry at the situation that John is having to go through, that we all are having to go through. Why? Yes I know that there is always someone worse off than yourself, but Why? Why do we have to go through these range of emotions, shock, sadness, anger I do not want to get to the stage of resigning to the fact, at the moment I am angry! I have known John for a long time, been married for almost 13 years, got a wonderful daughter and he has got three fantastic boys. Over the next few weeks I am sure that we are going to really go on a roller coaster ride of emotions. But most of all I really don't like the feeling of being vulnerable...and at the moment that is what I am feeling, and that is also what is making me feel angry. I am a strong person, and can normally face any situation, but I am scared that I won't be able to stay strong for John, because I am breaking as well.
In Oz once diagnosed with bowel cancer, literally, my feet never touched the ground, the Surgeon actually telephoned me at home, personally, with plans on what was going to happen, offer advice etc. In a little under three weeks I went from Colonoscopy to Colorectal Surgeon to home, with the offending article removed. Well done you guys. Purely as comparison my CT scan of 13th May 2011 in the UK is the reason I'm now writing this blog and the start of my second battle ..... I'm still not sure when or where the procedure will take place, whether NHS or private, but maybe I've been unlucky with the system on this occasion. I have had some very good experiences with the NHS and as recently as last month when my father was taken to Worthing hospital for a short stay. From paramedics to ambulance to hospital staff were brilliant.
I didn't really use the health care system during my years in South Africa apart from eye care and the birth of my youngest son Jarrod. Jarrod was born at Westville Hospital near Durban, both experiences were via private medical and both pretty good, I have however witnessed some horrific scenes whilst managing security guards at Kwa-Mashu township clinic and other Durban hospitals.
Wendy
Driving to Colchester this morning I began to get really angry at the situation that John is having to go through, that we all are having to go through. Why? Yes I know that there is always someone worse off than yourself, but Why? Why do we have to go through these range of emotions, shock, sadness, anger I do not want to get to the stage of resigning to the fact, at the moment I am angry! I have known John for a long time, been married for almost 13 years, got a wonderful daughter and he has got three fantastic boys. Over the next few weeks I am sure that we are going to really go on a roller coaster ride of emotions. But most of all I really don't like the feeling of being vulnerable...and at the moment that is what I am feeling, and that is also what is making me feel angry. I am a strong person, and can normally face any situation, but I am scared that I won't be able to stay strong for John, because I am breaking as well.
Blog Seven Monday 4th July 2011
Been on the phone this morning, but the person I need to speak to, ie surgeons private secretary, is away until Wednesday. I've also spoken to the very helpful, Katie Gardener. Katie is the NHS bowel cancer specialist nurse to Mr El-Rabaa , she is always there to answer questions and extremely helpful. After speaking with Katie, I'm thinking that I may be trying to hurry things along too fast, the NHS is doing all it can and to go private will only shave a couple of weeks off the surgery time.
As its been explained the current situation with my lungs, was in fact discovered, just before we left Australia and has been monitored in the UK over the last year. Only now has the situation changed so a couple more weeks can't hurt, can it?,
I would like to urge anyone in their early 40's reading this blog to consider themselves or anyone dear to them to have a colonoscopy or gather any information and undergo any other tests to determine the likelihood of contracting cancer. That sounds quite wide reaching but, I have been told that by the time of my operation ,the cancer was at T2 stage, and it had probably been growing for six years. I would have been around 46 years old. My parents cannot remember anyone in our family past, that has had bowel cancer, although I have lost cousins, uncles and a grandfather to other forms of cancer.
My original early symptoms, and I believe now were connected, were similer to irritable bowel syndrome and was diagnosed as such by my then GP following our return from South Africa in the year 2000. I was 43yrs old at this stage. I then went on to have further symptoms such as diarrhoea. I was regularly told it was possibly my diet .....and all the time the cancer was taking hold......................
Wendy
My mom was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2000 and had a section removed in the sigmoid colon as well. This type of cancer runs in our side of the family as my Gran and some of my mom's cousins have had it as well. My mom has however been given the all clear, I however have now asked to be refered for a colonoscopy, better to be safe than sorry.
