Blog 72 Saturday 31st December 2011

Yesterday marked the end of my 8th Chemo session. I was in a forced sleep on and off  most of the day and in a constant state of nausea, despite taking the prescribed anti-nausea drugs. My thoughts yesterday for most of the time was with my sons and their mum Janice. As previously blogged, Janice my first wife is currently going through Chemotherapy and having a very difficult time with the side effects. She has been particularly effected lately, which left her unable to attend my eldest sons wedding reception on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Janice was able to attend the church service. My sons lives are hectic, all in their 20's work in retail and the long hours that brings. They should not have the added pressure & worry about both their parents fighting cancer. Again, I consider myself lucky I still have both parents my father just celebrated his 93rd birthday !!

I have had a considerable response to my blog in 2011 given the cluster map visitations / locations over 3,000 page reviews and 22 countries and I thank you all for that.

If I can get just one message out there for 2012 it is from my previous blog 55. If you are over 45 years of age,  get yourself checked for bowel cancer,  that's when it started with me, although I was diagnosed incorrectly with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, at this time. Get a colonoscopy!!! Guy's get yer undercarriage checked, Prostate cancer kills a man every hour in the UK !!!! Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men and is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 44.

Ladies in my blog today and previously I mentioned that my first wife is being seriously effected by cancer this all started in her early fifties this has also devastated my three sons and family. Early diagnosis is vital to effective treatment.

Please check out the interactive  Cancer research UK website for signs and symptoms for early diagnosis.

I am wishing and praying for a Happy and Healthy New Year to you all.

Blog 71 Thursday 29th December 2011

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Long-Term Survivors of Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study - Courtesy of "The Oncolgist" magazine.

Background. The number of long-term colorectal cancer survivors is increasing. Cancer and its treatment can cause physical and psychological complications, but little is known about how it impacts quality of life (QOL) over the long term—5, 10, and 15 years after diagnosis.

Methods. Cancer survivors were randomly selected from three tumor registries in France, diagnosed in 1990 (±1 year), 1995 (±1 year), and 2000 (±1 year). Controls were randomly selected from electoral rolls, stratifying on gender, age group, and residence area. Participants completed two QOL questionnaires, a fatigue questionnaire, an anxiety questionnaire, and a life conditions questionnaire. An analysis of variance was used to compare QOL scores of cancer survivors by period of diagnosis (5, 10, and 15 years) with those of controls.                  

Results. We included 344 colon cancer and 198 rectal cancer survivors and 1,181 controls. In a global analysis, survivors reported a statistically and clinically significant lower score in social functioning 5 years after diagnosis and higher scores in diarrhea symptoms 5 and 10 years after diagnosis. In subgroup analyses, rectal cancer affected QOL in the physical dimensions at 5 years and in the fatigue dimensions at 5 and 10 years.

Conclusion. Survivors of colorectal cancer may experience the effects of cancer and its treatment up to 10 years after diagnosis, particularly for rectal cancer. Clinicians, psychologists, and social workers must pay special attention to rectal cancer survivors to improve overall management...........  How this relates to me is , I had a total of 29cms of my bowel removed which included the colon and rectum I am one of the luckier persons that was saved from having to use a colostomy bag. My quality of life is affected by the continuing diarrhoea  as mentioned above but I have learnt the locations of every public toilet in southern england!!!!!

Chemotherapy started a day later this week due to the Christmas break so I should be finishing today but alas, will not be disconnected until tomorrow about 11am. Woke up at 2am this morning then couldn't sleep. I was getting the normal symptoms, but hey, today is the day all the recycling and rubbish is removed. I set about compacting the recycling of all the Christmas gift boxes and wrapping paper. Removed all the packaging and rubbish that could not be recycled, and completed the composting of the veggies that had not survived. MMmmmmmmm its now 02.45 what next? Now wide awake, I set about clearing up the house (downstairs) whilst the family slept upstairs, dishwasher was thumping away, washing machine churning, dryer tumbling. Its now 03.25 There must be something wrong with the clock! I sent a couple of emails complaining to BHS (British Home Stores) on their on-line returns policy that does not work then I set about reading The Oncologist magazine on-line. Some very interesting articles. I wasn't surprised, when Wendy came down to find out what all the noise was!!!!!!

