To all my friends and followers my favourite new years eve text...........
I MET HEALTH, LOVE, PEACE AND JOY
THEY NEEDED A PERMANENT PLACE TO STAY
I GAVE THEM UR ADDRESS
I HOPE THEY ARRIVED SAFELY
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 !!!
Blog 180 Tuesday 31st December 2013
To all my friends and followers my favourite new years eve text...........
Blog 179 Wednesday 11th December 2013
This is unlike any other blog post I have completed. I have often made reference to the medical procedure that saved............... or seriously extended my life......."The Colonoscopy". this was reported via Blog One The Beginning http://livingwithbowelcancer.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/29-june-2011.html
The Colonoscopy or fibreoptic colonoscopy with polypectomy is fully described on the link but I would like to document the actual procedure performed on me by Dr Miros in Australia. I must warn viewers that this procedure is not for the faint hearted and shows the actual procedure performed on my bowel, whilst I was under sedation. This first video, shows a polyp being identified, removed and skin cauterised. This and other Polyps turned out to be cancerous.
You have been warned !!!
In a separate video to be posted, you will also see the extent of the cancerous growth which was left well alone by Dr Miros save for a few "Pokes" and injection of dye to identify the position for the bowel surgeon. Hopefully the further video will be posted soon !!!
Blog 178 Monday 11th November 2013
When I first started this blog I was very much in the unknown, I wanted to share my experiences with persons effected by bowel cancer and their carers. Persons that were just embarking on their own cancer journeys. I suppose I just wanted to give a `heads up' of what to possibly expect, to try to make the way slightly easier for them.
There were many times that I was preoccupied with negative thoughts.....................I thought cancer was an imminent death sentence...........mentally, I gave myself two years at the most. When the cancer attacked my lungs for a second time I was already preparing myself not to see another Christmas with my family.................................. other thoughts that plagued me were that the chemotherapy would make me violently sick and all my hair would fall out ..........well yes, this does happen, but again in my case, I had very bad side effects due to the chemo, but these were kept to a minimum by my oncologist and nurses and I didn't loose any hair!!
Truth is.. I was diagnosed in 2009 at an advanced stage of bowel cancer. At the present time I feel great! and extremely lucky that all recent tests (and recent operation) have shown clear of cancer.
I suppose what I'm trying to say to persons and loved ones who may have recently embarked on a similar cancer journey to mine, all is not lost on hearing the word, cancer............ mentally, grab hold of a future intention and never let it go ............mine is "to be at my daughters wedding" she's only eleven years old, just started secondary school and the youngest of my children (no pressure my darling).................., I will be there..
There were many times that I was preoccupied with negative thoughts.....................I thought cancer was an imminent death sentence...........mentally, I gave myself two years at the most. When the cancer attacked my lungs for a second time I was already preparing myself not to see another Christmas with my family.................................. other thoughts that plagued me were that the chemotherapy would make me violently sick and all my hair would fall out ..........well yes, this does happen, but again in my case, I had very bad side effects due to the chemo, but these were kept to a minimum by my oncologist and nurses and I didn't loose any hair!!
Truth is.. I was diagnosed in 2009 at an advanced stage of bowel cancer. At the present time I feel great! and extremely lucky that all recent tests (and recent operation) have shown clear of cancer.
I suppose what I'm trying to say to persons and loved ones who may have recently embarked on a similar cancer journey to mine, all is not lost on hearing the word, cancer............ mentally, grab hold of a future intention and never let it go ............mine is "to be at my daughters wedding" she's only eleven years old, just started secondary school and the youngest of my children (no pressure my darling).................., I will be there..
Blog 177 Monday 21st October 2013
From the beginning of last week It is my daughters school half term holiday break, her school is on half term break sooner than most others, because her schools summer break is two weeks shorter and re-convenes half way through August unlike most. It is a time that I try and get her out doing things. As we didn't have a holiday away this year due to my operations I booked lastminute.com Wendy got a few days off, so we headed South to Portugal for blue skies and sunshine. Albefuira to be exact "Travel Insurance" I hear you say....... "yes very important"...................only nobody would insure me.
As long as you mention "Cancer" on any quotation or proposal the insurance company's do not want to know...........I'm not talking they won't insure for pre-existing conditions....oh no they won't insure at all!!!!!........................for anything ..............not even a .........................airplane delay or the usual holiday mishap ..
I'm sure other cancer sufferers and survivors have been in the same situation and did exactly what I did and trolled through the various cancer forums ........some very helpful information, but unless its very up to date the good information that was, has been changed or no longer exists. Ha ha I checked through my existing house insurance and found it covers annually for up to 60 days away from our shores and covers all the normal holiday stuff delays to airplane cancellation due to emergency's loss of cameras etc etc
Pre - existing conditions are not covered ...............but I wouldn't expect it to be or did I want it to be ..................so to anyone else out there who suddenly finds out the harsh reality of being uninsurable for holiday bookings / flights etc you may well be already insured and didn't know it. Check your house insurance. For a £35 excess, I'm totally covered for my holiday ...............................well not totally, I'm not covered for Cancer...............??
As long as you mention "Cancer" on any quotation or proposal the insurance company's do not want to know...........I'm not talking they won't insure for pre-existing conditions....oh no they won't insure at all!!!!!........................for anything ..............not even a .........................airplane delay or the usual holiday mishap ..
I'm sure other cancer sufferers and survivors have been in the same situation and did exactly what I did and trolled through the various cancer forums ........some very helpful information, but unless its very up to date the good information that was, has been changed or no longer exists. Ha ha I checked through my existing house insurance and found it covers annually for up to 60 days away from our shores and covers all the normal holiday stuff delays to airplane cancellation due to emergency's loss of cameras etc etc
Pre - existing conditions are not covered ...............but I wouldn't expect it to be or did I want it to be ..................so to anyone else out there who suddenly finds out the harsh reality of being uninsurable for holiday bookings / flights etc you may well be already insured and didn't know it. Check your house insurance. For a £35 excess, I'm totally covered for my holiday ...............................well not totally, I'm not covered for Cancer...............??
Blog 176 Monday 7th October 2013
The Thoracic Laminectomy I had in July this year to remove, what was believed to be a tumour on my spinal cord, in fact turned out to be a large benign cyst. The cyst was pressing on my spinal cord and giving all sorts of problems with my legs, ie (numbness from my knees to my hips, severe cramping and severe sciatica type pain across my buttocks and into my legs.) Due to my previous encounters with Bowel Cancer it was decided to investigate further and resulted in a complex operation called a Thoracic Laminectomy where parts of the spine are removed to get to the problem. This operation was and still is incredibly painful.
As usual with most invasive surgery I now have complete numbness across my middle back, which just adds to the numbness of my sides following the double lung surgery last year. The pain I am currently experiencing is due to the surgery on the Spinous process and muscles to get to the Cyst and after all the surgery it was discussed that this had nothing to do with my bowel cancer. I continue to be scanned and have regular blood tests. In order to eleviate the pain and give my back some support, Wendy trolled through the Internet to find a suitable back brace. A useful back brace was found and does give some relief whilst walking and standing for any length of time. This brace was discovered and sent from China but beware the Chinese XXL or double extra large is not quite what you expect !!!
Anatomy of the spine Go !!
As usual with most invasive surgery I now have complete numbness across my middle back, which just adds to the numbness of my sides following the double lung surgery last year. The pain I am currently experiencing is due to the surgery on the Spinous process and muscles to get to the Cyst and after all the surgery it was discussed that this had nothing to do with my bowel cancer. I continue to be scanned and have regular blood tests. In order to eleviate the pain and give my back some support, Wendy trolled through the Internet to find a suitable back brace. A useful back brace was found and does give some relief whilst walking and standing for any length of time. This brace was discovered and sent from China but beware the Chinese XXL or double extra large is not quite what you expect !!!
Anatomy of the spine Go !!
Blog 175 Thursday 19th September 2013
Every so often I get several "Hits" on this blog from different areas of the same country all within the space of a few days.
