Blog 85 Monday 30 January 2012

The trouble with Chemotherapy is that you don't actually know the good its doing, you can only experience the bad through the side effects and symptoms. I can actually feel the harm the drugs are doing to my body, through loss of feeling in my hands and feet, tinnitus in my ears nausea, headaches and constant nose bleeds, but the hope is that the drugs are fighting for you. My friend Michael whom I met in the Spire Leicester hospital, has been through three bouts of 12 sessions of chemotherapy some few years apart, but each time, the cancer has returned in different parts of his body. But It is also about prolonging ones life, which has worked for Michael, he is a very pleasant man with a good sense of humour and is always encouraging and supportive when discussing our situation. I have realised that there are lots of campaigns out there trying to get the message across regarding early diagnosis of cancer it was on the 5 o'clock news today, it is always being featured in the Sunday Papers as individual personal stories. Its in various magazines Corporate and others and as featured in my blog on Saturday its even in the retired policemans magazine !!!! It sounds as if that could be turned into one of those jokes about "The Policemans Ball"

I have often wondered if my years in the Police Service may have contributed to my contracting cancer, eating take away junk on almost every nightshift, quick changeover shifts very little or no sleep with a few pints in between, long hours in police vans and cars, the basic lethargy of the meandering courts system, and the daily stress of witnesing our fellow man destroying himself and others.  

Blog 84 Saturday 28th January 2012

A few blogs ago (Blog 79) I mentioned that the food service industry is spreading the word of healthy eating and I included links to an article on "Poor Diet raises Cancer Risk". The article by Cancer Research UK was based on risks highlighted in the British Journal of Cancer specifically targeting processed foods.

Today, I was very pleased to receive an article from an "old" police chum, Iain. The article had appeared in the NARPO magazine. (National Association of Retired Police Officers) and it included a link to a campaign called "One Click" http://www.bowelcancer.tv/oneclickcampaign/

It is so good to see that, once more, we can spread the word, the article is written by Geoff Stuttaford, the secretary Health & Safety Committee, Police Federation England and Wales. Geoff was invited by Lynn Fauld Wood to attend the House of Lords, for a summit on bowel cancer. Lynn is a cancer survivor and was once a TV presenter for Watchdog. It appears from her story, that Lynn suffered rectal bleeding and was diagnosed as suffering piles. Lynn later found she had bowel cancer at an advanced stage. See Lynns story on You Tube.  As previously blogged, I was diagnosed with "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" and later after colonoscopy discovered I had an advanced stage of bowel cancer which has since spread to my lungs. Once again the story is early diagnosis saves lives

Please click on the "One Click" link above  and than check out  http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/spotcancerearly/cancersignandsymptoms/

Blog 83 Thursday 26th January 2012

Today, Janice said goodbye to everyone, in a fitting tribute to her life. She was the only person smiling  at the St Mary's Church, Lower Heyford congregation. Janice was smiling from the photos, projecting from a screen, of her, meticulously prepared by Jonathan, our eldest son, from her early years, to her teen years and on to motherhood. It was a fitting way to remember her. Janice, the person that had been overwhelmed by cancer, which eventually took her life, was not the same person, smiling down from the screen and will always be remembered in that way, by all, and especially, in the hearts of my sons.

The church was packed with family and friends, George, Jan's dad. Jane, Jan's boss. Anita, Jan's friend from South Africa and Jonathan gave tributes.   The choir sang, and a reading from the bible John 14:1-6 was given spoken by the minister.  Music chosen by Janice "You raise me up" by Josh Groban and Jonathan chose "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins, played. Janice kept smiling throughout the proceedings from the photos being portrayed on the screen and from the, 'order of service' prepared leaflets. Back at the house after the ceremony, quiet reflection.....and a chance to catch up with all the people not seen for many years...............As I left to return home, heavy snow started to fall and stayed with me for my journey. I felt for the family and friends starting their long journeys home.

To my sons.... Your mum wants you to remember her smiling this way and she will always be in your hearts. You should never of experienced this pain at your tender years but it will make you stronger, we all love and support you.............................................Dad x      

Hope's blog

Its really sad that my brothers mummy has passed on but she still lives in our hearts and always will do. Its really hard for me as I am only 9 years of age but we all have to go through those hoops of life. I cried my eyes out when I heard what had happened, I did kind of expect it because I had got told before and then to I was really sad. I'm just glad daddy's all better and wont end up like my brothers mummy.  Love Hope

Blog 82 Tuesday 24th January 2012

Chemo session 10 currently underway, not much I can do apart from write the blog and watch daytime television, occasionally complying with instructions from the nurse and watch the iv slowly do its thing. Its all remarkably uneventful now for the good its doing.  My appointment to the Oncologist last evening was also pretty normal, bloods are good and treatment is going well. Perhaps its because I'm fearing the worst that everything seems a bit dull, or that possibly I'm over these treatments now and can't wait till the twelfth and last one. 