I am now on a mission to get John involved in a project around the house to keep his mind occupied on other things, rather than counting down.....1: He could finish off all the loose little bits he hasn't done yet. 2: Redecorate the downstairs loo. 3: Gut and redo the bathroom. I will let you know what he decides.
As its been explained the current situation with my lungs, was in fact discovered, just before we left Australia and has been monitored in the UK over the last year. Only now has the situation changed so a couple more weeks can't hurt, can it?,
I would like to urge anyone in their early 40's reading this blog to consider themselves or anyone dear to them to have a colonoscopy or gather any information and undergo any other tests to determine the likelihood of contracting cancer. That sounds quite wide reaching but, I have been told that by the time of my operation ,the cancer was at T2 stage, and it had probably been growing for six years. I would have been around 46 years old. My parents cannot remember anyone in our family past, that has had bowel cancer, although I have lost cousins, uncles and a grandfather to other forms of cancer.
My original early symptoms, and I believe now were connected, were similer to irritable bowel syndrome and was diagnosed as such by my then GP following our return from South Africa in the year 2000. I was 43yrs old at this stage. I then went on to have further symptoms such as diarrhoea. I was regularly told it was possibly my diet .....and all the time the cancer was taking hold......................
Wendy
My mom was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2000 and had a section removed in the sigmoid colon as well. This type of cancer runs in our side of the family as my Gran and some of my mom's cousins have had it as well. My mom has however been given the all clear, I however have now asked to be refered for a colonoscopy, better to be safe than sorry.
I am now on a mission to get John involved in a project around the house to keep his mind occupied on other things, rather than counting down.....1: He could finish off all the loose little bits he hasn't done yet. 2: Redecorate the downstairs loo. 3: Gut and redo the bathroom. I will let you know what he decides.
Blog Six - Saturday 2nd July 2011
John
OK, so still do not know when the operation is going to be, so far we believe early August. Glad to see the cluster map is filling up !!!!! thanks you guys it's great to see people are following my ramblings you wont know how theraputic that is. Also heard that Wendy's mum, Sue, may be coming over from SA if visa's can be sorted, that will be great. I haven't said much so far about Wendy and Hope. "Yes its my Blog Its all about me!!!" but seriously, Wendy and Hope have been fantastic, but they also need support and more so as things progress. We have had our tears together but are staying positive . Hope remains as cheerful as ever, wakes with a massive smile on her face every morning, but knows exactly whats going on. Just in case, we have told the school what is happening with me and in her life so they can monitor any mood swings. Hope continuously gives me cuddles and hugs and often wispers she's worried and scared for me, she is so grown up for her nine years. I am now very tearful..............
I seem to wake up early every morning, yesterday 4.45am, this morning 5am always with what I am calling "My silly little cough" I seem to have developed a cough its probably psychological but never the less its there ! Wendy and I are considering how we can have the operation on my lungs brought forward, as waiting for August will drive me insane. We have an option of going private through Wendy's company health care scheme, unfortunately it doesn't cover "Spire" hospitals where Mr Waller practices. We have made several phone calls and await reply from Mr Wallers secretary. Mr Waller is going on holiday for two weeks (very well deserved I'm sure) so this is delaying things ..............I have been told that my stay in hospital will be approximately five days I will have drains in both lungs which will remain after the operation for the duration of my stay..... I always sleep on my side !!!!! obviously not during my stay in hospital I won't.........
Hope's blog
Hello I'm Hope and I am John's dughter and I would like to talk about my feelings and oh at the moment I am 9 so I'm quite sad so lets begin.Once apon a time there was a man called John and he had bowl cancer It was an upset for his daughter Hope because she was very young.Heres what Hope said when her parents told her the bad news,well she didn't really say anything she just burst out in tears she didn't like it when anyone in her family had to have an operation but she was very brave when her dad went into hospital.Hope held his hand and made him a huge get well card it looked very nice.Hope was very sad but she new that her dad was in the perfect place and stayed strong.BUT!!!!! After a while back in Engaland Hope's dad's bowl cancer moved up to his lungs yes LUNGS!!!!! She didn't want him to have another operation so she thought about him all day everyday she is still sad from this day on goodbye and that was my feelings.