I've had a few visits from around America recently Hi you guys !! ...I see even Meryl Streep is getting involved in spreading the word about Colon Cancer in America. in the
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
Back to the UK .........................I am truly amazed that so many people are out there spreading the word about Colon/Bowel Cancer and so much good information is on the Web. People on social media sites all raising cash and awareness for the various charities and yet there are still people who don't know the symptoms of Bowel Cancer and still people turning up at A &E for some emergency treatment only to be told they are in the latter stages of bowel cancer.
Please also visit Bowel Cancer UK
I've had a few visits from around America recently Hi you guys !! ...I see even Meryl Streep is getting involved in spreading the word about Colon Cancer in America. in the
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
Back to the UK .........................I am truly amazed that so many people are out there spreading the word about Colon/Bowel Cancer and so much good information is on the Web. People on social media sites all raising cash and awareness for the various charities and yet there are still people who don't know the symptoms of Bowel Cancer and still people turning up at A &E for some emergency treatment only to be told they are in the latter stages of bowel cancer.
Cancer Research UK has some great information and only a click away
Please also visit Bowel Cancer UK
The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can be:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A change in bowel habit lasting for 3 weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
You might experience one, some, all of the above or no symptoms at all. Remember most symptoms will not be bowel cancer.
Blog 174 Monday 16th September 2013
I am extremely proud of my three sons Jonathan, Matthew and Jarrod and their achievements.
So it was no surprise when Jarrod my youngest, decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support via the "Go Sober for October" campaign in the memory of his mother Janice who lost the battle against cancer last year ...................................
Jarrod
"Doing this for my mother, Janice Nash, I love you and miss you so much"
"Janice Nash passed away peacefully at Katharine House Hospice, Adderbury, in the early hours of Thursday 19th January 2012. Her life cut short by illness, at the young age of 56. She will be sadly missed by Paul her Husband and her three boys, her family, friends and work colleagues. Her life was celebrated at St Mary's Church in Lower Heyford on Thursday 26th January.My dad at the same time had been battling bowel cancer."
Please help Jarrod by visiting his profile page and make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support visit :-
https://www.gosober.org.uk/profile/jarrodnaisbit
On Thursday 19th January 2012 I wrote on this Blog ....................................."
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...................." That post was the hardest blog post I have ever had to write.
At the time of Janice's passing I was going through Chemotherapy. Macmillan Cancer support were there for me when I needed them Macmillan Cancer Support
So it was no surprise when Jarrod my youngest, decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support via the "Go Sober for October" campaign in the memory of his mother Janice who lost the battle against cancer last year ...................................
Jarrod
"Doing this for my mother, Janice Nash, I love you and miss you so much"
"Janice Nash passed away peacefully at Katharine House Hospice, Adderbury, in the early hours of Thursday 19th January 2012. Her life cut short by illness, at the young age of 56. She will be sadly missed by Paul her Husband and her three boys, her family, friends and work colleagues. Her life was celebrated at St Mary's Church in Lower Heyford on Thursday 26th January.My dad at the same time had been battling bowel cancer."
Please help Jarrod by visiting his profile page and make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support visit :-
https://www.gosober.org.uk/profile/jarrodnaisbit
On Thursday 19th January 2012 I wrote on this Blog ....................................."
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...................." That post was the hardest blog post I have ever had to write.
At the time of Janice's passing I was going through Chemotherapy. Macmillan Cancer support were there for me when I needed them Macmillan Cancer Support
Blog 173 Friday 23rd August 2013
It's been almost a month since my last post. During this month I have been in severe pain only relieved by regular strong pain killers & laying flat out. The vast array of tablets I'm taking I believe was responsible for the internal bleed as no cause has been found. We have recently moved home and I could only watch from the sideline as Wendy and the removals company worked. My latest ct scan was thankfully clear so hopefully a uneventful run up to winter!!!
Blog 172 Monday 29th July 2013
The saying goes "If it doesn't rain........... it pours" or something like that. Following my most recent operation, I developed severe pain across my abdomen and had to attend an emergency out of hours clinic.This pain is not associated with the thoracic laminectomy, that pain, which is still very evident across my back . The severe pain in my abdomen was accompanied by disturbingly; blood in my urine. I was sent to the urology department of Kettering Hospital where I am undergoing several further tests. Today after some tests I learnt I had an enlarged prostrate and extremely high level of Creatinine in my urine. A further (yet another) CT scan on my lower abdomen has been ordered and a flexible cystoscopy request marked "urgent". I just want to warn all you blokes out there if you watch this procedure on UTube it will make your eyes water!!!!! and Yes Iain P, I am going for the all time record on medical procedures!!! As with everything else because of my history with bowel cancer the hospital are doing everything on the hurry up. "What has this got to do with bowel cancer"? we shall see I certainly feel my best interests are at heart and the cancer surveillance kicks in once again.
Blog 171 Tuesday 16th July 2013
I am back at home and in a lot of pain. My consultant warns that the pain will be with me for a considerable time and may take up to Ten weeks to subside. I am regularly popping Ibuprofen and co-codamol with anti inflammatory drugs thrown in. The pain spreads right across my back due to the muscles being severed and pulled apart for the op, and of course the T6 and T7 spineous process being removed. I have learnt that two Titanium clips now hold things in place on my spine where the cystic lesion was removed. The good news is that the whole thing has been removed and was also Benign. ( read more on benign cysts)
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cysts_explained
"What did It have to do with the Bowel Cancer"??? Absolutely Nothing !!!!! I was just unlucky enough to get this on top of the bowel cancer but lucky enough to have had it identified during routine cancer surveillance. My neuro-surgeon Mr Stacey and his team in Oxford were fantastic. I have the stitches out on Friday then .........................well, after that slight deviation from "living with bowel cancer" to "living with an alien attached to my spine"............. I should get back on track............................................. I also learnt in hospital the amount of people waiting for a donor to become available for life saving surgery of various donated organs, obviously this has to be with your consent, so come on fill in those organ donation cards tell your loved ones and your doctor you would be willing to donate your organs on your demise..........nobody wants mine... I'm not sure why..............
Back to the bowel cancer and the surveillance continues. A further CT Scan for me in August, blood tests and a meeting with the colorectal nurse specialist, well............ it keeps me busy.
Anyone living with cancer or caring for someone that is, can get loads of support and advice from Macmillan Cancer support and in particular for bowel cancer Bowel Cancer UK will answer any questions. You can also donate your hard earned cash to these wonderful charities via their website.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cysts_explained
"What did It have to do with the Bowel Cancer"??? Absolutely Nothing !!!!! I was just unlucky enough to get this on top of the bowel cancer but lucky enough to have had it identified during routine cancer surveillance. My neuro-surgeon Mr Stacey and his team in Oxford were fantastic. I have the stitches out on Friday then .........................well, after that slight deviation from "living with bowel cancer" to "living with an alien attached to my spine"............. I should get back on track............................................. I also learnt in hospital the amount of people waiting for a donor to become available for life saving surgery of various donated organs, obviously this has to be with your consent, so come on fill in those organ donation cards tell your loved ones and your doctor you would be willing to donate your organs on your demise..........nobody wants mine... I'm not sure why..............
Back to the bowel cancer and the surveillance continues. A further CT Scan for me in August, blood tests and a meeting with the colorectal nurse specialist, well............ it keeps me busy.
Anyone living with cancer or caring for someone that is, can get loads of support and advice from Macmillan Cancer support and in particular for bowel cancer Bowel Cancer UK will answer any questions. You can also donate your hard earned cash to these wonderful charities via their website.
Blog 170 Monday 8th July 2013
The hottest weekend of our summer and I'm attached to respirators, iv & morphine drips, two cannula's and twenty stitches up my spine. My operation, the thoracic laminectomy was described to me after the fact as "singularly the most painful operation anyone could have". Yes I can concur with that. Firstly In order for the surgeon to identify the correct spinous process to be removed from my backbone, the exact position had to be marked with a dye.Unfortunately, this involved having four needles placed simultaneously in my spine under X- ray in situ until the correct area was identified the dye was then injected. This first process by the way was not under anesthetic. X - ray done I was back in my room for a very short while until again being wheeled away to surgery. This time I was very apprehensive, all my other operations carried risks, but nothing like having your spine operated on. Once again I said my goodbyes to Wendy and Hope ...................