I shall be attending Janice's funeral and celebration of life on Thursday and pray this will bring some closure to my sons. It has not been a good start to 2012 for them and hopefully after Thursday they will be able to look forward once again 

Blog 81 Monday 23rd January 2012

Janice's "Celebration of Life" will be held on Thursday afternoon this week.

This morning I have had two sets of Bloods taken by the nurse from the, at  home service, one set was as a result of my appointment with my Bowel cancer surgeon, El Rabaa last week and the other is the normal set taken prior to my chemotherapy tomorrow. I find it strange in this day and age that the results of one blood test cannot be viewed by the surgeon wanting the same results albeit in different towns but in the same county.

This is my 10th Chemotherapy session, which finishes on Thursday morning . I  have also got an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr MacMillan this afternoon, where I can discuss the Tinnitus, which is still plaguing me after the Oxaliplatin drug was removed, also I seem to be coming out in some weird looking deep purple marks on my skin, which needs to be identified and discussed.

At the end of my chemotherapy in March this year I have the option of keeping, or removing the "Porta Cath"  which has been inserted into my chest especially for the chemotherapy needles. I heard today that if I keep the Porta Cath, I will need the nurse to attend every week to 'flush' the system through.  It may not be my decision, but I would rather have it removed. Dr Ratliff was the surgeon that inserted the Porta Cath at the 'Three Shires Hospital' in Leicester and I assume in consultation with my Oncologist the deciding factor will be with the results of the final CT Scan......... 

Blog 80 Thursday 19th January 2012

At 04.15 today Janice passed away..............my former wife of fifteen years and fantastic mother to my three sons,  has been overwhelmed by cancer, as much as this was expected it is a shock when the news comes of a close friend taken this way. My thoughts are for my sons....................and Janice, who now rests in peace after this battle....................    

Blog 79 Wednesday 18th January 2012

Wendy has been involved in catering for majority of her working life. Some years ago was caught up in the hype, when a certain British Chef highlighted the poor nutritional standards in schools. At this time Wendy was responsible for the catering at 253 primary schools, working for a national company on the south coast and was very aware of the problem, but had already taken great steps to alter the nutritional value of the food being offered. Wendy now is responsible for 15 secondary school catering  contracts and facing ever increasing pressure on budgets, government nutrition and food based standards, sourcing and school councils, whilst trying to improve school meal uptake and deliver catering to strict contract conditions.

Having said all that, I was very pleased to see in Wendy's "Cost Sector Catering"a magazine for the food service industry, an article on processed meats which suggests that it increases the risk of bowel cancer and supports an article on "Poor Diet raises Cancer Risk". This article by Cancer Research UK was based on risks highlighted in the British Journal of Cancer. It reports that nearly half of the cases of cancer diagnosed in the UK each year are caused by our lifestyle choices. It is reported that about 100,000 (34%) of UK Cancers are linked to unhealthy diet, carrying too much weight, smoking and alcohol abuse. We all knew the link between smoking and lung cancer but in breast cancer nearly 10th of the risk comes from being overweight or obese.With gullet cancer, half of the risk comes from eating too little fruit and veg and for stomach cancer the data suggests that too much salt in the diet accounts for a fifth of the risk.

"Leading a healthy lifestyle does not guarantee a person will not get cancer, but the study shows we can significantly stack the odds in our favour" ... Dr Harpal Kumar chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

I'm glad to see the food service industry is also banging on about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices throughout their industry..........................

Blog 78 Saturday 14th January 2012

Yesterday I took my three sons out to a pub lunch in the Oxfordshire countryside, it is very rare that I get the opportunity to have all three boys together as they are always working or have other commitments.  The conversation during lunch was all about their Mum, Janice. Janice is extremely poorly suffering from cancer and the after effects of the chemotherapy regime that she has been subjected to in the past few weeks. Jan's Chemotherapy is no longer working and no longer an option and she has now been moved from the NHS hospital in Oxford to a hospice nearby. From what my sons tell me the hospice offers a much better environment for their mum, than that of the busy hospital ward that she was on. Jan's dad, George and Sue are over from South Africa and her brother, Graham, and Gail are over from Australia. Janice, my sons,  and the family, are aware that the consultants have given a limited time to Janice.......... I feel so sad for all, especially for Janice and my sons enduring this travesty. Wendy and I, have continually offered support to the boys during this last few weeks and was glad of a few hours with them yesterday ..............this is such a difficult and traumatic time for them and all involved.   

Blog 77 Wednesday 11th January 2012

Elated that I am 2nd day into 9th treatment. Sunny and warm in the Midlands. Only had about 2 hours sleep last night which is usual for this stage of treatment. I was concerned at the blood results that came back as my liver function and kidney function tests were the worst since treatment has started, I also developed a pain in the general area of my kidneys. As usual the nurse was onto it straight away and sent the information directly to my Oncologist. Yes Yes Yes I am drinking pints of water to flush the system which is a must during the 48hr toxic drugs infusion.