OK, so still do not know when the operation is going to be, so far we believe early August. Glad to see the cluster map is filling up !!!!! thanks you guys it's great to see people are following my ramblings you wont know how theraputic that is. Also heard that Wendy's mum, Sue, may be coming over from SA if visa's can be sorted, that will be great. I haven't said much so far about Wendy and Hope. "Yes its my Blog Its all about me!!!" but seriously, Wendy and Hope have been fantastic, but they also need support and more so as things progress. We have had our tears together but are staying positive . Hope remains as cheerful as ever, wakes with a massive smile on her face every morning, but knows exactly whats going on. Just in case, we have told the school what is happening with me and in her life so they can monitor any mood swings. Hope continuously gives me cuddles and hugs and often wispers she's worried and scared for me, she is so grown up for her nine years. I am now very tearful..............
I seem to wake up early every morning, yesterday 4.45am, this morning 5am always with what I am calling "My silly little cough" I seem to have developed a cough its probably psychological but never the less its there ! Wendy and I are considering how we can have the operation on my lungs brought forward, as waiting for August will drive me insane. We have an option of going private through Wendy's company health care scheme, unfortunately it doesn't cover "Spire" hospitals where Mr Waller practices. We have made several phone calls and await reply from Mr Wallers secretary. Mr Waller is going on holiday for two weeks (very well deserved I'm sure) so this is delaying things ..............I have been told that my stay in hospital will be approximately five days I will have drains in both lungs which will remain after the operation for the duration of my stay..... I always sleep on my side !!!!! obviously not during my stay in hospital I won't.........
Hope's blog
Hello I'm Hope and I am John's dughter and I would like to talk about my feelings and oh at the moment I am 9 so I'm quite sad so lets begin.Once apon a time there was a man called John and he had bowl cancer It was an upset for his daughter Hope because she was very young.Heres what Hope said when her parents told her the bad news,well she didn't really say anything she just burst out in tears she didn't like it when anyone in her family had to have an operation but she was very brave when her dad went into hospital.Hope held his hand and made him a huge get well card it looked very nice.Hope was very sad but she new that her dad was in the perfect place and stayed strong.BUT!!!!! After a while back in Engaland Hope's dad's bowl cancer moved up to his lungs yes LUNGS!!!!! She didn't want him to have another operation so she thought about him all day everyday she is still sad from this day on goodbye and that was my feelings.
Blog Five - Thursday 30th June 2011
It seems that we have been waiting for an eternity for this day and appointment but in reality it wasn't long. My eldest son Jonathan expressed his wish to accompany us to the appointment and it was very warmly received, its a nice feeling having those that you love, around you in these uncertain times, and is something I missed in Australia, as no family members were close enough at that time but offers of support came from everyone, all sent best wishes and their prayers. It is tremendous the support that was received in so many ways.
We were told by Mr Waller that I have five polyps to be removed, unfortunately these polyps are in both lungs, upper and lower lobes . Once removed these will then be sent off for Biopsy. The procedure is known as a Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection. (VATR) In this procedure the surgeon uses a camera through two or three small incisions (3 - 5 Cm's) into the chest and removes small sections ie the polyps from the lobe of the lung.
As my Polyps are in both lungs this will entail two or three incisions in both sides of my chest under the arm or just below the shoulder blade .........ouch!!!!! and to top it off I will have drains inserted into both lungs.
So many questions come up and one of the main questions is of the probability of chemotherapy???? Mr Waller could not answer these questions as the procedure has to be completed and biopsy done to find out exactly what these things are. After blood tests and MRSA (Methicillian Resistant Staphylocous Aureus) swabs of my nose and the area at the top of the legs known as the Perineum (look it up we are not going to describe it!!) and armed with much literature and ointments and body cleansing agents in case of MRSA we left the hospital in a daze .