The very neat stitching on the left is what is left apart from the pain of course
Total time in surgery and recovery was approximately 6 hours. It all went according to plan. Now for the news I was not expecting, the surgeon said the cystic lesion removed from my spine was in fact attached to the spinal column by a "Stalk" which had to be clamped, severed and glued. This was totally unexpected as my surgeon believed the lesion to be growing outside of the spinal column. It is not believed this will give me problems in the future but just adds to the mystery of exactly what this is and how long it has been there. It certainly has only been causing me problems in the last few months and according to the surgeon was pressing on my spine quite considerably.
What has this got to do with the Bowel Cancer?? We don't know, nothing I hope, and Ive just been unlucky enough to get this on top of the bowel cancer but given my history with bowel cancer nothing is yet to be ruled out. I have been told as this is the Neuro-Sciences department every single cell removed will be analysed which could take up to Ten days.
Having had the morphine drip removed I am now in a lot of pain and can't seem to get into a comfortable position, neurophen and paracetymol doesnt seem to do anything, so I have been given doses of Co-codamol but hey this thing is gone and that's all that matters........................................
Total time in surgery and recovery was approximately 6 hours. It all went according to plan. Now for the news I was not expecting, the surgeon said the cystic lesion removed from my spine was in fact attached to the spinal column by a "Stalk" which had to be clamped, severed and glued. This was totally unexpected as my surgeon believed the lesion to be growing outside of the spinal column. It is not believed this will give me problems in the future but just adds to the mystery of exactly what this is and how long it has been there. It certainly has only been causing me problems in the last few months and according to the surgeon was pressing on my spine quite considerably.
What has this got to do with the Bowel Cancer?? We don't know, nothing I hope, and Ive just been unlucky enough to get this on top of the bowel cancer but given my history with bowel cancer nothing is yet to be ruled out. I have been told as this is the Neuro-Sciences department every single cell removed will be analysed which could take up to Ten days.
Having had the morphine drip removed I am now in a lot of pain and can't seem to get into a comfortable position, neurophen and paracetymol doesnt seem to do anything, so I have been given doses of Co-codamol but hey this thing is gone and that's all that matters........................................
Blog 169 Tuesday 2nd July 2013
Well, I feel now that, for this episode at least, the waiting is over. Thank goodness. It has seemed an eternity since my daughters birthday when I was given the news of the cystic lesion (AKA Mr Alien) in my spine. Pre - op assessment tomorrow Wednesday, then I am being admitted on Thursday afternoon for an early op on Friday. All the usual forms have flooded through the e-mail and letter box. Consent forms, personal medical information forms, MRSA awareness forms and finally directions and what to expect on arrival forms. Blah blah blah ! ......................................
Obviously, the paperwork is all very necessary and very much a part of putting ones life in the hands of our surgeons and medical staff. I owe my life to these wonderful, extremely talented people, together with everyone else that has been a part of assisting in my care during this long and sometimes arduous journey. Now if I see the light at the end of the tunnel do I walk towards the light or not ? ...............MMmmmmmmmmmm
Obviously, the paperwork is all very necessary and very much a part of putting ones life in the hands of our surgeons and medical staff. I owe my life to these wonderful, extremely talented people, together with everyone else that has been a part of assisting in my care during this long and sometimes arduous journey. Now if I see the light at the end of the tunnel do I walk towards the light or not ? ...............MMmmmmmmmmmm
Blog 168 Wednesday 26th June 2013
Well it seems I have a brain in there after all............ but nothing else !! my MRI scan results came back clear. Phew!!! what a relief !! Next week Pre-op assessment, and a call from the hospital today reveals my Op is the first on the list for Friday morning so have to go in on Thursday night. Thank goodness things are starting to move again...................
Blog 167 Monday 24 June 2013
Waiting anxiously for the phone to ring for the results of my recent MRI Scan on my head and brain. Yes,..... I've had the usual jokes of "Are they likely to find anything in there" even my surgeon said "I'm not expecting to find anything" then quickly corrected his sentence.
Thoracic Laminectomy
The operation on my back/spine is scheduled for the 5th July 2013 and is a Thoracic Laminectomy .
(Click on link). If you view the link of a Thoracic Laminectomy you will see a spinal supporting structure. I may not need the supporting structure as depicted in the video depending how many of the knobbly bony bits are removed.......
I'm sure the wait is just in case they do find something from the recent scan. My surgeon, Mr Stacey has chosen to perform the op at the John Radcliffe in Oxford as it is a fully functioning 24/7 teaching hospital, which has a myriad of expertise and geared up for any eventuality day or night. Very reassuring if anything should go wrong, however with my new found optimism it will be a walk in the park..............................I'm sure.
I also want to say a Hugh thank you to everyone following my ramblings on this blog, I can see on the cluster map the same locations are coming up time and time again "THANK YOU " it is because of you lovely people out there that I carry on, I find it very therapeutic, and hope I am making a difference in some small way.
Its all about raising awareness of Bowel Cancer.
When cancer's found at an early stage, treatment is often easier and more likely to be successful. So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference.
(click on this link)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
Thoracic Laminectomy
The operation on my back/spine is scheduled for the 5th July 2013 and is a Thoracic Laminectomy .
(Click on link). If you view the link of a Thoracic Laminectomy you will see a spinal supporting structure. I may not need the supporting structure as depicted in the video depending how many of the knobbly bony bits are removed.......
I'm sure the wait is just in case they do find something from the recent scan. My surgeon, Mr Stacey has chosen to perform the op at the John Radcliffe in Oxford as it is a fully functioning 24/7 teaching hospital, which has a myriad of expertise and geared up for any eventuality day or night. Very reassuring if anything should go wrong, however with my new found optimism it will be a walk in the park..............................I'm sure.
I also want to say a Hugh thank you to everyone following my ramblings on this blog, I can see on the cluster map the same locations are coming up time and time again "THANK YOU " it is because of you lovely people out there that I carry on, I find it very therapeutic, and hope I am making a difference in some small way.
Its all about raising awareness of Bowel Cancer.
When cancer's found at an early stage, treatment is often easier and more likely to be successful. So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference.
(click on this link)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
Blog 166 Tuesday 18th June 2013
An article caught my eye in "The Lancet" magazine, "Loving the Alien"an exhibition in a London Hospital of foreign bodies removed during surgery over the years.
Read More : http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)61233-7/fulltext?elsca1=ETOC-LANCET&elsca2=email&elsca3=E24A35F
The reason I have included the above link to the exhibition is simple, I have baffled the boffins!!
Surgery on my spinal column to remove my "alien" will go ahead after the results of an MRI Scan on my head and brain. Unfortunately I will have to wait approximately a week after the MRI before they can operate. The MRI is scheduled for this friday, the surgeon felt it necessary to scan my brain before surgery as a precautionary measure. I will also have my bloods taken at the same time. I was told that the MRI will be with contrast so it is obvious to me that they are looking to exclude any further thoughts that the cancer has gone North. Or the Top End as they say in Aus.
I am just happy that I'm getting the attention, apparently, I have completely bamboozled the boffins nobody is exactly sure what is happily living alongside my spinal column and are currently calling "Mr Alien" a Cystic Lesion. They are sure it hasn't grown inwards. It is however growing on the outside of the spinal cord covering, and pressing on the spinal cord which is giving me random pains in my legs/hips and back. The operation is risky but I am in one of the best neuro-surgical units in the country I will at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxfordshire.
As previously blogged given my history of Bowel Cancer I will be the happiest person alive when the alien is removed and the histology is found to be a benign cysttic lesion.
Bowel Cancer is operable and can be cured if caught in time Read :-
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/understanding-bowel-cancer/signs-symptoms/
Read More : http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)61233-7/fulltext?elsca1=ETOC-LANCET&elsca2=email&elsca3=E24A35F
The reason I have included the above link to the exhibition is simple, I have baffled the boffins!!
Surgery on my spinal column to remove my "alien" will go ahead after the results of an MRI Scan on my head and brain. Unfortunately I will have to wait approximately a week after the MRI before they can operate. The MRI is scheduled for this friday, the surgeon felt it necessary to scan my brain before surgery as a precautionary measure. I will also have my bloods taken at the same time. I was told that the MRI will be with contrast so it is obvious to me that they are looking to exclude any further thoughts that the cancer has gone North. Or the Top End as they say in Aus.
