Blog 84 Saturday 28th January 2012

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

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

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

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

Blog 83 Thursday 26th January 2012

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

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

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

Hope's blog

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

Blog 82 Tuesday 24th January 2012

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

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

Blog 81 Monday 23rd January 2012

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

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

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

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

Blog 80 Thursday 19th January 2012

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

Blog 79 Wednesday 18th January 2012

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

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

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

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

Blog 78 Saturday 14th January 2012

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

Blog 77 Wednesday 11th January 2012

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

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

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

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

Hope's blog!!!

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

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

Blog 76 Saturday 7th January 2012

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

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

Blog 75 Wednesday 4th January 2012

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

Blog 74 Monday 2nd January 2012

Wendy's Blog

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

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

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

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

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

Blog 73 Sunday 1st January 2012

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

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

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

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

Blog 72 Saturday 31st December 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog 71 Thursday 29th December 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog 70 Monday 26th December 2011

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

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

Blog 69 Tuesday 20th December 2011

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

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

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

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

Blog 68 Thursday 15th December 2011

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

Blog 67 Monday 12th December 2011

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

Hope's blog

   and a happy new year!!!

Blog 66 Saturday 10th December 2011

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

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

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

Wendy's Blog

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

Blog 65 Monday 5th December 2011

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

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

Exercise and Improved Quality of Life

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

Getting Started

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

The Benefits of Exercise

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

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

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

Blog 64 Friday 2nd December 2011

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

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

Blog 63 Tuesday 29th November 2011

Last night 6pm, I had my appointment with Dr Macmillan in Northampton. As normal I was asked about the chemo drug side effect symptoms and severity. I explained one new symptom that had materialised and in fact I should have mentioned it on my last meeting at Halloween but neglected to do so..... Yes probably memory again............... Tinitus......... ( loud ringing in the ears)  it has affected me badly, but I did not consider it a side effect of the Chemotherapy drugs.  I had not been told it a possibility, or read it anywhere..

Dr Macmillan informed me that it was a very unusual and rare side effect, he appeared quite concerned. I was taken off Oxiliplatin drug immediately explaining that it was this drug that was the possible cause and it could lead to total loss of hearing if left. Today I went through all the other drugs and was hooked up to my 48hr IV infusion. So far I feel much better than usual at this stage..........................

I have since found that Ototoxicity is a condition of the ear that can be caused by platinum based drugs (Oxiliplatin falls into this category) I have a further appointment with Dr Macmillan in two weeks time to assess the condition after coming off the drug. I now believe I have suffered every single rare side effect as well as the "normal" side effects............................... a medical conundrum
 co·nun·drum/kəˈnəndrəm/

Noun:

A confusing and difficult problem or question. A question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle.

 Guinea Pig comes to mind.....

Wendy's Blog

I always new he was special and that is why I love him so.....however I have suggested that as he is such a conundrum, maybe he should be donated to science one day?

Blog 62 Friday 25th November 2011

Where has 2011 gone ! Its flown past probably because it's been a very busy year. Monday 28th November I'm seeing my Oncologist Mr McMillan again. It's good being able to speak openly and get answers or possible reasons for things that happen as a consequence of the Chemotherapy.

The cold weather is playing havoc with my face and hands. The cold wind on my face, even during the "OFF" week of chemo still attacks the muscles in my face and I look like one of those size one dogs with a size ten skin ......Shar Pei  I believe. Snow forecast today for Scotland, I certainly will not be playing snow balls this year. Sixth chemo session next week six more to go !! I can't wait to get over this sicky headachy lethargic feeling.

I've started  putting together a business plan and web site for a small business venture, for when this is all over.  It's all come together quite nicely and taken my mind off things, it's also stopped me disturbing Wendy when she works from home.  So much for early retirement.!!     

Blog 61 Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Last Saturday I placed a link on the blog to "Seven Seas Immune Defence Health Oils" I have found them good at increasing my blood count so Chemotherapy can go ahead as planned. If the blood count is low the chemo would be put off for another  week.. Seven Seas is a supplement for  Immune defence, the ingredients pretty standard for this type of product. I found it worked for me and I'm sure anyone fighting with cancer would agree, Its a case of grab hold of anything that gives results or hope............................... I have been contacted by a representative of the Seven Seas product company with a very nice email..........