Blog 70 Monday 26th December 2011

My eldest son Jonathan, got married to Victoria on Christmas Eve this year in Oxfordshire, we had a good but hectic couple of days leading up to the wedding and Christmas. The ceremony was performed by Victoria's uncle Dennis who is a minister at the Biscester Church, it was a lovely occasion. I have previously blogged, that my sons mum; Janice, my first wife, is also fighting cancer.Unfortunately, Janice could only stay for the ceremony, then had to leave as she was feeling just too poorly following her chemotherapy, she was unable to attend the reception but remained in our thoughts. My sons are remaining strong and coping extremely well with both parents enduring this despicable disease and lifesaving chemotherapy. My eighth chemotherapy session starts this week a day late due to Christmas which will take me through to Friday 30th December 2011. We haven't made any plans for new years eve just in case I wont be up to any celebrations. This was the first year that I haven't spent time with my parents on Christmas day, apart for the years I spent in Australia and South Africa, I just couldn't face the six hour round trip. 

I wish all my family, friends and followers a very happy and healthy 2012          

Blog 69 Tuesday 20th December 2011

A good article in the "Mail on Sunday" review newspaper this week, entitled "The Chemo-Proof Christmas Dinner" by Jim Fisher. Jim is a former MasterChef semi finalist and highlights the problems of eating for cancer patients........... for thousands of of us cancer patients, suffering the effects of chemotherapy, the thoughts of the Christmas Dinner, Christmas pud, mince pies and other "Goodies" can be quite daunting, Lifesaving chemotherapy can trigger debilitating severe side effects such as nausea, reflux, and mouth ulcers, also oral mucosities which causes an inflammation of the inside of the mouth making eating very painful. Chemotherapy drugs also wreck taste buds, all this occurs due to the strain placed on the immune system during Chemotherapy. Jim Fisher's late mother, Sylvia, suffered a rare form of cancer and Jim realised, as a chef, he could do something about some of the side effects suffered by his mother.

In my case, I regularly suffer the pain associated with reflux, and often feel quite nausea's,  I currently have mouth ulcers and find it difficult sometimes to swallow cold drinks, due to a feeling that my throat is inflamed. Food often tastes metallic to me and I have lost my appetite for the hot curry's I used to soooooo enjoy. Thoughts of weight loss were replaced with my weight steadily increasing to the heaviest I have ever been, I believe due to the steroids that I am prescribed.

Jim Fisher now runs a cooking school in France, and has researched foods for their comforting and healing properties.  Jim says " Food is more than about having something to eat. It takes you through the bad times. Going through chemo is rotten enough as it is, but it's often especially bad at Christmas.

Jim Fisher has created a festive menu for those especially having chemotherapy " I hope these recipes make it a merrier Christmas for those battling cancer" says Jim.................. www.mailonline.co.uk/chemorecipes
  

Blog 68 Thursday 15th December 2011

This weeks Chemotherapy has been much easier. In my treatment this week  I haven't been given the Magnesium Sulphate, Calcium Gluconate or Oxaliplatin the Magnesium and Calcium are used to assist the process of the the chemo drug Oxaliplatin. I was taken off these due to the Tinitus side effect previously mentioned. I am however still taking the anti sickness drug; Ondansetron and steroids Dexamethasone, Folinic Acid and main chemotherapy drug 5FU Fluorouracil which is taken by IV over 48hours from an attached pump into my chest via a porta Cath. Today this IV is  being removed at 13.30 Yeeaahhh free again. My next session starts on 26th December Boxing Day and yes the nurses have assured me that it will go ahead Christmas and holidays are normal days to them. They are fantastic,  Lets take a minute to applaud the medical profession in its entirety, that will be caring for the people  over this Christmas and new year period.

Blog 67 Monday 12th December 2011

Previously, I have reported that one of my Chemo drugs Oxaliplatin, has given severe side effects which have effected me badly. I expected the side effects and was very prepared to endure them, knowing that the drug was doing me good in the long run. Today, my Oncologist, Dr MacMillan took me off Oxaliplatin for good, the Tinitus suffered was the last straw so to speak. It was explained that, it is not actually known how much Oxaliplatin is actually required with the other Chemo Drug fluorouracil (also known as 5FU) but studies in Glasgow Scotland The SCOT trial has been in operation since 2008 and will run to 2013, the trials are looking into benefits of comparing the Chemotherapy weeks from 24 to 12 weeks and reducing the drug Oxaliplatin and thus the side effects. My blood tests are good today and the white platelets are on the way up again. Looking forward to this weeks Chemo bring on session 7.........