I am just happy that I'm getting the attention, apparently, I have completely bamboozled the boffins nobody is exactly sure what is happily living alongside my spinal column and are currently calling "Mr Alien" a Cystic Lesion. They are sure it hasn't grown inwards. It is however growing on the outside of the spinal cord covering, and pressing on the spinal cord which is giving me random pains in my legs/hips and back. The operation is risky but I am in one of the best neuro-surgical units in the country I will at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxfordshire.
As previously blogged given my history of Bowel Cancer I will be the happiest person alive when the alien is removed and the histology is found to be a benign cysttic lesion.
Bowel Cancer is operable and can be cured if caught in time Read :-
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/understanding-bowel-cancer/signs-symptoms/
Blog 165 Wednesday 12th June 2013
My case was discussed yesterday between Mr Richard Stacey, Consultant Neurosurgeon and ,
Dr Pieter Pretorius Specialty: Neuroradiology (Diagnostic) Consultant Neuroradiologist at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals.
I have been told by Richard Stacey that I am a "very interesting case" (I don't want to be interesting to a neurosurgeon, I want to be boring) apparently if it was a tumour the MRI contrast imaging should have shown the cystic lesion on my spine as "enhanced" and it didn't.
As a result of the boffins meeting it has been concluded that this lesion on my spine is of, uncertain origin......... and the fact that it does not enhance during contrast, does make a metastatic tumour or meningioma much less likely................................................??
Hooray.............I think .... Hey! its 11mm in size sitting on my spine and I want it out.
Understandably there is caution amongst the boffins, as given my history of bowel cancer and the metastases to my lungs, ......................but the waiting is killing me.............cant believe I said that.
I have another appointment in Oxford with neurosurgeon Richard Stacey next week Monday 17th June, this is just before Wendy's birthday and a couple of days before the day I promised to help move my youngest son into his first home.
Bowel Cancer
Please understand the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Read More :http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/bowel-cancer-symptoms
There is plenty of information out there if you have any concerns
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/contact-us/
Dr Pieter Pretorius Specialty: Neuroradiology (Diagnostic) Consultant Neuroradiologist at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals.
I have been told by Richard Stacey that I am a "very interesting case" (I don't want to be interesting to a neurosurgeon, I want to be boring) apparently if it was a tumour the MRI contrast imaging should have shown the cystic lesion on my spine as "enhanced" and it didn't.
As a result of the boffins meeting it has been concluded that this lesion on my spine is of, uncertain origin......... and the fact that it does not enhance during contrast, does make a metastatic tumour or meningioma much less likely................................................??
Hooray.............I think .... Hey! its 11mm in size sitting on my spine and I want it out.
Understandably there is caution amongst the boffins, as given my history of bowel cancer and the metastases to my lungs, ......................but the waiting is killing me.............cant believe I said that.
I have another appointment in Oxford with neurosurgeon Richard Stacey next week Monday 17th June, this is just before Wendy's birthday and a couple of days before the day I promised to help move my youngest son into his first home.
Bowel Cancer
Please understand the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Read More :http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/bowel-cancer-symptoms
There is plenty of information out there if you have any concerns
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/contact-us/
Blog 164 Wednesday 5th June 2013
The surgical procedure to remove the growth from my spinal column was explained in graphic detail and as with all surgical procedures there is the obvious associated risks. BUT I'm sure all fellow sufferers will agree, I just want the thing out. It has no place invading my spine. I am actually looking forward to the procedure, ...........................can't wait, it will be another small victory against cancer.
If you refer back to the picture on Blog 162 and the nobbley boney bits of the spine (labelled spinous process) at T6 and T7 level, these will be drilled and cut away to gain access. The growth will then be `plucked' out of its hidey hole. The Nobbley bits are then discarded (apparently we don't need them) and the growth will be sent for analysis. My Moving Minds therapist has taught me how to be as positive as possible during these times, It didn't work for a few days I was a mess!! but now ready to get on with it.
If you refer back to the picture on Blog 162 and the nobbley boney bits of the spine (labelled spinous process) at T6 and T7 level, these will be drilled and cut away to gain access. The growth will then be `plucked' out of its hidey hole. The Nobbley bits are then discarded (apparently we don't need them) and the growth will be sent for analysis. My Moving Minds therapist has taught me how to be as positive as possible during these times, It didn't work for a few days I was a mess!! but now ready to get on with it.
Blog 163 Monday 3rd June 2013
Not knowing what was about to unfold my eldest son Jonathan turned up unexpectedly at 9am as a surprise visit. At 10.00 the secretary to neurosurgeon Mr Richard Stacey phoned. I have to be down there for a consultation today at 16.45 at The Manor Hospital in Oxfordshire. Funny how things go, there we were basking in the beautiful hot weather enjoying the rare sunshine .....then all hell breaks loose. It's a two hour drive from us !! Lucky Jonathan turned up as Hope will be out of school soon ........ok here we go .......again.
Blog 162 Saturday 1st June 2013
I am still waiting for the results of the 2nd MRI Scan last Wednesday. It was not a pleasant experience and as the contrast was injected I felt quite nauseous. Contrast is used to improve the visibility of internal body structures. It was confirmed that the metastases in my spine is between
T6 and T7 slightly lower than the level of my sternum or breast bone and is on the spinal cord. Metastases (Tumour) as this is a secondary tumour from the original bowel cancer.
The Human Spinal Column
Mentally, I am constantly reminded of my Oncologists previous words that I would not necessarily be offered chemotherapy again as a treatment as it did not work for me. The treatment left is radiotherapy or surgery I await my referral to the neurological unit to ponder on the next steps............
Read More : http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/possible-treatments-for-spinal-tumours I have almost forgotten the original bowel cancer surgery as a distant memory.
Only a few weeks ago (Blog 159 Thursday 9th May 2013) after a CT Scan, blood tests and a colonoscopy my bowel cancer consultant Mr El-Rabaa in Kettering Hospital told me "all was clear" and he didn't need to see me again for another 15 months, thank goodness (again) for my oncologist Craig Macmillan in Northampton. Its the 2nd time he has found metastases, firstly in my left lung some time after both lungs had been operated on, then in my spine. Craig Macmillan has found these when other consultants and doctors have not had the presence of mind to "Look outside the box"
Wendy's Blog
The title of this Blog is "Living with Bowel cancer" . When we decided to use this, we never envisaged that that would be the case. We thought at first that they would cut it out, chemotherapy would work and then we would live happily ever after and enjoy our silver and gold wedding anniversaries......that now looks very unlikely. I know that we have known for awhile now that we have borrowed time but every time something new happens that time shortens.
We have gone through a roller coaster ride of emotions since the 23rd. Desperate unhappiness, anger with deep sorrow thrown in. On the night of Hope's birthday when we were sitting in the restaurant Hope was incredibly cuddly towards her Dad, at one time before the call, which we were expecting, we looked at each other and there were tears in John's eyes. You see we have had our suspicions for awhile now, that something was not right, the aches and pains, loss of feeling in his hands, feet and arms, but although I have been urging him to see the Doctor. John did not want to know! It has only been the pain that has steadily been increasing and my nagging that made him contact the GP then the Oncologist.
I know that this Blog is read by many people, both cancer sufferers and their families, and this next few lines is to the families and spouses of cancer sufferers.
Living with a cancer sufferer is not easy. There are days when you cannot do anything right or say anything right. Take a walk, have a bath get out of the house and give them time to get themselves together. It is incredibly difficult to get to grips with everything happening to them and you are the one person that knows them the best, you are the one person that they know that they can project some of their frustrations and anger onto.
It is the unfairness it is the injustice of cancer. If you look at John you would never think that there was anything wrong, he is still the man I have known for 20 years, just with a few more wrinkles and scars. The man I love ,and I will be there holding his hand through this next episode in our lives.
T6 and T7 slightly lower than the level of my sternum or breast bone and is on the spinal cord. Metastases (Tumour) as this is a secondary tumour from the original bowel cancer.