Quote
"Sadly the Medicines Laws in the UK make it illegal for any supplement company to endorse or mention a product linked to serious conditions like cancer.

Most doctors and cancer specialists tend to give very specific guidance on the use of food supplements, especially during treatments like chemotherapy, so we would strongly suggest that you make your doctor aware of anything you are taking other than medications.

We are very pleased to hear you are finding our product helpful, but must make it clear, we do not endorse the use of any of our supplements during cancer treatments and we cannot be seen to promote our products for this purpose".................................unquote

I can understand the above comments as I'm sure that some unscrupulous companies would make some outrageous claims about their products, which could obviously give false hope. All I'm saying is it works for me !!!!  Hhmmmm I wonder if they have anything for..............................  

Blog 60 Saturday 19th November 2011

6am and wide awake then straight into the regime of taking the tablets. Previously I never thought that I would ever be so reliant on drugs. I hated taking tablets and only just managed the odd aspirin here and there. Today and for the rest of next week, I am off the steroids and anti sickness drugs, however I am still taking Lansoprazole which were given to me after my exit from A&E. These tablets are brilliant, the chemo was giving such severe symptoms of heartburn I thought I was having a mild heart attack. A course of these have sorted it.

I have also found that "Seven Seas" Health Oils Immune Defence tablets have regenerated my white platelets and allowed the Chemotherapy to carry on as normal.  I am also eating loads of oranges etc.

Before taking the Seven Seas Immune defence my bi-weekly blood tests were showing that the white platelets were being destroyed by the chemo at such a rate that every three sessions would have to be postponed. Thanks to the above bolstering my immune system, I believe I will carry on and finish my chemo in March 2012 as planned!!! You can get these at most supermarkets. The results are showing in my blood tests these have also got to be good for you sane people as well!!!! Thanks for reading my blog, double click on the cluster map below to see which countries and city's my ramblings have reached.

  

Blog 59 Thursday 17th November 2011

Just waiting for the nurse to turn up between 3pm and 3.30pm it's 3pm and I'm glad the 5th chemo session is nearly over. Same old same, cant sleep, nausea's etc etc equipment is soon to be detached by the nurse, so at least I will be properly mobile again. Not having to worry about an attached pink bottle on a slightly too short tube, which just so happens to be intravenously injecting 2.5 mls of toxic poison into my body every hour for 48 hours. MMMmmmmmmmmmm. I have gone completely off alcohol, my taste for hot hot curry has diminished, as in I can't take the chili heat any longer, and coffee makes me feel bloated  maybe I'm mistaking old age for chemo side effects!!!!

Blog 58 Monday 14th November 2011

Not sure where the weekend 12th & 13th went, time just flew. Had blood tests this morning and eagerly await the results. If the white platelets are low, as I suspect they will be. I may have to have a blood transfusion, according to the nurse. I think it will just mean that the chemo is deferred a further week. I am sure that blood transfusions are kept, just in case of low blood count and infection. The Lansoprazole as previously mentioned was fantastic immediately got rid of the severe heartburn I was experiencing and to date it hasn't come back.  Do not defer  my chemo I want to finish in March 2012!! Good result for Wendy her colonoscopy came back clear, as I recently reported bowel cancer has effected her family in the past so a great result. 

Later ......................... Yey!! bloods have come back OK so 5th chemo session here we come I really shouldn't be so pessimistic I've been popping some Immune deficiency natural tablets and loads of Vitamin C must have done the job brilliant !!!!!

Blog 57 Wednesday 9th November 2011

Miserable wet and cold days in England now, clocks have gone back to daylight saving, but still dark evenings and mornings. Makes me wonder why we ever moaned at the heat of the southern hemisphere. I had an appointment yesterday with Mr Waller (thoracic surgeon) he has ordered another CT scan towards the end of the chemo. It seems ages away but I'm sure the time will fly. Mr Waller came up with his thoughts of why I had chest pains that saw me at A&E and being admitted to Kettering hospital  Cardio-oesophageal reflex or Acalasia this can cause severe pain in the sternum not unlike a heart attack. A recent blog stated that Gaviscon was my friend, with the prescription that I have been given; Lansoprozole 30mg  hopefully, I will not need the Gaviscon. The above is just another severe side effect of the chemo drug Oxaliplatin and not very pleasant. Only 8 more sessions to go !!!!! Yay. Fingers crossed for next monday when my blood cells are counted to see if my next session will continue. 
 