We are struggling with the fact that this is NOT Lung Cancer but Bowel Cancer that has found its way to my lungs. My Bowel cancer was described as at stage T2 in all probability had been developing over a number of years. There are two places it could have gone, my Liver or lungs
On our last visit to Dr Von Papen back in Australia, he showed us pictures of my very healthy liver which were taken during surgery and quipped that I have the liver of a young man and that I should drink more alcohol !!!!!!!! Wendy almost choked ! anyone who knows me will know that I sometimes enjoy a little glass of Red Wine occasionally.........................
We were told by Mr Waller that I have five polyps to be removed, unfortunately these polyps are in both lungs, upper and lower lobes . Once removed these will then be sent off for Biopsy. The procedure is known as a Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection. (VATR) In this procedure the surgeon uses a camera through two or three small incisions (3 - 5 Cm's) into the chest and removes small sections ie the polyps from the lobe of the lung.
As my Polyps are in both lungs this will entail two or three incisions in both sides of my chest under the arm or just below the shoulder blade .........ouch!!!!! and to top it off I will have drains inserted into both lungs.
So many questions come up and one of the main questions is of the probability of chemotherapy???? Mr Waller could not answer these questions as the procedure has to be completed and biopsy done to find out exactly what these things are. After blood tests and MRSA (Methicillian Resistant Staphylocous Aureus) swabs of my nose and the area at the top of the legs known as the Perineum (look it up we are not going to describe it!!) and armed with much literature and ointments and body cleansing agents in case of MRSA we left the hospital in a daze .
We are struggling with the fact that this is NOT Lung Cancer but Bowel Cancer that has found its way to my lungs. My Bowel cancer was described as at stage T2 in all probability had been developing over a number of years. There are two places it could have gone, my Liver or lungs
On our last visit to Dr Von Papen back in Australia, he showed us pictures of my very healthy liver which were taken during surgery and quipped that I have the liver of a young man and that I should drink more alcohol !!!!!!!! Wendy almost choked ! anyone who knows me will know that I sometimes enjoy a little glass of Red Wine occasionally.........................
Blog Four - 15th June 2011
We receive a phone call that raises alarm bells, its not normally done this way...... "Can you come in and see Mr El-Rabaa soon within the next couple of days"? was the question, we immediately knew something was wrong. Two days later we visited Mr El-Rabaa's surgery clinic at Kettering General Hospital. We were told that not only had the Polyps on my lungs seen some significant increase in size, but a new Polyp had grown since the previous scan.
Our hearts sank and memories of sitting in front of Mr Von Papen the first time came flooding back. We are told that I will be referred to Mr David Waller Mr Waller is the Specialist Thoracic Surgeon and his clinic is at Kettering General Hospital. I have an appointment on Thursday 30th June 2011.
Mr Waller practice's out of University Hospitals of Leicester Glenfield Hospital and Spire Hospital Leicester as well as Kettering. Glenfield Hospital is approximately thirty five minutes from us as is Spire Hospital.
Our hearts sank and memories of sitting in front of Mr Von Papen the first time came flooding back. We are told that I will be referred to Mr David Waller Mr Waller is the Specialist Thoracic Surgeon and his clinic is at Kettering General Hospital. I have an appointment on Thursday 30th June 2011.
Mr Waller practice's out of University Hospitals of Leicester Glenfield Hospital and Spire Hospital Leicester as well as Kettering. Glenfield Hospital is approximately thirty five minutes from us as is Spire Hospital.
Blog Three - 13th May 2011
Not only is it my birthday but I have one of those 3 monthly scans today a CT scan directed at my chest and abdomen the Radiologists joked about it being my birthday and asked if I didn't have anything better to do.
The scanning procedure always makes me feel sick when the contrast fluid is injected. It has made me vomit in the past,........................ they were warned !!!! The contrast fluid injection is given and scan progressed. Suddenly I get a warming feeling across my chest down to my abdomen, it makes you feel as if you have wet yourself as the injected solution is released into the bloodstream, I am nearly at vomit point......................... it's over....... now we wait for the results and wait...........
The scanning procedure always makes me feel sick when the contrast fluid is injected. It has made me vomit in the past,........................ they were warned !!!! The contrast fluid injection is given and scan progressed. Suddenly I get a warming feeling across my chest down to my abdomen, it makes you feel as if you have wet yourself as the injected solution is released into the bloodstream, I am nearly at vomit point......................... it's over....... now we wait for the results and wait...........