The Human Spinal Column
Mentally, I am constantly reminded of my Oncologists previous words that I would not necessarily be offered chemotherapy again as a treatment as it did not work for me. The treatment left is radiotherapy or surgery I await my referral to the neurological unit to ponder on the next steps............
Read More : http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/possible-treatments-for-spinal-tumours I have almost forgotten the original bowel cancer surgery as a distant memory.
Only a few weeks ago (Blog 159 Thursday 9th May 2013) after a CT Scan, blood tests and a colonoscopy my bowel cancer consultant Mr El-Rabaa in Kettering Hospital told me "all was clear" and he didn't need to see me again for another 15 months, thank goodness (again) for my oncologist Craig Macmillan in Northampton. Its the 2nd time he has found metastases, firstly in my left lung some time after both lungs had been operated on, then in my spine. Craig Macmillan has found these when other consultants and doctors have not had the presence of mind to "Look outside the box"
Wendy's Blog
The title of this Blog is "Living with Bowel cancer" . When we decided to use this, we never envisaged that that would be the case. We thought at first that they would cut it out, chemotherapy would work and then we would live happily ever after and enjoy our silver and gold wedding anniversaries......that now looks very unlikely. I know that we have known for awhile now that we have borrowed time but every time something new happens that time shortens.
We have gone through a roller coaster ride of emotions since the 23rd. Desperate unhappiness, anger with deep sorrow thrown in. On the night of Hope's birthday when we were sitting in the restaurant Hope was incredibly cuddly towards her Dad, at one time before the call, which we were expecting, we looked at each other and there were tears in John's eyes. You see we have had our suspicions for awhile now, that something was not right, the aches and pains, loss of feeling in his hands, feet and arms, but although I have been urging him to see the Doctor. John did not want to know! It has only been the pain that has steadily been increasing and my nagging that made him contact the GP then the Oncologist.
I know that this Blog is read by many people, both cancer sufferers and their families, and this next few lines is to the families and spouses of cancer sufferers.
Living with a cancer sufferer is not easy. There are days when you cannot do anything right or say anything right. Take a walk, have a bath get out of the house and give them time to get themselves together. It is incredibly difficult to get to grips with everything happening to them and you are the one person that knows them the best, you are the one person that they know that they can project some of their frustrations and anger onto.
It is the unfairness it is the injustice of cancer. If you look at John you would never think that there was anything wrong, he is still the man I have known for 20 years, just with a few more wrinkles and scars. The man I love ,and I will be there holding his hand through this next episode in our lives.
Blog 161 Thursday 23rd May 2013
Possibly the most difficult blog I have had to write so far. Today is my daughters 11th birthday we were celebrating the occasion in the local "Beefeater" grill restaurant, but I was expecting a call from my Oncologist regarding the recent MRI scan. When the telephone call eventually came through, it was just as Hope was blowing out her birthday cake candles. His voice was almost apologetic "You have an 11 mm tumour on your spinal column and a problem in the vertebra in your neck which needs further investigation."...... I have a further MRI scan on Wednesday next week for my spine/neck area but will now be referred to the neurological unit in Oxford for further tests and investigation. I carried on as normal for the birthday celebration until at home, out of sight and lost it.....................:((
Blog 160 Tuesday 21st May 2013
Am I paranoid ? I suppose living with bowel cancer makes you paranoid. Some while ago I reported to my oncologist that I had been experiencing a dull ache in the middle of my back, in my arms and leg. He decided to review the recent CT Scans with a radiologist. Obviously I am concerned at the possibility of secondary bone cancer (Bowel cancer settling in my bones) or am I being paranoid?
Although a Secondary Bone Cancer can occur in any bone in the body, the most commonly affected bones are the spine, ribs, pelvis, skull, and the upper bones of the arms (humerus) and the legs (femur).
On Friday 17th May my oncologist telephoned to say my last CT scans had been reviewed and that the main focus of those scans were the soft tissue of my other internal organs. He decided that I needed a further MRI Scan. Tomorrow on Wednesday 22nd May I shall once again be visiting The Three Shires Hospital in Northampton for the MRI.
Although a Secondary Bone Cancer can occur in any bone in the body, the most commonly affected bones are the spine, ribs, pelvis, skull, and the upper bones of the arms (humerus) and the legs (femur).
On Friday 17th May my oncologist telephoned to say my last CT scans had been reviewed and that the main focus of those scans were the soft tissue of my other internal organs. He decided that I needed a further MRI Scan. Tomorrow on Wednesday 22nd May I shall once again be visiting The Three Shires Hospital in Northampton for the MRI.
Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer among adult men and women in the UK and the third most common cause of death from cancer. It is well accepted that colorectal cancers metastasize to the liver and lungs more frequently than to bone or other organs. Because bone metastasis often indicates the terminal phase of colon cancer, clinicians should be more vigilant about possible bone metastasis in colorectal cancer patients with lung metastasis.
Blog 159 Thursday 9th May 2013
All my recent tests have come back, thankfully with good results. My help from Moving Minds (Psychological Management and Rehabilitation provider of psychological services) and my weekly chat is helping change the negative thoughts that have been plaguing me. I am now asking for your help.
In March Bowel Cancer UK launched its 'Never Too Young' campaign for younger bowel cancer patients. There are over 2,100 people under the age of 50 diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK and I was one of them.
Bowel Cancer UK have written to the Prime Minister David Cameron asking for a meeting and his support for the recommendations in our policy report on the experiences of younger bowel cancer patients. Bowel Cancer UK believe that implementing these recommendations will enable them to make real progress in saving lives from bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK are asking for you to help by signing their petition asking the Prime Minister to meet with Bowel Cancer UK and the families and representatives of younger bowel cancer patients.
You can sign the petition just copy and paste the following link URL into your browser
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/prime-minister-david-cameron-save-lives-of-younger-bowel-cancer-patients
Please help get as many people as possible to sign. Share it on Twitter, Facebook and email, and ask your family, friends and work colleagues. It only takes a moment, but your support will help ensure that the lives of younger people are not unnecessarily lost to bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK will be presenting the signatures to Downing Street in a few months.
Please sign the petition today. Thank you for your support.
In March Bowel Cancer UK launched its 'Never Too Young' campaign for younger bowel cancer patients. There are over 2,100 people under the age of 50 diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK and I was one of them.
Bowel Cancer UK have written to the Prime Minister David Cameron asking for a meeting and his support for the recommendations in our policy report on the experiences of younger bowel cancer patients. Bowel Cancer UK believe that implementing these recommendations will enable them to make real progress in saving lives from bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK are asking for you to help by signing their petition asking the Prime Minister to meet with Bowel Cancer UK and the families and representatives of younger bowel cancer patients.
You can sign the petition just copy and paste the following link URL into your browser
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/prime-minister-david-cameron-save-lives-of-younger-bowel-cancer-patients
Please help get as many people as possible to sign. Share it on Twitter, Facebook and email, and ask your family, friends and work colleagues. It only takes a moment, but your support will help ensure that the lives of younger people are not unnecessarily lost to bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK will be presenting the signatures to Downing Street in a few months.
Please sign the petition today. Thank you for your support.
Blog 158 Tuesday 16th April 2013
Holly Slater a seemingly fit and healthy 28-year-old died from bowel cancer after doctors repeatedly told her she was suffering from IBS a harmless digestive complaint.
Nursery worker Holly Slater visited her doctor several times over an 18 month period, yet doctors did did not recognise her symptoms - which included bloating and abdominal cramps - and mistook the beginnings of bowel cancer for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The cancer eventually spread to her lungs, bones and liver and she died in February this year. Read More http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2308049/Heartbroken-Lynne-Slater-losing-Holly-28-bowel-cancer.html
OK to those that have followed my blog I apologise for repeating myself........................ but I am horrified when I read , young persons are still being diagnosed with IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) that turns out to be bowel cancer. I have apologised to my followers as I have previously blogged that this was my situation albeit some years older than the unfortunate Holly Slater. I have never really forgiven the original GP for not taking things further and correctly diagnosing my symptoms, but for younger persons, IBS "Fits the profile " much better than bowel cancer. Bowel cancer cases in young people has risen by 120% in ten years GP's should by now start to question and consider the young individual for bowel cancer. A simple poo smear sent for analysis was what saved my life by a doctor that I could rely on.
