My appointment at the local GP again raised questions regarding Chemotherapy, at last it was making sense nobody was talking about Chemo as apparently nothing will be done until at least 6 weeks after surgery. My previous experiences of an Oncologist in Australia following my bowel cancer operation was very brief and cost a fortune. I was told back in November 2009 by my, then, Oncologist that I did not need Chemotherapy. I was told my prognosis was good for the future, and I was told that it was believed that the cancer had not spread. I can remember walking out of the Oncologists office into the Australian sun feeling very relieved........................
Having now had the cancer spread to both lungs I am now relieved once again, as today I received an authorisation number from our health care to contact Mr Craig Macmillan Consultant Clinical Oncologist Craig Macmillan has a consultancy in the grounds of Kettering General Hospital, so not too far to travel once an appointment is made.
Blog 28 Tuesday 30th August 2011
Received some literature through the post from Macmillan Cancer Support "The emotional effects of cancer" and "A guide to benefits and financial help for people affected by cancer" there is a wealth of support out there for persons suffering from cancer or carers for sufferers. I don't feel that I am at that stage yet, that I have been emotionally effected by my experiences, maybe because I am lucky enough to have the support from family and friends. There is also information for volunteering etc great advice and loads of information.
Today I have an appointment back at Great Oakley Medical Centre following the 7 day course of anti-biotic. I feel a lot better now the additional stitches have been removed and everything has at last healed. My left side (Chest) is still completely numb from the surgery and my back aches when standing or laying in certain positions. This should all go with time................. Coughing and Laughing is still very painful, so I am officially "Grumpy" according to my wife and daughter!!!!!
Today I have an appointment back at Great Oakley Medical Centre following the 7 day course of anti-biotic. I feel a lot better now the additional stitches have been removed and everything has at last healed. My left side (Chest) is still completely numb from the surgery and my back aches when standing or laying in certain positions. This should all go with time................. Coughing and Laughing is still very painful, so I am officially "Grumpy" according to my wife and daughter!!!!!
Blog 27 Friday 26th August 2011
After a few days of anti-biotic, I was still not healing as normal and still in pain. It is now a month since my Op !! I decided to check all the incisions and found a further three stitches that had not been removed !!!! ........with tweezers in hand and a pair of scissors ...........snip......... these are the elasticated type stitches, which are suppose to dissolve, so you pull till it won't come any further (and hurts), snip!!!!! and it disappears back inside.
Finally the healing process can begin......... having removed all the foreign bodies the anti biotic can now work. I have been trying to get hold of the specialist bowel nurse to Mr Al-Rabaa, Katie Gardener, and find out further, regarding possible Chemo therapy. I have left a message and now tried ring back, to no avail ......My next appointment with Al Rabaa is in November and I do not want to wait that long. I spoke to Michael last week, the chap that was in High Dependency with me, He is back in hospital today having his second lung operated on.
In hindsight I'm sure that would have been a better option for me to have one at a time.....
Finally the healing process can begin......... having removed all the foreign bodies the anti biotic can now work. I have been trying to get hold of the specialist bowel nurse to Mr Al-Rabaa, Katie Gardener, and find out further, regarding possible Chemo therapy. I have left a message and now tried ring back, to no avail ......My next appointment with Al Rabaa is in November and I do not want to wait that long. I spoke to Michael last week, the chap that was in High Dependency with me, He is back in hospital today having his second lung operated on.
In hindsight I'm sure that would have been a better option for me to have one at a time.....
Blog 26 Monday 22nd August 2011
Appointment with Dr Joanna Watts today at the Great Oakley Medical Centre. Dr Watts has shown an interest in my case and is a wealth of information, she also found two stitches that had been missed (in fact she found one and Hope found the other) which was causing ongoing infection and associated pain, in two of my wounds. I am now on a 7 day course of Erythromycin 250mg Anti Biotics hopefully this will now be cleared up and I can sleep at night!!!! I have been booked for a further appointment next week and a further appointment for a scan on my hand (at the site of the canulla) which I thought was to be today.
Great news Dr Watts also gave me the results of the Biopsy's and Polyp removed from my colon during the recent colonoscopy. All Clear !!!! brilliant, one less thing to worry about.
Great news Dr Watts also gave me the results of the Biopsy's and Polyp removed from my colon during the recent colonoscopy. All Clear !!!! brilliant, one less thing to worry about.