Blog Two - back in the UK
Following our 2 year experience in Australia we arrived back in the UK at the end of April 2010. We set about getting things sorted out. The thoughts of the cancer were never far from our minds so after the important issues such as Hopes school and where to live, I booked in with the NHS Bowel Cancer specialist Mr El-Rabaa Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Nuffield Diagnostic Centre in Corby Northants. Mr El-Rabaa sent me for 3 monthly scans to monitor the Polyps in my lungs.
These polyps were discovered whilst in Australia during a normal CT scan , but only showed at that time as small shadows. On my return to the UK El Rabaa obviously felt that the polyps were significant as 3 monthly surveillance CT is quite a strict regime for the NHS
These polyps were discovered whilst in Australia during a normal CT scan , but only showed at that time as small shadows. On my return to the UK El Rabaa obviously felt that the polyps were significant as 3 monthly surveillance CT is quite a strict regime for the NHS
Blog One -The Beginning
In September 2009, I finally went to our family Doctor a Dr Christopher Dias, at Ormeau Medical Centre Ormeau Queensland Australia. Wendy's nagging has finally paid off. I had been suffering from diarrhoea for months but lately it has got worse. I put the symptoms of diarrhoea down to our change of lifestyle from England to Australia and last years stress of being made redundant and all that went with it. Dr Dias checked my prostrate and took blood and stool samples, My 10 years in South Africa made things worse as he also had to check for parasites from the African continent. A week went by and the samples came back clear, more samples were taken for different tests., these also came back clear, except minute traces of blood had been found in my stools. Dr Dias recommended that I have a Colonoscopy I chose Dr Michael Miros of Southside Endoscopy Centre in Loganholme which was close to Wendy's restaurant.
A fibreoptic colonoscopy with polypectomy was scheduled for Tuesday 22nd September 2009 The colonoscopy was performed under general anaesthetic by Dr Michael Miros who suspected a rectosigmoid malignancy. A few polyps were also removed from the descending colon, transverse colon and Hepatic Flexure. After the procedure I felt terrible, I couldn't sit up properly and I had a pain on the right side of my chest to my shoulder. I was going to be sick !!!I was taken back into recovery and further rested until the symptoms eased. Before we left the clinic Dr Miros told us without doubt that my cancer was significant and that I would be informed soon of further action.
In order to "Forget," and try to make some sense of what was happening to us, we booked into a spot for the weekend that we had previously thoroughly enjoyed..... Couran Point. Couran Point is a beautiful beach resort on South Stradbroke Island, just off the Gold Coast Queensland. Anyone that has viewed our Australian tour blog, will know that we have been to some beautiful places in Australia this is one of those "must see" beautiful places and a Haven to de-stress, it was only for the weekend but worked wonders to forget about the Cancer.....
Couran Point Beach Resort
It was a huge shock to hear the words "Colorectal Cancer" but we were impressed how quickly things started moving. I was quickly scheduled for CAT scans at the Pacific Private Clinic for the following day and had an appointment to see Dr Michael von Papen for the Monday. When we left the colonoscopy clinic they gave us a DVD of the procedure.....great!!!! I joked that it would soon be on UTube!! That evening I was still in a lot of pain on the right hand side of my body up to my shoulder this went on for a few days until Dr Von Papen telephoned to say he had viewed the scan results and identified that the Bowel had been punctured by the colonoscopy procedure and had allowed compressed air to be trapped in the chest cavity and was sending a prescription for pain killers. We had been warned that this could happen, but all was sorted out very quickly. Compressed air is used to enlarge the bowel for the camera and should exit in the normal way. With the puncturing of the bowel the air escaped before the bowel was sealed by the procedure and sat in the chest cavity. Anyone reading this Blog, and being considered for the same procedure, should not be put off by my ramblings, as this one, single procedure of identifying the cancer via colonoscopy, saved my life .....or significantly prolonged it anyway.