Nursery worker Holly Slater visited her doctor several times over an 18 month period, yet doctors did did not recognise her symptoms - which included bloating and abdominal cramps - and mistook the beginnings of bowel cancer for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The cancer eventually spread to her lungs, bones and liver and she died in February this year. Read More http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2308049/Heartbroken-Lynne-Slater-losing-Holly-28-bowel-cancer.html
OK to those that have followed my blog I apologise for repeating myself........................ but I am horrified when I read , young persons are still being diagnosed with IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) that turns out to be bowel cancer. I have apologised to my followers as I have previously blogged that this was my situation albeit some years older than the unfortunate Holly Slater. I have never really forgiven the original GP for not taking things further and correctly diagnosing my symptoms, but for younger persons, IBS "Fits the profile " much better than bowel cancer. Bowel cancer cases in young people has risen by 120% in ten years GP's should by now start to question and consider the young individual for bowel cancer. A simple poo smear sent for analysis was what saved my life by a doctor that I could rely on.
Blog 157 Sunday 14th April 2013
We have been away for a few days making the most of the Easter holidays. Tomorrow is the start of the new school term for Hope and after two weeks off, a new working week for Wendy. I have yet to receive any results of my recent tests, but view this as good news, as previously if anything untoward was found a phone call is usually received within a few days.
Last weekend I cancelled the various cancer chat/information forums that I had subscribed to, as I was finding it all too depressing. Originally, I wanted to join in the chat of the various forums to offer support and advice where possible ...................The shear magnitude of the cancer situation and persons affected by cancer and their stories, really touched me, but lately in a very negative way.
I am hoping the Fluoxetine capsules prescribed, will soon kick in. I am advised they take three to four weeks to give any benefit. I am receiving help from Moving Minds (Psychological Management and Rehabilitation provider of psychological services) and my weekly chat is helping unravel and change the negative thoughts that have been plaguing me. After such a long winter I am really looking forward to the summer. Today was the first warm-ish day in the Midlands since August last year!!!!, reminds me of how much I miss Oz.
Last weekend I cancelled the various cancer chat/information forums that I had subscribed to, as I was finding it all too depressing. Originally, I wanted to join in the chat of the various forums to offer support and advice where possible ...................The shear magnitude of the cancer situation and persons affected by cancer and their stories, really touched me, but lately in a very negative way.
I am hoping the Fluoxetine capsules prescribed, will soon kick in. I am advised they take three to four weeks to give any benefit. I am receiving help from Moving Minds (Psychological Management and Rehabilitation provider of psychological services) and my weekly chat is helping unravel and change the negative thoughts that have been plaguing me. After such a long winter I am really looking forward to the summer. Today was the first warm-ish day in the Midlands since August last year!!!!, reminds me of how much I miss Oz.
Blog 156 Thursday 28th March 2013
I was previously given a "Two week fast track referral"for colonoscopy CT Scan and blood tests, all in all it has turned out quite un-remarkable. Although I await the definitive results it appears I have been checked to exclude microscopic COLITIS.
In order to make a diagnosis, several biopsies must be taken from the colon during a colonoscopy. These biopsies will preferably come from several different areas in the colon. The hallmark signs of the disease can then be seen microscopically on biopsy tissue, hence the name
During the colonoscopy I had eight biopsy's taken from different parts of the colon I was under sedation of (Midazolam hydrochloride) thank goodness but awake and viewing the complete procedure on a VDU monitor. I was extremely relieved that further cancerous lesions were not found.
I await the histology...............
I sometimes have persons contact me via the blog to highlight an issue of importance to them, we are normally connected with one thing in common to raise awareness of cancer. One such lady Susan Vento has contacted me from the US In her own words ......................................
Diagnosis Of Microscopic Colitis
In microscopic colitis, the colon generally appears normal on sight. Therefore, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy might not show any evidence of disease. In some patients there may be areas of swelling or redness in the colon, but these may be difficult to see.In order to make a diagnosis, several biopsies must be taken from the colon during a colonoscopy. These biopsies will preferably come from several different areas in the colon. The hallmark signs of the disease can then be seen microscopically on biopsy tissue, hence the name
During the colonoscopy I had eight biopsy's taken from different parts of the colon I was under sedation of (Midazolam hydrochloride) thank goodness but awake and viewing the complete procedure on a VDU monitor. I was extremely relieved that further cancerous lesions were not found.
I await the histology...............
I sometimes have persons contact me via the blog to highlight an issue of importance to them, we are normally connected with one thing in common to raise awareness of cancer. One such lady Susan Vento has contacted me from the US In her own words ......................................
My name is Susan Vento. My husband Bruce Vento was a member of the US House of Representatives—until October 10th, 2000, when everything changed. Bruce died of pleural mesothelioma—a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure that kills 90-95% of those who have it. Not many people know about this terrible disease, which lead me to reach out to you; I noticed that you have an influential cancer blog full of great information. I am hoping you will help me spread awareness about asbestos cancers and help to protect the rights of those who have been affected by mesothelioma and other cancers.
I am spokesperson for a great online resource called the Asbestos Cancer Victims’ Rights Campaign (cancervictimsrights (dot) org) that fights to protect cancer victims and their families. I wrote a blog piece (cancervictimsrights (dot) org/my-story-opposition-to-
Thank you for joining me in my fight to educate people about such a deadly disease. Our ultimate goal is to help those who have suffered from all forms of cancer in their struggle to seek health and justice.
Blog 155 Friday 22nd March 2013
Once again snow covers the ground overnight. Anyone visiting UK this time of year may think it should be a lot milder, be warned it is freezing! Hope's school breaks up next week for two weeks and Wendy is on a two week holiday break for Easter. We were looking to go away for Easter but on Tuesday next week 26th March, I have the dreaded Colonoscopy (see previous blog) in the morning and then a CT Scan in the evening. These tests were ordered by the consultant, after I visited the colorectal clinic. I haven't had a colonoscopy for two years but remember the awful solution that you have to drink. "Klean-Prep" Four sachets to be exact, thats four litres over a period of 4 hours, whilst running to the loo in between. For anyone experiencing Klean-Prep for the first time it tastes so much better with Lime cordial added. Two days before the examination you are only allowed to eat things like boiled chicken and white fish. I checked back on this blog to my previous colonoscopy and saw that the last time I ate kedgeree (flaked fish rice and bolied eggs) you should add curry spices but I'm not allowed!! One day before exam NO Eating ! Just Klean-Prep.
Blog 154 Tuesday 19th March 2013
There is a time eventually that, anyone going through Psychological trauma can no longer put on a "brave face" stay positive and have happy thoughts. I have joined and read forums and gasped at the tenacity of some of the sufferers, I have read lots of accounts of persons in a similar or a much worst situation as me, but It is extremely difficult to "Stay positive" all of the time. I'm sure eventually it catches up with us and we say it because .......... it makes us, and our loved ones around us feel better.
Unfortunately, I have succumbed to some automatic negative thoughts, those dreaded thoughts of negatively predicting the future and wandered into a very lonely place. Yesterday, I went for a Psychological assessment with a view to have Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a short term therapy created after research showed the important role a person’s thoughts play in determining their mood and behaviour. Two types of therapies are combined in CBT: Cognitive Therapy which looks at a person’s thinking patterns, and Behavioural Therapy which focuses on a person’s behavioural response to those thoughts.
During the assessment I discussed how the Cancer has effected me and my family's life, the disappointment's of the chemotherapy and the cancer spreading to my lungs. I also discussed the recent loss of my Father and first wife Janice to cancer and the devastation those losses have caused our family, especially to my sons loosing their mother at such an early age. I was unsure how I felt after pouring out everything to a total stranger but was glad I did.
I have been prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg an anti depressant otherwise known as Prozac and await the results of the assessment. In the meantime a further CT scan appointment has arrived for next week.