Blog 25 Sunday 21st August 2011
We have been away for a few days, to stay with our friends in Southwick "Bill & Trish" (Thanks again you guys) Southwick is close to my folks and family in Worthing and within a short distance to Brighton. I was born in Brighton and never tire of the place. We also took "Jack" our Black Labrador. Jack discovered the Sea for the first time, and it was amazing to watch his antics.
Across the lock gates at Southwick
Wendy discovered that her fear of heights, did not affect her sudden insane wish to complete a "Reverse Bungy Jump" We had some good laughs with my family, walked around Brighton, dragged around Brighton Pier by my daughter Hope, and generally had a great time.
Across the lock gates at Southwick
Wendy discovered that her fear of heights, did not affect her sudden insane wish to complete a "Reverse Bungy Jump" We had some good laughs with my family, walked around Brighton, dragged around Brighton Pier by my daughter Hope, and generally had a great time.
Wendy Reverse Bungy "Screaming"
This was a good way of forgetting about the reason for this Blog ie the Cancer I have yet to receive the results of the Colonoscopy biopsy's recently taken. Tomorrow I am at my local GP to check out the reason for the lingering pain in my left hand at the site of the cannula and to discuss, in the GP words "Pull Together" all the information.
Blog 24 Friday 12th August 2011
Today is the day of my next colonoscopy. Wendy drove me to Kettering General Hospital, as I am not allowed to drive after the procedure. We had a fairly long wait, but once taken through, things tended to run like clockwork; ie blood pressure, consent form, health forms questionnaire, interview with the Doctor.
Into the hospital gown and away. I was told the Klean-prep solution that I have been drinking makes you de-hydrated, "well yes, having spent the entire previous day running to the toilet, I am aware of that".. and guess what, the nurse couldn't find a vein in my right hand to insert the cannula but it hurt like hell when they were trying. The Cannula is for my Pethidine (pain killer) and Sedation.
Anyone reading this blog may remember, I suspect that I have something left in the vein of my left hand, following the cannula inserted last time. The inflammation is still there as well as the pain, but everyone seems to think it will go down with time,
"I don't think so"..... I am waiting for my ultra sound scan of this hand to verify...
The doctor inserted the cannula in my right arm further up and yep we are away. After the Pethidine and sedation, I almost fell asleep , it is merely a sedation, so I was able to watch everything on the monitor. Unfortunately, once again, I am faced with a Polyp growing in my bowel, which was hastily removed by the doctor. Thoughts of my previous colonoscopy in Australia, when they found my original bowel cancer, came flooding back. Having had 29 Cm's removed already I can't afford to have much more taken out!!!!!!!
The doctor also removed two biopsy samples from my colon wall, and again, I now need to wait a further Seven days for the results...........
Having not eaten for two days. Wendy took me straight to the Fish & Chip shop. Hope and I enjoyed Fish & Chips until we could not eat any more!!!!!!!!!
Into the hospital gown and away. I was told the Klean-prep solution that I have been drinking makes you de-hydrated, "well yes, having spent the entire previous day running to the toilet, I am aware of that".. and guess what, the nurse couldn't find a vein in my right hand to insert the cannula but it hurt like hell when they were trying. The Cannula is for my Pethidine (pain killer) and Sedation.
Anyone reading this blog may remember, I suspect that I have something left in the vein of my left hand, following the cannula inserted last time. The inflammation is still there as well as the pain, but everyone seems to think it will go down with time,
"I don't think so"..... I am waiting for my ultra sound scan of this hand to verify...
The doctor inserted the cannula in my right arm further up and yep we are away. After the Pethidine and sedation, I almost fell asleep , it is merely a sedation, so I was able to watch everything on the monitor. Unfortunately, once again, I am faced with a Polyp growing in my bowel, which was hastily removed by the doctor. Thoughts of my previous colonoscopy in Australia, when they found my original bowel cancer, came flooding back. Having had 29 Cm's removed already I can't afford to have much more taken out!!!!!!!
The doctor also removed two biopsy samples from my colon wall, and again, I now need to wait a further Seven days for the results...........
Having not eaten for two days. Wendy took me straight to the Fish & Chip shop. Hope and I enjoyed Fish & Chips until we could not eat any more!!!!!!!!!
Blog 23 Thursday 11th August 2011
I made myself a lovely Kedgeree with smoked haddock for breakfast yesterday I then gave up eating at midday as instructed. Today I have only drunk the Klean-Prep previously mentioned, I had to drink a litre of this disgusting preparation, every hour for four hours, to clear my bowel. It is dreadful but necessary in readiness for my Colonoscopy tomorrow. Whilst this was all going on, I was trying to watch England play India cricket at Edgbaston, I actually managed to miss every wicket in my running to the toilet and back so many times!!! After my appointment tomorrow its straight to the kebab shop !!!!