Blog 56 Friday 4th November 2011

This week has been a sad time for all of us but especially my wife Wendy, as during the week she lost a very dear "Uncle John" suddenly in Bloemfontein South Africa, today is his funeral. Wendy's folks travelled yesterday from Durban, Amanzimtoti to Blom and will read wendy's reminisce out at the funeral. Unfortunately Uncle John never got to meet our daughter Hope.........and we never got to say goodbye..................

End of the fourth chemo session, I've  been sleeping all day, but have managed to get out and take our  dog "Jack" for a walk in the woods. We got our labrador retriever "Jack" last year on Halloween night (Jack O Lantern) so he has been with us exactly a year. Jack seems to know something is wrong and would sit or lay by my side all the time if I let him. Jack still trys to get onto my lap as if he was still a pup (he is now 35kg's)

Warm bright sunshine but menacing black clouds all around. I'm feeling extremely lethargic probably due to the fact that my blood is being destroyed by the Oxaliplatin chemo drug. My white platelets have been reduced from a count of over 200 to less than 88 in 3 sessions, if this continues my next session will be deferred as the platelets will be less than 60 and no match for any infection that waits to invade. I have March 2012 in my mind as the end of the Chemo but if every three or four sessions get deferred I am looking at April or even May. Just got to remember the good that it's doing.

Blog 55 Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Haven't slept at all last night. My connected Folfuser IV fell on the floor twice which pulled on the Porta Cath, I also have quite severe indigestion and heartburn which is a reported side effect ("Gaviscon" is my friend). I am quite nausea's this morning but have yet to take the tablets. I could go on, but I don't want to bore you with the ailments or side effects, especially as certain friends seem to think I have an annul fixation. All I said was get yourself checked for bowel cancer if your over 45 cause thats when it started with me. I don't call that a fixation, get a colonoscopy!!! Guy's get yer undercarraige checked, Prostate cancer kills a man every hour in the UK !!!! Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men and is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 44.

 Ladies in a previous blog I mentioned that my first wife is being seriously effected by cancer of the ovaries and bowel this all started in her early fifties this has also devastated my three sons and family. Early diagnosis is vital to effective treatment. Please check out the Cancer research UK website for signs and symptoms for early diagnosis.

Wendy's Blog

Got home today to find that the postman had dropped off a lovely padded envelope for me. Excited  until I opened it and found "Kleenprep". Here I thought I had up to 2 months before my colonoscopy and it is Saturday week....... John's turn to laugh at me!!!! The reason why I am going for a colonoscopy is because bowel cancer runs in my family. My mom had 13cm removed from her colon, thankfully she has been clear for 11 years. My Gran also had it as well as a few other family members.
Good thing I can work from home so I know where I will be on the Friday!
Iain looks as if I am going to have an annul fixation for the next couple of weeks!!!

Blog 54 Monday 31st October 2011

Happy Halloween !!

I've had my blood tests this morning in readiness for the chemo starting again tomorrow, this will be the fourth of twelve sessions. Hope is still on half term holiday(incept day) so was very interested when the nurse connected to the Porta Cath, but ran away quickly when the blood was drawn into the phials. My car tax has expired, which normally results in a long wait at the Post Office, luckily this can now be done on-line, I also have an appointment with my Oncologist Dr Macmillan in Northampton, a pumpkin to carve and trick or treating, not to mention Hope's swimming club training tonight. Phew!! lucky I'm semi retired.  The nurse that came to administer the blood tests today was the same nurse that answered my call to the health care at home service 24hr help desk last week ,when I had the chest pains. I cannot speak highly enough of this service and would recommend it to anyone going through Chemo or in fact anything that can be treated at home. We are fortunate enough to have a health care scheme from Wendy's employers that pays for this service. It takes out all the stress of travelling to and from hospital and the waiting that is inevitable involved.  Not looking forward to this weeks nausea and tiredness that is also inevitable.  Tomorrow I will be out of commission all day wired to the iv drips for a total of 56 hours YuuuckK !!

Glad to see the daily visitors on the cluster map from around the world, makes me feel that I'm not actually rambling along talking to myself!!