Unfortunately, I have succumbed to some automatic negative thoughts, those dreaded thoughts of negatively predicting the future and wandered into a very lonely place. Yesterday, I went for a Psychological assessment with a view to have Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a short term therapy created after research showed the important role a person’s thoughts play in determining their mood and behaviour. Two types of therapies are combined in CBT: Cognitive Therapy which looks at a person’s thinking patterns, and Behavioural Therapy which focuses on a person’s behavioural response to those thoughts.
During the assessment I discussed how the Cancer has effected me and my family's life, the disappointment's of the chemotherapy and the cancer spreading to my lungs. I also discussed the recent loss of my Father and first wife Janice to cancer and the devastation those losses have caused our family, especially to my sons loosing their mother at such an early age. I was unsure how I felt after pouring out everything to a total stranger but was glad I did.
I have been prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg an anti depressant otherwise known as Prozac and await the results of the assessment. In the meantime a further CT scan appointment has arrived for next week.
Blog 153 Tuesday 12th March 2013
Sunday 10th March was Mothers Day in UK. It was also exactly a year to the day that my father died. I took a gift but unable to celebrate as I knew that my mums thoughts were with my father. My thoughts were also with my sons who lost their mother a year ago January. The weather was dreadful and the snow was closing in all around. With a three hour journey home I left on Monday to get back home, I left the south coast just in time, the weather closed in and during the late afternoon the main M23 and A23 London to Brighton Road was in passable trapping people for up to 10 hours.
Today I had a my bowel cancer consultants clinic at 11.30am normally these clinics are straight forward but today I had a prostate test ( digitus medius ) :(( All you guys will understand what that means..................... following the prostate test I also had a sigmoidoscopy (click on the link if you dare)
It was all quite un nerving as the clinic does not normally follow this track. I was then told I needed to give blood for the CEA Tests Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein found in many types of cells but associated with tumors. CEA is tested in blood. The normal range is <2.5 ng/ml in an adult non-smoker.The main use of CEA is as a tumor marker. The most common cancers that elevate CEA are in the colon and rectum.
As I left the consultant stated he was sending me for an urgent Colonoscopy and further CT SCan
Today I had a my bowel cancer consultants clinic at 11.30am normally these clinics are straight forward but today I had a prostate test ( digitus medius ) :(( All you guys will understand what that means..................... following the prostate test I also had a sigmoidoscopy (click on the link if you dare)
It was all quite un nerving as the clinic does not normally follow this track. I was then told I needed to give blood for the CEA Tests Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein found in many types of cells but associated with tumors. CEA is tested in blood. The normal range is <2.5 ng/ml in an adult non-smoker.The main use of CEA is as a tumor marker. The most common cancers that elevate CEA are in the colon and rectum.
As I left the consultant stated he was sending me for an urgent Colonoscopy and further CT SCan
Blog 152 Thursday 7th March 2013
Previously I have applauded the work of the researchers. Today I have a piece, courtesy of the Mail on line of a very brave lady..... Lynne Fisher. Lynne decided to do something drastic about the cancer that had killed her Uncle, Father and Brother. Firstly she had a genetic test for the cancer gene that was killing her family. Lynne discovered to her horror, that she had the genetic fault and an 80% chance of Bowel Cancer. But controversially, even though Lynne showed no signs of cancer, she agreed, as a preventative step, to have an operation called a sub-total colectomy to remove a large part of her bowel. Ironically Lynne still has a 30% chance of developing Bowel Cancer as the surgeon removed all but a small section of bowel.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2288093/Bowel-cancer-A-gene-test-told-Lynne-risked-bowel-cancer-So-took-drastic-decision.html#ixzz2MqWVQ39B
Researchers are finding new genes all the time that are linked to particular types of cancer. But this is a complicated area of research and it will be some time before we fully understand how inherited gene faults cause particular cancers. There are only a few genes that doctors can test for at the moment.
Nobody should have to suffer the stress of wondering if they may develop cancer in the future because a family member has been diagnosed. It is a complicated process and genetic testing would be for persons with a strong family history of cancer.........
You may have a strong family history if any of these situations apply to you
- More than 2 close relatives on the same side of your family have had cancer (the same side of your family means either your father’s relatives or your mother’s relatives)
- They have had the same type of cancer, or different cancers that can be caused by the same gene fault
- The cancers developed when they were young, below the age of 50
- One of your relatives has had a gene fault found by genetic tests
Blog 151 Wednesday 27th February 2013
Bowel Cancer
Where do you start when you want to make millions of people sit up and listen? You could just put equine DNA (horse meat) in the food chain and wait for many years until someone actually checks.......I was amazed at how fast the equine DNA horse meat scandal spread throughout the UK and Europe, the biggest insult was not eating horse meat it was being told it was 100% beef or something else........Horse meat, I'm told, is actually not bad and certainly won't kill you. I wish I could get the message out there about bowel cancer as easily................
Bowel Cancer UK has previously been warning about eating an excess of all processed meat.
Red & processed meat risk
Over 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year, making it the third most common cancer; that's someone every 15 minutes.
For further information and support please call the Bowel Cancer UK Information and Support Service on 0800 8 40 35 40 or email support@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Where do you start when you want to make millions of people sit up and listen? You could just put equine DNA (horse meat) in the food chain and wait for many years until someone actually checks.......I was amazed at how fast the equine DNA horse meat scandal spread throughout the UK and Europe, the biggest insult was not eating horse meat it was being told it was 100% beef or something else........Horse meat, I'm told, is actually not bad and certainly won't kill you. I wish I could get the message out there about bowel cancer as easily................
Bowel Cancer UK has previously been warning about eating an excess of all processed meat.
Red & processed meat risk
`Evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCFR) report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective suggests that there is an increased risk of bowel cancer with high consumption of red or processed meat.1 It is recommended that we eat no more than 500g of red meat per week and save processed meat as an occasional treat'.
The truth of the matter is that generally we do not consider bowel cancer or any other cancer for that matter,until it actually effects us, a family member, friend or network.
The truth of the matter is that generally we do not consider bowel cancer or any other cancer for that matter,until it actually effects us, a family member, friend or network.
Over 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year, making it the third most common cancer; that's someone every 15 minutes.
Causes & Risks
Although the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk. In the UK, around 95% of cases occur in people over the age of 50. (I was 45) People with a mother, father, brother, sister, or child with bowel cancer may be considered for further testing. An inactive lifestyle and a poor diet that is low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase the risk of bowel cancer. A high intake of red and processed meat, smoking and excess alcohol may increase the risk
Although the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk. In the UK, around 95% of cases occur in people over the age of 50. (I was 45) People with a mother, father, brother, sister, or child with bowel cancer may be considered for further testing. An inactive lifestyle and a poor diet that is low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase the risk of bowel cancer. A high intake of red and processed meat, smoking and excess alcohol may increase the risk
For further information and support please call the Bowel Cancer UK Information and Support Service on 0800 8 40 35 40 or email support@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Blog 150 Monday 18th February 2013
It's been Seven days since my CT scan and today at 2pm GMT my Oncologist Craig Macmillan will give me the results. I am extremely apprehensive as the previous two scans has resulted in surgery. It's been a long mentally challenging week but finally......
Update 20.35 GMT 18/02/2013
Finally .............I have been told the CT scan was clear wow ! thankyou. I'm also on a six month scan regime now August seems a long way away but it won't rule my life thanks for the prayers and well wishes ..
Check out the stats :(
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/resources/bowel-cancer-facts-figures/
Update 20.35 GMT 18/02/2013
Finally .............I have been told the CT scan was clear wow ! thankyou. I'm also on a six month scan regime now August seems a long way away but it won't rule my life thanks for the prayers and well wishes ..
Check out the stats :(
http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/resources/bowel-cancer-facts-figures/
Blog 149 Monday 11th February 2013
Thick snow overnight and my scan today. Thankfully the scan is later on today at 4.30pm. My eldest son Jonathan was coming through from Oxfordshire to support me, but, due to the snow I sent a text to put him off. Nevertheless as I suspected, he turned up anyway!! It was great to see him and have him with me travelling to Northampton and waiting, the time goes so much quicker. I spoke to the radiologist of my fears................. the last two scans have revealed cancer in my lungs. The radiologist is obviously not allowed to say anything, good or bad, which is probably for the best.