Blog 22 Tuesday 9th August 2011
Early appointment today with Mr Waller my surgeon, Wendy and I made our way to the Leicester Spire hospital . We met Michael who was also in the waiting room. Michael was the person I previously mentioned that was in the HDU (high dependency unit) with me undergoing the same surgery but had complications. It was so nice to chat with him and his wife again. Our first task today was to have a chest x-ray prior to seeing Mr Waller. "Things aren't as bad as we thought" were the words that greeted us from Mr Waller. Only two of the four tumours removed were cancerous, one from each lung. It was agreed that I am healing well, and the pain presently being suffered would go in time. The prognosis seems to be good and referral back to the bowel cancer specialist Mr El-Rebaa has been done.
We asked the burning question regarding chemotherapy which will only be on a further referral from Mr El-Rebaa. I am back in the 3 monthly CT scan cycle with my next CT Scan on 28th October 2011.
My medical insurance has advised me not to have chemo privately as certain drugs for my treatment are expensive and not offered by the NHS, so the thinking is to have chemo on the NHS and get the drugs privately. Its all too much to think about at the moment. I've come away from the appointment feeling far better and again being able to see into the future further than 6 months...............
On my return home today I received a phone call from Kettering General Hospital. Mr El-Rabaa has ordered a colonoscopy for me and this is arranged for this Friday 12th August. This will be my third colonoscopy in as many years, but it doesn't get any easier. I owe my life to my first colonoscopy.......
I have been given Klean-Prep in a word, it is a disgusting !! preparation mixed with water (1.5 litres) x Four sachets to be taken the day before. No eating Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! the day before and only boiled fish or chicken, two days before which is Oh yes Tomorrow!!!.
As stated, the first colonoscopy, I believe, saved my life or at least has pro-longed it. Again I urge anyone reading this blog, to PLEASE, have a colonoscopy, or at least get advice from Your GP if you are 45 years of age upwards, like me, you may not have any symptoms for a few years!!!!!!!
We asked the burning question regarding chemotherapy which will only be on a further referral from Mr El-Rebaa. I am back in the 3 monthly CT scan cycle with my next CT Scan on 28th October 2011.
My medical insurance has advised me not to have chemo privately as certain drugs for my treatment are expensive and not offered by the NHS, so the thinking is to have chemo on the NHS and get the drugs privately. Its all too much to think about at the moment. I've come away from the appointment feeling far better and again being able to see into the future further than 6 months...............
On my return home today I received a phone call from Kettering General Hospital. Mr El-Rabaa has ordered a colonoscopy for me and this is arranged for this Friday 12th August. This will be my third colonoscopy in as many years, but it doesn't get any easier. I owe my life to my first colonoscopy.......
I have been given Klean-Prep in a word, it is a disgusting !! preparation mixed with water (1.5 litres) x Four sachets to be taken the day before. No eating Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! the day before and only boiled fish or chicken, two days before which is Oh yes Tomorrow!!!.
As stated, the first colonoscopy, I believe, saved my life or at least has pro-longed it. Again I urge anyone reading this blog, to PLEASE, have a colonoscopy, or at least get advice from Your GP if you are 45 years of age upwards, like me, you may not have any symptoms for a few years!!!!!!!
Blog 21 Saturday 6th August 2011
MY HEART GOES OUT TO MY SONS "Jonathan", "Matthew", and "Jarrod" .
My sons mum, 'Janice', whom I was married to for 15 years, has been admitted to hospital in Oxford, diagnosed with cancer and will soon be going through a serious operation ....they are devastated .....they were strong for me recently,.............. they have to face it all over again with their mum......
Words cannot describe how these young lives, including my daughter Hope, with everything to look forward too in life, has to deal with this burden at their early years...... A reality check ...a sudden train smash. I feel so sorry for what they are going through. Suddenly my cancer pales into insignificants, material things mean nothing to me any longer, my family is everything............
Wendy, and her mum, Sue, drove to Biscester yesterday and took the boys, together with Victoria, Jonathans fiancee out to lunch, . Unfortunately I was in too much pain to travel that far. Jarrod came back with Wendy and spent a great afternoon with me supping home made white wine in the garden and an evening of movies brilliant!!!!!