Blog 53 Friday 28th October 2011

Wow.......... not sure what I've just been through but it was not pleasant. I have been discharged from Hospital following a worrying 22 hours.We are still none the wiser. After the anti coagulant injections in my stomach, ECG, CT Scan, numerous blood tests and blood culture tests, no apparent reason was found for my chest pains. I arrived at A&E at 10pm I have never heard of "barrier nursing," but A&E  knew immediately that I was on Chemotherapy and I was treated like I had Leprosy, but treated in a good way.  I was isolated, but nurses with colds, for instance, were not allowed to nurse me and I was kept away from the general areas of A&E being kept in a side ward. Following initial tests, I was eventually taken to the main ward at 3am, again a private room and again with "Immuno compromised patient" labels on the doors which depicted a big "Stop" hand. I slept until 7.30 breakfast. The following 14 hours were intermittently interrupted by sleeping, eating and injections etc Unfortunately the hospital were not equipped to use the special equipment and needles the inserted Porta Cath needs, so back to, "Just a small scratch" scenario "don't say that, it actually hurts like hell" ! I had been looking forward to see Hope swim in her trials, for Corby swimming club,this had been arranged for last night at 7pm. I never did get to see her swim as I didn't get discharged until after 8pm but she passed with flying colours. Wendy has had to put her life on hold over the last couple of days with cancelled business appointments and juggling with work and Hope.  In a previous recent blog I said I didn't know what would happen if I had a few bad days whilst Hope was on half term holiday, Silly saying that really, as your loved ones always take over. Thanks Wends......................x

Blog 52 Thursday 27 October 2011

Wendy's Blog

Just got back from the hospital and thank goodness managed to see the Consultant. The prognosis does not lend it self to a heart problem as the pain lasted too long. However it is likely that he has a blood clot. Since they gave him blood thinning injections the pain has gone, the grey colour and clamminess has gone. He is still in hospital awaiting another CT scan.

If it can't be done today they will provide him with medicine and send him home, he will then go tomorrow for the CT scan.

His treatment has been brilliant, they introduced "Barrier Nursing" from the moment he arrived in the A&E department last night.  Dr McMillan phoned ahead, when John gave his name to the reception, he was immediately whisked to a private room where a nurse put "isolation stickers" to the doors. He has been kept in isolation ever since. This is too protect him from bugs and infections. Nice one!

We have just taken him a couple of newspapers, orange juice and some fruit, as much to Hope's horror there is no TV in the room.

We will go back at 3.00 and check up on him again and hopefully he will be able to come home with us. He does not want to miss Hope's swimming trials tonight.

Blog 51 Wednesday 26 October 2011

Wendy's Blog

Midnight and sitting here worrying. John has not been well all day, breathless and clammy to the touch. This evening he was complaining about chest pains. Eventually after more nagging (why don't men listen the first time), he phoned the nurse at home 24 hour help line. He explained his symptoms to the nurse and then we had to wait for another nurse to phone back.... a more senior nurse. This then led to  a further phone call from Dr  MacMillan (Oncologist). Dr MacMillan's advice was to present John to Kettering A&E and John then left for the Hospital.

I can't go, Hope is fast asleep and we don't want to traumatise the poor child, she is going through enough. So here I am feeling tearful and alone. I have since spoken to him a few times and....

He was taken in pretty quickly and prepped for an ECG, this showed up a problem so he is being  admitted for further tests and scans. The one possibility is a blood clot! He sounds scared but I know that he is in the best place, I just wish that I could be there to hold my best friends hand, my husbands hand!

You know what the other frustrating thing is, he is more worried about  his car sitting in the car park at the hospital, than himself....again one word....MEN!!!!!!

Blog 50 Saturday 22nd October 2011

Beautiful blue sky and sunny days in England during October, it looks like summer but the winds are now cold. Wendy's mum has now left us, returning for the warmer temperatures of South Africa and I must thank her for all the work she has done especially with Hope. Hope is now on school break for a week. Just finished my 3rd session of chemo which has been much better this time, the side effects have been less challenging due to the longer IV infusion. I have still found it impossible to sleep even with Tamazipam sleeping tablets, and have experienced the severe pins and needles sensation in the hands but all in all much better this time round. I'm having my next CT scan on Thursday 27th October for my thorax, abdomen and pelvis. The last time I had a CT was on my birthday 13th May when they found that certain "deposits" on my lungs had grown from 5mm to 11mm in the left upper lobe and Right lower lobe from 5mm to 8mm in just 3 months. This then led to my recent hurried operation. I have been given a CD of my entire CT scan and can easily pick out the offending "deposits"as they have been highlighted by a contrast agent that was injected prior to the scan. Next Thursday scan will hopefully give good news....................Glenfiddich tonight I think.