We ummed and ahhed about watching the DVD of the procedure but eventually curiosity got the better of us, and after Hope went to bed one night we watched it. It was fascinating to watch the polyps being removed but when the camera eventually got to the cancer, what a shock!!!!. It looked so alien and awful, how could something that looks so dreadful be living and spreading inside, it has to be removed as soon as possible .
Wendy
It was fascinating watching this dvd of the colonoscopy, watching the polyps being removed and cauterised, the whole time wondering were the cancer was. It wasn't until near the end when the camera picked up this purple rotting section....here was the cancer. John and I looked at each other in horror, thank goodness the surgery was next week, no one would want this inside them.
John
On Tuesday 29th September 2009 after a further consultation with Dr Von Papen I was booked into Bribie Ward of the Allamanda Private Hospital in Southport on the Gold Coast Queensland and we all prepared ourselves for the operation which was scheduled for Wednesday 30th September 2009
My thoughts at the time were for Wendy, Hope and my sons Jonathan, Matthew, Jarrod and family back in the UK, horror stories of What if ? negative thoughts and visions ................plagued my mind
I had my own room at the Allamanda and very pleasant nursing staff, one nurse joked "Your too young to be in this ward" ! looking around at the other poor souls, I could see what she meant, all were in their 60's or more.
Finally the time has come..............Everything had been explained, keyhole surgery........... up and around in no time .......NOT....... I said final farewells and love, to Wendy and Hope and was wheeled through to a very noisy waiting area and finally the theatre..... woooooosey then finally Zonk.
Wendy
The wait was awful. I had brought Hope to the hospital, because we thought it important for her to see John going in and coming out. We where there when they put the cannula's in to John and when he was wheeled out to theatre. We then had to move all his stuff to a room on another ward. This room was empty of a bed so Hope had a good area to play in. John left for theatre at 11.15 in the morning and did not return to the ward until 5.30pm. No one could tell me anything although I asked countless times. Worried sick but trying to keep upbeat for a 7 year old is exhausting. When you are alone with a child you try and protect them from all the horrors that could happen, but it is very stressful not to have anyone to dump on.
John was in immense pain for the first few days and totally drugged on morphine, hallucinating cracked ceilings and spiders haunted him......we laughed about that after!!! John found himself on a liquid diet.... really appetising, however the six cans a colleague brought him had to come home with me!!! Every time a nurse came in they kept asking if he had passed wind, I of course found this very amusing and after about 3 days had great pleasure in telling them that he had. He would not have been allowed out if he hadn't as this was the start of the healing process.
The operation was a success and after 6 hours keyhole surgery that didn't quite get to it, and a cesarean section type procedure across my lower abdomen 17 centimetres of sigmoid colon and 12 centimetres of rectum colon were removed........ thank goodness, further consultations with the oncologist and Dr Von Papen reveals that no further complications are expected and no recommendation for chemotherapy, fantastic Got you cancer !!!!!!!!!!!!! ......for now..........
Thankful to all involved we left the Allamanda a few days later. I was in extreme pain from the keyhole surgery that gave me various holes in my stomach , that couldn't get to the problem but especially from the cesarean type incision that finally did.
Since this operation I have heard on several occasions " Now you know what us ladies have to go through having a cesarean !!!!!!" statutory reply by John ..."Yes but you didn't have half your bowel removed at the same time".........
We were to find out some time later, that a scan had revealed, I had Polyps growing on my lungs but this was 'maybe' nothing to worry about. This was to later come back and haunt us............
I had a follow up appointment with Dr Von Papen some weeks later and he arranged for me to be seen by an Oncologist. Both Von Papen and the Oncologist stated that I didn't need Chemotherapy as it was believed that all the cancer had been incised along with the removal of the lymph glands that did not show any traces of the disease. This decision was wrong which we were also soon to find out.
It was at this time that we started thinking of returning home to the UK we felt so far away from everyone and felt now was the time to make a very big decision to leave Australia. We love Australia but .....what if........
During our tour of Australia we completed our Australian touring blog with a heavy heart, knowing that we would be returning to the UK soon. Wendy's old company Sodexo, wanted Wendy back when she returned to the UK, they made her an offer of a job whilst still in the Northern Territory of Australia so we were set.
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