Hope's blog

   and a happy new year!!!

Blog 66 Saturday 10th December 2011

I was amazed that following David Haas guest article on the subject of; health within cancer survivors and patients, last Saturday, this topic was all over the UK morning Sky and BBC news. In my case it seemed  all too easy to "sit around and not do anything" I have dusted off the running machine and still take "Jack" our labrador for long walks through our local Kingswood nature park. My biggest problem is what I eat. Please see the linked article "Top Foods To Eat"

 "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."-Hippocrates

When you read these Food & Nutrition type articles, you realise that actually, what you are eating are pretty good Cancer fighting foods.

Wendy's Blog

Now if only I can get John to eat tomatoes, they are full of  lycopene. Researchers agree that lycopene has powerful cancer fighting properties, and I believe this whole heartily. He does occasionally eat them but then covers them in a layer of salt...... I might have to get the tin of quality street out and bribe him, a cherry tomato and then a chocolate, I wonder if that will work?

Blog 65 Monday 5th December 2011

David Haas from New York stumbled across my blog and requested a "Guest" appearance

From David Haas
Family Hospitality Coordinator at Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
Syracuse, New York Area

Exercise and Improved Quality of Life

Surviving cancer is a momentous accomplishment that unfortunately leaves many patients mentally and physically exhausted. For decades, recovering patients were advised to "take it easy" and avoid physical activity. Now, doctors are touting the benefits of exercise for all cancer patients. Adding exercise to your daily post-treatment routine can combat feelings of stress, fatigue and depression to reinvigorate your body, mind and spirit.

Getting Started

Always consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regime. Your team of medical professionals can help you create a fitness plan that caters to your needs and abilities. Many cancer patients remain sedentary after treatment due to feelings of depression, stress and exhaustion. Start off slowly and build from there, focusing on progress. Even five minutes a day of activity can improve your well being, so don't pressure yourself to do too much at the beginning. Make a mental commitment to your plan and you will soon feel results.

The Benefits of Exercise

Everyone can benefit from increased activity, but the rewards are even greater for cancer survivors. Daily exercise can elevate your self-confidence, limit feelings of anxiety and depression, boost your immune system, reduce your risk of disease, make you feel less fatigued and elevate your mood. You may even sleep better at night after light to moderate exercise. These factors can combine to improve your quality of life for years to come. Any form of extra physical activity can be viewed as an extension of your treatment that will affect both your mind and body.

Improved survival rates are a great incentive to get moving. The National Cancer Institute maintains that increased physical activity is linked to greater survival rates for those diagnosed with breast, colon, endometrial, lung and prostate cancer. Although it is not a cure, frequent exercise can improve your outlook on life and treatment, lessen your anxiety as you battle the disease and strengthen your body.

Whether you have suffered from mesothelioma, heart, lung or any other type of cancer, talk to your doctor about beginning an exercise regime to take care of your whole body and gain the mental peace you need to continue your journey as a survivor.

Blog 64 Friday 2nd December 2011

Well this session without the Oxaliplatin drug has been much much better virtually no side effects. I have however still got severe Tinitus and have got a further months supply of Lansoprazole for the reflux.
Obviously at this stage I am concerned not having the Oxaliplatin. My treatment involved the two chemotherapy drugs Oxaliplatin and 5FU Fluorouracil  As previously blogged the Chemotherapy is given with a vitamin called folinic acid (Leucovorin) which makes the 5FU more effective.

Oxaliplatin is typically administered with fluorouracil and leucovorin in a combination known as FOLFOX  regime. I was on FolFox 6 regime for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin has been compared with other platinum compounds (Cisplatin, Carboplatin) in advanced cancers (gastric, ovarian). After the curative resection of colorectal cancer, which I had prior to the cancer spreading to my lungs, chemotherapy based on Fluorouracil and folinic acid reduces the risk of relapse. The benefit is clinically relevant when cancer has spread to locoregional lymph nodes . The addition of Oxaliplatin improves relapse-free survival, but I have learnt that tests are continuing as to how much Oxaliplatin is actually required. Incredibly, It is presently not known, so the normal dose of Oxaliplatin, follows the FolFox regime as to how many cycles of Fluorouracil is administered. Having been taken off Oxaliplatin it may be considered that on my 6th cycle that hopefully I have had sufficient to assist the process.