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.
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