   

Blog 49 Wednesday 19th October 2011 Chemo session 3 Day One & Two

Yesterday's Chemo session was a long day, total of 8 hours infusion. Finished at 6pm I felt extremely tired but was unable to sleep last night, especially as I was secured to the Folfuser IV. The IV (Yes Hope) resembles a baby bottle with a Pink lid. It fell on the floor, pulling on the Porta Cath. Got wrapped around my neck, pulled by Wendy turning over, and generally caused a nuisance. I eventually slept at 4am this morning, Wendy was out of the house by  6am, going to a 2 day convention in Daventry (that's what she calls it anyway). I was woken by the garbage and re-cycle truck at 8am. Luckily Sue (Wendy's mum) is still with us, so she took Hope to school. Half Term next week, Sue is back in South Africa, I'm not sure what I will be able to do with Hope, if I have a few bad days after half term. At the moment it's one day at a time. My blood results came back OK, but the white and red cells count have "Dipped" again which is expected, but analyzing and projecting the loss of these vital elements over the next 6 months, my Chemo will be suspended around January if the loss of the elements happens at the same speed.  Tonight, it's parents evening at the school, with Wendy away, I will go. I'm sure the conversation will be on, how Hope is coping at school and with my situation. I am hoping she has opened up to the teachers on how she is feeling. I had an interesting conversation with my oncology nurse yesterday, she was discussing how my bowel cancer ended up in my lungs but also how the disease, when being attacked by the Chemo drugs,  actually migrate to get away from the drugs and try to find a new home in other parts of the body (clever little bugger's ain't they) fortunately the cancer cells use the blood stream to migrate, hopefully then, the cancer cells will be stopped in their tracks there and then by the Chemo Police and zapppedddd . But you can never find a copper when you need one can you !!!!!!

Blog 48 Monday 17th October2011

Start of my third Chemo session this week. Today I have had the bloods taken by the visiting nurse, who also asks loads of questions of the various intensity of the symptoms experienced on last session. I have had a week off from the Chemo which has gone very quickly, and am not looking forward to this week. As previously stated the symptoms were far worst the last time and the Doctor with a big smile on his face said "Yes, the side effects were bad but they will get Worst"..... eh..... don't you mean they will get better doctor?.......... "No (smiling) they will get worst" !........ I suspected that.. I have also had the results of the ultrasound scan last week on my hand and the one vein is completely blocked by a blood clot from the use of cannula's but at least the swelling is going down. Tomorrow the nurse is with me from 9am to 5pm as the entire Oxaliplatin regime is now being infused over an 8 hour period, then the 5FU Fluorouracil is given over a 48 hour period. The 8 hour infusion is because the Oxiliplatin effected me so badly the last time and just means that the Folinic Acid (Leucovorin) and Oxiliplatin will be set to drip through the IV at the same pace as each other but over a much longer period. (Day time TV here I come)


Hope's Blog Tuesday 18th October



Today my daddy had the folfusor well we call it a babys bottle ha,ha.Today the lid is pink last time it was reddish brown and the first time it was pink.Before I knew what colour it was going to be I guessed green and the last time he had it I guessed black.

Blog 47 Thursday 13th October 2011

Today I have an appointment at Kettering X-Ray department for an ultrasound scan on my hand. With the constant use of cannula's for IV's you may remember in a previous days blog I reported that I believed I may have had something left behind in my vein. The doctor and surgeon said it was a blood clot, which I probably accept now as after the last 2 months waiting for the scan appointment the vein has returned to normal. Tomorrow the nurse will be here to give an IV of saline to clear out the Porta Cath ready for next weeks session. With the onset of colder days and people sneezing all around me, I am becoming more concerned at getting colds and flu etc I don't often suffer, but when I do get a cold or flu it always ends up as a chest infection. One of the side effects of Chemotherapy is {Neutropenia} a lowered resistance to infection, as the chemo drugs destroy the white blood cells that fight infections. On my week off from the drugs I have researched, what diet may assist in order to bring up the blood count but found that it is quite controversial "The Oncologist" magazine has recently said it is not scientifically proven that a diet will assist 
Guidelines given to neutropenic patients regarding diet are currently being studied. As of 2011, the Neutropenic Diet Guideline includes the following recommendations

