Blog 111 Wednesday 30th May2012

Been quite busy lately trying to push my new outlook on life not only have we lost some loved ones early in the year and cancer revisiting my friend Michael our next door neighbour was diagnosed with lung cancer recently and having been taken into hospital due to a collapse was buried two weeks ago. My heart goes out to a very brave lady that I have recently read about.  Melanie Swan-Horton a mother of two from Norfolk, took on a high protein diet and had a dramatic weight loss, size 16 to dress size 10 enduring hours in the gym and unfortunately putting her side effects down to her diet regime and gym. Mel has been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer the actual reason for her weight loss. Mel has had chemotherapy and bowel cancer operation but nothing more can be done the cancer has spread to liver and lungs...........................this very brave lady is terminal.  

Mel's Quote " Before I die I want every man and woman in Britain to know the signs of bowel cancer. I thought I was getting really slim and fit but it was the cancer killing me and other slimmers need to be aware.’"

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2152134/Woman-dropped-dress-sizes-thought-getting-fit-actually-terminal-cancer.html#ixzz1wNhbBQHt


Bowel Cancer UK has been spreading this message

BOWEL CANCER: THE FACTS AND THE SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Bowel cancer affects more than 36,500 people in the UK every year.
It is the second most common cancer in women - around 18,400 new cases were diagnosed in the UK in 2009.
The biggest single risk factor is age as the chances of having bowel cancer go up after 50.
1 in 10 people are under 50 when they get bowel cancer - Melanie Swan-Horton (featured) is 46.
Early bowel cancer may have no symptoms. Initial symptoms can also occur in people with less serious problems such as haemorrhoid's.

However, the NHS recommends seeing your doctor if you notice the following:

• Blood in your stools or bleeding from the rectum
• A change to normal bowel habits for a number of weeks – such as diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain or a lump in the stomach, unexplained weight loss.
• As the disease progresses it can also cause anaemia leading to fatigue and breathlessness.

If you are worried about any symptoms you can also call the Bowel Cancer UK Support line on 0800 8403540

 

Blog 110 Tuesday 15th May 2012

Previously back in July last year during my Lung operation I blogged about a very nice chap called "Michael" (read here July 2011 Blog) Michael was having the same operation as me, albeit in one lung only but had severe complications. Today I contacted Michael for a chat and was told by Jean his wife that he has developed cancer in his bladder and has recently been fitted with a catheter. When I met Michael, in hospital at that time,  he made my experience in hospital that much better. Michael made me laugh and gave me an opportunity to discuss cancer and chemotherapy for the first time, with someone that had actually gone through it. Michael had been through three bouts of chemo after suffering Bowel Cancer which had also later effected his liver and lung over a twenty year period. Having met Michael briefly during our stay in hospital and later at a consultation again in hospital, I know he will fight this new intrusion and also find time to smile and joke. Our thoughts are with you Michael and Jean.   

Blog 109 Sunday 13th May 2012

It is my birthday today and I've been thoroughly spoilt. I have seen or spoken to the majority of my family who have all wished me well.......................................... I can't help thinking; it could have been a lot different. A year ago, I was considering the worst scenario. For it was on the 13th May 2011, a year ago today, I had my CT scan that identified the bowel cancer had now travelled to my lungs. It was just before the scan that the radiologist joked, "Why was I having a scan on my birthday and that I should find better things to do" ..........after the results  I  could not foresee a future much beyond the immediate. Have faith, Keep faith and Make plans ! that is the best way, I found, to get myself out of the doldrums at that time .

As ever, I keep finding stories to read concerning bowel cancer.

Statins 'cut risk of bowel cancer': Danger 'halved' by cholesterol-busting pills
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2143264/Statins-cut-risk-bowel-cancer-Danger-halved-cholesterol-busting-pills.html#ixzz1umUGjVV5.

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BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENTS SECTION ............Comments Section  by persons on Statins

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Blog 108 Wednesday 9th May 2012

Following my 4th Chemotherapy session back in November 2011, I reported to my Oncologist that I had developed a severe case of Tinnitus . I was immediately taken off the chemotherapy drug Oxaliplatin, as this was believed to be the cause. I was told that the Tinnitus, is a rare and unusual side effect of the Toxic drug Oxaliplatin, but may get better after my chemotherapy treatment ends. If you click on the link to Tinnitus above you will see that Tinnitus can be caused by many things. Cold Plays Chris Martin was in the local paper recently with the same condition He said: Quote "There's no doubt it's been caused by years of being on stage and subjected to very loud decibels of music.".         I was told by my Oncologist that I should visit my GP after two months if the symptoms do not get better.

Yesterday I visited my GP, as its been two months, and the ringing in my ears seems worse.  The GP didn't hold out much hope of my condition, but said she would refer me to an  Ear Nose and Throat specialist,(ENT) but first I would be sent for a head scan....... scans now always worry me.

I read a good article in the Mail on-line this week, and although its not directly about Bowel Cancer it is very interesting and Bowel Cancer UK also advocate a healthy eating regime  .The Anti Cancer Diet (Eat Your Way to a Healthier Life) and for all you curry lovers out there please see the next article also from the Mail on-line Curry Favour with your doctor unfortunately with my love of curry over the years it obviously didn't help me, but I'm sure there are some truths in it. Maybe with my love of spices that's why I,m heading towards being a survivor..........

Blog 107 Thursday 3rd May 2012

Today at 2pm I had the pleasure of meeting BBC's John Griff  of Northampton Radio and the great experience of being "On Air" in the studio, to discuss my blog and of my journey through Bowel Cancer. As always with the intention of raising awareness of this dreadful disease. You can listen to the interview again.........

HERE with John Griff (its available for the next seven days). Just click on the link!! My interview is straight after Paul Youngs "Come back and stay this time"