Tuesday next week is when I return to Mr Waller to hear the results of what has been removed from my lungs following the histology report. Everyone says "You must stay positive" I am positive .......and pessimistic ..is that possible??
Hope's Blog
I would like to thank you daddy for thinking about us and it is a horrid word
C A N C E R!!!!!!! When you here the word cancer you stop and think, and you think everything is going to get bad, then worse. That's what I thought in Australia when I first heared the word, I didn't really think he would have to go back to the hospital but I was wrong, so now I'm heart broken again but I know daddy's going to be fine.
My sons mum, 'Janice', whom I was married to for 15 years, has been admitted to hospital in Oxford, diagnosed with cancer and will soon be going through a serious operation ....they are devastated .....they were strong for me recently,.............. they have to face it all over again with their mum......
Words cannot describe how these young lives, including my daughter Hope, with everything to look forward too in life, has to deal with this burden at their early years...... A reality check ...a sudden train smash. I feel so sorry for what they are going through. Suddenly my cancer pales into insignificants, material things mean nothing to me any longer, my family is everything............
Wendy, and her mum, Sue, drove to Biscester yesterday and took the boys, together with Victoria, Jonathans fiancee out to lunch, . Unfortunately I was in too much pain to travel that far. Jarrod came back with Wendy and spent a great afternoon with me supping home made white wine in the garden and an evening of movies brilliant!!!!!
Tuesday next week is when I return to Mr Waller to hear the results of what has been removed from my lungs following the histology report. Everyone says "You must stay positive" I am positive .......and pessimistic ..is that possible??
Hope's Blog
I would like to thank you daddy for thinking about us and it is a horrid word
C A N C E R!!!!!!! When you here the word cancer you stop and think, and you think everything is going to get bad, then worse. That's what I thought in Australia when I first heared the word, I didn't really think he would have to go back to the hospital but I was wrong, so now I'm heart broken again but I know daddy's going to be fine.
Blog 20 Wednesday 3rd August 2011
We should now be in Portugal. Our planned trip to Spain/Portugal has obviously been interupted by events but hey!! never mind, thats for another year!!
I had my appointment with the specialist Mr El -Rabaa on Monday which actually turned into me being seen by a Mr Solomen, whom I hadn't met. I feel this was a wasted appointment. No information has come through from my last op, and all that really happened was my bandages were changed again. We were however able to ask more questions. Chemotherapy was discussed and Mr Solomen said that I still may not be offered Chemo. It is apparently not a foregone conclusion.
I took the opportunity to tell Mr Solomen that both sides of my chest were still completely numb after the surgery two weeks ago, but again apparently this is completely normal for what my "insides" have been through. It feels like they have parked a shopping trolley in there!!!!!! My lungs however are still incredibly painful, and still giving problems with sleeping.
Wendy's Mum, Sue, has arrived from South Africa and is doing a great job with Hope, keeping her busy baking, pressing wild flowers, reading etc etc makes me feel a lot better as just a short trip to West Lodge rural centre a local animal fun farm yesterday for Hope , left me breathless and very sore. I then slept all afternoon................Still seeing the blog page reviews going up and the cluster map filling up ... Thanks once again..... its sorta therapy for me, and keeping me sane. It is so nice to know that people and friends/family are keeping in touch and following with me.
I had my appointment with the specialist Mr El -Rabaa on Monday which actually turned into me being seen by a Mr Solomen, whom I hadn't met. I feel this was a wasted appointment. No information has come through from my last op, and all that really happened was my bandages were changed again. We were however able to ask more questions. Chemotherapy was discussed and Mr Solomen said that I still may not be offered Chemo. It is apparently not a foregone conclusion.
I took the opportunity to tell Mr Solomen that both sides of my chest were still completely numb after the surgery two weeks ago, but again apparently this is completely normal for what my "insides" have been through. It feels like they have parked a shopping trolley in there!!!!!! My lungs however are still incredibly painful, and still giving problems with sleeping.
Wendy's Mum, Sue, has arrived from South Africa and is doing a great job with Hope, keeping her busy baking, pressing wild flowers, reading etc etc makes me feel a lot better as just a short trip to West Lodge rural centre a local animal fun farm yesterday for Hope , left me breathless and very sore. I then slept all afternoon................Still seeing the blog page reviews going up and the cluster map filling up ... Thanks once again..... its sorta therapy for me, and keeping me sane. It is so nice to know that people and friends/family are keeping in touch and following with me.
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