• Avoid raw vegetables and fruit.
• Avoid take-out foods and fast foods and fountain drinks.
• Avoid aged cheese.
• Cook all produce to well done. Eggs must be hard-boiled.
• Avoid deli meats.
• No raw nuts, nuts roasted in shell, or freshly ground nutbutters from a healthfood store.
• No yogurt

I thought the Atkins diet was bad !!!!!!

Hope Naisbit's blog (Johns daughter)

Avoid cold stuff
And thats about it
Now be a good boy daddy we don't want anything happening to you do we.lol ha ha.

Blog 46 Tuesday 11th October 2011

I have slept most of the weekend, all day and night. I have no energy and feeling very lethargic. I have tried not to sleep during the day; on instruction from the nurse, but my available energy versus's available gravity puts me on the back foot all the time. Weird though, that I am able to sleep well at night. I put the daytime sleeping down to a chemical sleep, all the chemo drugs still racing around perhaps. I have noticed that the last session side effects have lasted a lot longer i.e tiredness and headaches are still with me and I am getting blood staining from my nose. My next appointment with the Oncologist Mr Macmillan to discuss the lingering side effects is 6pm on Halloween !!! that's also weird, trick or treat I wonder..........

Blog 45 Thursday 6th October 2011 Chemotherapy Day 3 Session 2

Side Effects
This session has been awful I have reported to the nurse of the side effects that have occurred over the last two days but especially today. When eating even the smallest morsel, my jaw has locked, this has occurred on several occasions. I also had muscle spasm's in my hands, causing them to close tightly for short periods of time but quite frightening.  I also have muscle spasm's in my face which caused my eyelids to close involuntarily (nothing to do with the tiredness, I was walking hope from school) I became very sleepy and slept most of the day yesterday and all afternoon today.Having reported this, my nurse telephoned Dr McMillan (Oncologist) who immediately asked that future Chemotherapy sessions are extended to Eight Hours IV Infusion. This is where I get the :-

Treatment
Ondansetron a powerful anti sickness drug via IV drip,
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic steroid drug. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It is 20 to 30 times more potent than the naturally occurring hormone cortisol .
I then have Magnesium Sulphate and Calcium Gluconate in IV this is taken just before and just after  Oxaliplatin two hour session of the main Chemotherapy Drug
IV of Folinic Acid Folinic Acid assists the Oxaliplatin but please click on the links for the full explanation.

This was previously taking approximately 6 hours which will now be extended to 8 hours

5FU Flourouracil   I then have this as a  48 hour IV which sits on my belt and is administered at 5.07 mls an hour

Blood Tests
I have started plotting my blood results as I noticed a few of the categories have "Dipped" I have put them onto an Excel Graph and downloaded the Translation and "Normal Ranges" Hopefully the translation and normal ranges may be helpful to others reading the blog and will endeavour to publish them. I've got time on my hands so I can do this sort of thing!!! I also have cancer markers within my blood tests and found it quite interesting whilst reading up on this that Cancer Markers can be requested along with a blood test that any Doctor can request.

Cancer Markers Blood Tests
Examples of markers your doctor may test for include:

• CA 15.3: used to find breast and ovarian cancers
• TRU-QUANT and CA 27.29: may mean that breast cancer is present
• CA125: may signal ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer recurrence, and breast cancer recurrence
• CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen): a marker for the presence of colon, lung, and liver cancers. This marker may be used to determine if cancer has traveled to other areas of the body.
• Circulating tumor cells: cells that break off from the cancer and move into the blood stream. High circulating tumor cell counts may indicate that the cancer is growing. The CellSearch test has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to monitor circulating tumor cells in women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
• (EGFR)epidermal growth factor receptor Giorgio V. Scagliotti, MD, PhD, head of the Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Italy, stresses the importance of testing and treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on the mutation.