In my previous blog post, I mentioned that I had contacted the editor of the `Corby Eye', a local news read. I wanted a brief mention to raise awareness of bowel cancer. To cut a long story short Kevin, the editor, has offered a fortnightly column !!! brilliant ..................."Where to start" Mmmmmmmmm
I also came up with a fund raising plan which Kevin will help me with. My closer network will know that I draw ..Pastel to be exact..... and have recently exhibited some of my work in a local gallery. The plan is to auction my works in aid of Bowel Cancer UK the sort of work that will be exhibited is the originals of :-
In my previous blog post, I mentioned that I had contacted the editor of the `Corby Eye', a local news read. I wanted a brief mention to raise awareness of bowel cancer. To cut a long story short Kevin, the editor, has offered a fortnightly column !!! brilliant ..................."Where to start" Mmmmmmmmm
I also came up with a fund raising plan which Kevin will help me with. My closer network will know that I draw ..Pastel to be exact..... and have recently exhibited some of my work in a local gallery. The plan is to auction my works in aid of Bowel Cancer UK the sort of work that will be exhibited is the originals of :-
I'm hoping this is not a hair brain idea but if I can raise some cash for Bowel Cancer UK through selling some of my original pastels thats gotta be good, details have yet to be arranged but I'm quite looking forward to it.
Blog 148 Tuesday 5th February 2013
Its been a bit of a mixed bag lately. My CT scan next week has dominated my thoughts and then the agonising wait for the results the following week. Luckily I have my youngest son Jarrod visiting today for a few days together with his lovely girlfriend Vici. The visit will take my mind off.
Being optimistic, I have also taken personal advice on my pension situation and what I can do for the best in the future. I also have got the editor of "The Corby Eye" visiting tomorrow with the intention of including Cancer awareness in his fortnightly newspaper. The Corby Eye is a local paper and concentrates on local people, events and good news in and around Corby. Read More http://en.calameo.com/read/001364785f8daa9cf866b
Its all about raising awareness
Being optimistic, I have also taken personal advice on my pension situation and what I can do for the best in the future. I also have got the editor of "The Corby Eye" visiting tomorrow with the intention of including Cancer awareness in his fortnightly newspaper. The Corby Eye is a local paper and concentrates on local people, events and good news in and around Corby. Read More http://en.calameo.com/read/001364785f8daa9cf866b
Its all about raising awareness
Bowel Cancer UK
"About a quarter of bowel cancer patients in England are only diagnosed with the disease after an emergency admission to hospital, according to research published
This equates to about 8,000 out of 31,000 patients admitted in a 12-month period."
As I said its been a bit of a mixed bag
Blog 147 Monday 28th January 2013
Whilst sympathising with me, people close to me, often say that I must have come into contact with something in the past. Something, that has caused my cancer, especially reflecting also on my first wife's lost battle with cancer last year. My life style was a lot different from my siblings. I chose a very stressful career path. I dropped everything and lived on different continents. I was not particularly good at being very active or frequently exercising and never really worried about a healthy diet. All the bad things that cancer awareness campaigns warn us about............................ I also believe that this disease is dormant in us all and any or all of the above is a trigger..........early diagnosis is the key
An article caught my eye
I have recently blogged that I was unhappy at the news from my oncologist that I would not necessarily be given further chemotherapy I was originally diagnosed with stage II colon cancer so seeing the following statistics sort of helped, quite bazaar...........................
Quote
"Analysis of data from patients treated outside clinical trials suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer provides less than a 3% absolute improvement in survival at 5 years. This is remarkably close to the small degree of benefit suggested by controlled studies. An overview of the data suggests that surgery alone cures approximately 75% of stage II patients. Between 20% and 25% of patients experience disease recurrence despite surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, whereas adjuvant chemotherapy cures between 1% and 6%. In stage III patients, the benefit of adjuvant therapy is greater overall. The extent of benefit relates to tumor grade, invasion, and nodal involvement."
Unfortunately I fell into the 20%-25% of patients that experience recurrence. Oncologists do not take the real life problems of the chemotherapy side effects lightly.
My next CT scan date 15th February bring it on.....................................................I felt really good today!!
Blog 146 Saturday 19th January 2013
Today is a year since Janice died of cancer after a long battle. Janice, my first wife and mother of my three sons was too far advanced to be saved by surgery. My sons have all dealt with the grieving differently over this year and have managed to cope in their own way our thoughts are now with them.
I have received my scan appointment for February, at least I have a date to work towards..............
I have received my scan appointment for February, at least I have a date to work towards..............
Blog 145 Friday 11th January 2013
I would like to share two interesting articles I found in "The Lancet". Volume 381 January 2013
My altered self: cancer
Felicia Marie Knaul discovered she had breast cancer at the age of 41 years while living in Mexico. Although a terrible predicament to be in, she acknowledges the metaphorical abyss that she fell into was less deep and less dark than that for many women with the same disease who are socially and economically less fortunate than herself. The rates of deaths from breast cancer have increased steadily in Mexico since 1955, mainly because the disease is not detected and treated in time among low-income groups.Read more :http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)60035-5/fulltext?elsca1=ETOC-LANCET&elsca2=email&elsca3=E24A35F
And ......................
Caroline Dive: leader in translational oncology research
Professor Caroline Dive leads the Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group at the Cancer Research UK Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester. Her team carry out lab studies and early clinical research into new cancer drugs. Professor Dive also carries out important research into drug resistance in bowel cancer.Oncology (from the Ancient Greek onkos (ὄγκος), meaning bulk, mass, or tumor, and the suffix -logy (-λογία), meaning "study of") is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist.
This report gives a very good view on the current research going into Biomarkers.
Biomarkers directly measure protein levels in tumour tissue which allows for effective drug selection.
Biomarker tests will help doctors determine whether patients carry the protein in their cancer, will help to judge the best medicine for the patients disease and wether the patient will respond to the cancer drug treatments under consideration. This will benefit patients in two ways. Firstly biomarker testing identifies whether the treatment will be effective and secondly, it can help determine whether the patient is also likely to suffer side-effects.
Read More: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)60036-7/fulltext?elsca1=ETOC-LANCET&elsca2=email&elsca3=E24A35F#
I have recently blogged that my oncologist has stated that I will not necessarily be given chemotherapy again as tumours returned to my lungs shortly after 6 months of chemotherapy...........obviously it didnt work. I'm sure the above research will not benefit me but how fantastic to have research moving at such a great pace...................
Blog 144 Thursday 3rd January 2013
I seem to be sitting waiting for the next scan appointment letter to hit the front door mat. I hate this feeling of waiting and wonder why I am doing it. Since the chemotherapy didn't work and the cancer returned to my lung, things seem to have changed within. I have changed. My outlook has changed and I am desperately trying to................. snap out of it, My health has also changed. I have become susceptible to colds, flu and chest infections. I am currently on strong anti-biotics 500mg Clarthromycin for flu like symptoms that have manifested into a chest infection. These symptoms have been with me since my lung operation at the end of October.It has been particularly bad over Christmas and new year. I have previously blogged about a product I was taking whilst on Chemo, "Seven Seas" Immune Defence tablets they were fantastic at altering my weekly blood results when the chemo was intent on destroying the blood cells. Alas, I stopped taking these at the end of chemotherapy and now wonder why............. they are definitely back on my shopping list!!!
We must not loose sight of the good work that the scientists are doing in the fight against cancer
World first as scientists create cancer-killing cells that can be injected into patients
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2256711/World-scientists-create-cancer-killing-cells-injected-patients.html#ixzz2GxJ4HcUZ
Of course this type of article will provoke the sceptics, but I welcome any form of advance when it comes to combating cancer.
When cancer's found at an early stage, treatment is often easier and more likely to be successful. So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference.
(click on this link)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
We must not loose sight of the good work that the scientists are doing in the fight against cancer
World first as scientists create cancer-killing cells that can be injected into patients
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2256711/World-scientists-create-cancer-killing-cells-injected-patients.html#ixzz2GxJ4HcUZ
Of course this type of article will provoke the sceptics, but I welcome any form of advance when it comes to combating cancer.
When cancer's found at an early stage, treatment is often easier and more likely to be successful. So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference.
(click on this link)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
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