During my bowel operation the surgeon took photographs of my Liver, Kidneys  and various other organs, including an apparent hernia that I did not know I had. On discussion after the surgery, My surgeon stated I had the Liver of a young man being very healthy looking and beautiful shape and colour, and said that I could start drinking alcohol. Wendy's jaw hit the floor and tore a strip of this young upstart of a surgeon stating her husband does not need any encouragement to drink alcohol!!!!!.
(warning pictures to follow)

I have met several sufferers that have had the cancer go from Bowel to Liver then Lungs for some reason mine missed the Liver ......for now.......... probably because my liver was infused with Cabernet  Sav.

Today I put a link on Twitter to  http://www.oncologynews.biz/latest.html Its got some good articles on Bowel, Breast and Prostate cancer research. It can get a bit Techy in places but behind the doctor speak very informative and shows how clever and committed these surgeons, professor's and doctors
are...........

Hope's blog!!!

Daddy does  alot for me so Iv'e decided to write him a poem shhhhhhhhhhhh.

Daddy daddy cleans all day, he does the dishes and shouts hooray, he goes upstairs and closes the door, he snoozes until half past 4, he comes downstairs feeling nice and bright and I say daddy you slept all night!
                         by Hope

Blog 76 Saturday 7th January 2012

Ninth Chemo session on the 9th. My Ninth session is starting next week and I seem to be flying through them. I will be finished this session on Friday 13th January, then it will be the last two sessions to look forward to. As daunting as the prospect was of  going through Twelve weeks of Chemotherapy, I have found the side effects have been manageable, with all the drugs that have been administered to help. Originally, I found not being able to sleep at night was the worst and the pain of the reflux, both of these and the nausea have been managed well by my Oncologist and nurses. I have had my really bad days and nights and mentally every treatment has been challenging. Wendy has supported me throughout, it would have been very easy to fall into a spiral of "What Ifs"  had it not been for her.

I have taken inspiration from the various articles that I have read and the persons that have contacted me via this blog and Twitter as well as the many well wishers and family prayers. I have a CT Scan arranged towards the end of the treatment in February which I'm hopeful of good news.

Blog 75 Wednesday 4th January 2012

Today has been extremely emotional, unexpected news as a dear friend suffers, so many lives young and old affected, loving family expectations........ dashed and shredded, fears abound, emotions we cannot quantify and thoughts on hold............   

Blog 74 Monday 2nd January 2012

Wendy's Blog

On the 6th January 2004 we said goodbye to our baby that we never knew. Our Angel was cremated at Worthing Crematorium. We lost our baby at 20 weeks, it wasn't until we were going through this that I found out that I new a lot of people that had had miscarriages. It isn't until you are experiencing something that you find out that you are not alone.

John has just read a blog that he found on a follower that has just joined him on twitter. This is about a little boy also with cancer. John doesn't cry very often, and has being quite stoical about what he is going through, but hearing about a child with cancer is something that stirs the deepest emotions.

Hope our daughter, asked me the other day what is my biggest fear, instead of  answering straight away I asked her what hers was? She said "dying". Our nine year old is growing up so quickly by circumstances beyond our control. My answer to her " None of us knows when it will be our time, only the Lord knows that, but we mustn't be scared of dying because when it is our time we will join him in Heaven."

Hope was satisfied with that answer but asked again what mine was......."Not being able to protect you."

I think that is why when you read about a child with cancer your heart breaks!!!

Blog 73 Sunday 1st January 2012

Only yesterday I blogged that I had been incorrectly diagnosed with IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome. prior to my diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Today an article appeared in the "Mail on Sunday" Review paper, concerning a very brave lady called Judith McGuinness, a mother of two, who in her 50's started getting symptoms not unlike IBS for which she had been diagnosed previously and thought this was another bout. Judith made the mistake of not seeing her GP  on this occasion. Three years later Judith knows she will die from bowel cancer.

Each year 40,000 Britons are diagnosed with Bowel Cancer and the disease claims 16,000 lives. Judith had the symptoms two years before being diagnosed with bowel cancer. I was diagnosed with IBS a lot earlier, and was not offered any follow up from the GP. It was only after a Colonoscopy that Judith after two years was informed that she had T4 cancer . This basically means the cancer had spread to other organs. Bowel cancer can spread anywhere but normally to Liver and Lungs. I had originally been told by the colorectal surgeon that I had T2 stage cancer and did not need chemotherapy as it was unlikely to have spread. Now following an operation for secondary cancer in my lungs confirms it had. Unfortunately Judith had discovered the tumor too late and the cancer has spread to other parts including lungs and liver. Judith has finished off her story by saying Quote ....."I just hope my experience acts as a warning to other IBS sufferers to be aware that changes in their bowel habits could mean they have cancer..." Unquote.............. I whole heartedly endorse that.

It can be seen from my situation and Judith's that age 50's is a critical time. In Scotland everyone gets a test kit at 50 years of age  to test for blood in the stools whilst incredibly you have to wait to 60 years in England or Wales.     Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, called on the Government to lower the current screening age from 60 to 50 after a major study found the disease is far more common in men in their early 50s than previously thought................................