The markers that are checked in my Blood tests are CEA & EGFR

Wendy's Blog

Looking in on what John is going through is awful, as a Mother and Wife your instinct is to want to take the pain and worry away from those that you love, but you know that you can't. At the moment I have an extra pair of hands in the house with my Mum here but that is for only two more weeks so I am know looking at what to do when she goes. I was looking at chest freezers today so that on weekends I can cook for the week ahead as John is really struggling with the pins and needles in his fingers and hands. Cold effects them really badly. When I get home from work it would be easier if the food was pretty much done.

When John is asleep I keep checking on him and check to see if his chest is moving as he is in such a deep sleep (which is so unusual). I am also worried that he will get an infection that when I pass him I put my hand on his forehead to check temperature and if he feels clammy the thermometer goes in to his mouth.

I am constantly walking around with a sick feeling which is caused by worry, worried for John, worried for Hope and worried for the boys.

Hope's Blog

I'm really worrying about daddy he doesn't have his chemo on today but he still has the cold affect.I'm in year five and all the teachers are worrying about me even my year four teacher is, at least I have teachers and my friends to talk to.Sometimes when my mummy isn't home I have to help daddy get some stuff out the fridge and freezer cold!

When my dad read the blog that I wrote he nearly cried.My mum then said have you read mine obviously NOT!!!Because hers is in black and mines pretty like I am.B)

Blog 44 Wednesday 5th October 2011 Chemotherapy Day Two session 2

Throat and mouth very bad today and Jaw keeps locking when I eat. Also getting the pins and needles sensation inside mouth. Haven't felt sick today but drinking lots of tepid water. Completely missed my steroid tablet today which was foolish took the anti sickness but forgot that one. Glad to see the cluster map is filling up and the followers from all around the world, it makes me feel better for sharing my thoughts and even better when someone actually reads it! and if at all possible bring further attention to Bowel Cancer and the absolute urgency of catching it in the early stages. 45 and over?? get a colonoscopy every couple of years.  

Blog 43 Tuesday 4th October 2011 Chemotherapy Day One Session 2

Hopefully, I can show the paraphernalia that goes with a Chemo session. The boxes on the table are full when they arrive, of  various IV's  Drugs and Folfuser. IV's and drugs for today and Folfuser for next 48 Hours. IV's and drugs today only took 4 hours to administer and fit the Folfuser.

I have started feeling far worse symptoms today, after the session than I did the first time. My appointment with Dr McMillan yesterday, confirmed that this may be the case going forward to the next 10 sessions. Headache has returned, discomfort in the mouth and throat,  especially when eating. Can't eat or touch anything mildly cold as severe pins and needles takes over with a burning sensation

The drugs and IV are all explained in my previous blog 36 and all carry side effects. One bit of good news my blood tests came back OK. I have been reading on Twitter that your Chemo session is suspended for two weeks if your white cells come back low or in some cases zero! Again I count myself lucky and wish those in that situation well and get those bloods back a.s.a.p.

Blog 42 Monday 3rd October 2011

My memory is shot and I'm not talking laptop! How could I forget to use the EMLA anaesthetic cream prior to the nurse visit today, especially as I mentioned this in my last blog. This morning is blood tests prior to second session of Chemo. The needle used to access the Porta Cath is very small and has a slight bend but needs a fair amount of pressure to insert it, firstly to enter the skin and secondly to break through the membrane of the Porta Cath Again Ouchhh but this time it's my fault.




This is a wonderful device and certainly gives the veins in your arms a rest. The device is flushed with saline and then when bloods are taken or drugs by IV the Porta Cath has Heparin Sodium Flush injected this is an anti coagulant for the IV line. Last week I reported that the nurse could not draw blood via the Porta Cath which at the time was not a problem today was the same, so I was asked to rotate my shoulders and lift my arm up and down. Suddenly the phials started filling up, suddenly I saw myself performing this ridiculous ritual on "Worlds Funniest Videos" on the tv. Not ! no not even UTube!!

Later today, I have an appointment with Mr El-Rabaa my bowel cancer surgeon in Kettering for a follow up and later this afternoon an appointment with Dr McMillan my Oncologist in Northampton to see how the Chemo is going. Busy Busy Busy tomorrow Chemo starts again...................................round 2 .........ding!


Hope Naisbit : I'm not so sure about that white picture it looks quite yuk especially whats inside of you it gives me the shudders uhhh