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.

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.
 
 

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.

 

Read more :http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/metastatic

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.

 

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.

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.
 

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.

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-the-fact-act-susan-vento/) and would love if you could read it, share it and incorporate your thoughts. Your support, and the support of your online community, can make the difference to ensure justice for all cancer victims and their loved ones.

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.

 

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

 

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

Anyone who has previously read my blog will remember that my first wife Janice died last year January 2012 diagnosed  with ovarian cancer. I was going through chemotherapy for Bowel Cancer at this time. In consideration of the above bullet points my three sons with Janice should not be at risk of a faulty gene.

 

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

`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.

 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

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/

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 :-

 

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

 

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."

 

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO  

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT_d0bVLjLU

 

http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/understanding-bowel-cancer/signs-symptoms/

 

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

Feb 4 marks World Cancer Day 2013, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage efforts in prevention, detection, and treatment.

 

An article caught my eye

Cancer awareness campaigns: dispelling the myths

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70027-5/fulltext

 

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..............

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

Blog 143 Tuesday 25th December 2012

Taken from last years blog, sorry, Ive been a bit lazy with the blog lately. I am however, optimistic that 2013 will be a great year. Happy New Year to all ..........................

Please pass on the message to all your network of family and friends as a new years resolution to checkout the Bowel Cancer UK website

http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/understanding-bowel-cancer/

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 had regularly suffered  the pain associated with reflux, and often feel quite nausea's, I had  mouth ulcers and found it difficult sometimes to swallow cold drinks, due to a feeling that my throat was inflamed. Food often tastes metallic to me and I had 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 142 Friday 7th December 2012

 A letter recently arrived from our daughters school. At first I thought it a "normal" school communication. The letter informed us that  the school council has planned a cake sale for today Friday 7th December. Our  daughter `Hope' 10yrs, enjoys making cakes to sell at school for these events, so I read on, the cakes would be sold for 20p each. The money raised would be divided between two charities Macmillan Nurses and Wish Upon a Star  

Why these two charities ? .........both  were involved with Ronaldas Janovic 9 years, who died of cancer in October. Ronaldas was a pupil in our daughters school. Hope made her cakes last night taking a lot of pride in what she was doing and carefully carried them to school this morning................

Macmillan Nurses, for many people affected by cancer, are a valued and trusted source of expert information, advice and support - free of charge. As of December 2011, there were 3,707 Macmillan nurse posts across the UK, both in hospitals and in the community.

Wish Upon a Star aim is to simply make magical memories for a Wish child and their family to remember for a lifetime. By granting a Wish, this enables the family to have a truly amazing time forgetting about hospital routines, doctor's appointments and the gruelling treatments that have become a daily occurrence and allowing the whole family to smile, laugh and enjoy life!

 

Unfortunately you will not get to try one of these scrumptious cakes (nor did I) but you can donate to the charities by clicking on the links above

 

 

Blog 141 Friday 23rd November 2012

I would like to rewind back to Blog 111 Wednesday 30th May 2012 I mentioned a very brave lady Melanie Swan-Horton I quoted  :

" A mother of two from Norfolk, took on a high protein diet and had a dramatic weight loss, size 16 to dress size 10 enduring hours in the gym and unfortunately putting her side effects down to her diet regime and gym. Mel has been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer the actual reason for her weight loss. Mel has had chemotherapy and bowel cancer operation but nothing more can be done the cancer has spread to liver and lungs...........................this very brave lady is terminal." 

I had the all time highest amount of "hits" on this blog as a result. I now need to bring the sad news......................Mel has lost her battle against cancer, her funeral is at 10.15 on November 26th 2012 at St Faiths in Norwich. Mel arranged the funeral in advance and requested family flowers only and asked for donations to www.big-c.co.uk

It appears that what kept Mel going in her last months, was her  `Bucket List' things that she wanted to do......... Mel did not complete her bucket list....... Mel's aim was to raise awareness. This should be an inspiration to us all there are many lives to be saved out there .................. Please bring Bowel Cancer awareness to everyone's attention in your network. ...................

Bowel Cancer Awareness

1. Around 34,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in England every year and around 13,200 people die from the disease
2. Over 93% of bowel cancer patients diagnosed with the earliest stage of disease survive five years compared with less than 7% of those diagnosed with the advanced disease
3. An estimated 1,700 deaths from bowel cancer could be avoided each year if survival rates matched the best in Europe
4. Further info http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/25th-anniversary/

 

Blog 140 Tuesday 13th November 2012

Superstitious? no not me. I was born on the 13th. I have flown longhaul to South Africa on Friday 13th and returned a month later on Friday the 13th. Unfortunately it was the 13th May last year that revealed the cancer had spread to my lungs, otherwise i love the 13th!!!
  
Wendy often says "I wish I could take away your pain " or "I wish I could share this burden and fight this battle with you"..............a previous story from the Sydney Telegraph takes me to a similar plight from Vashti Whitfield "I couldnt fight the battle for him" this concerns Andy Whitfield.

In 2009, Andy landed the lead role in the TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.  Andy was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lost the battle in 2011. I watched every episode of this series, which was  full of action and Andy was a brilliant actor. Vashti, lives in Sydney and has a very interesting blog http://www.maybemcqueen.com/category/blog/  We miss Australia and had it not been for the bowel cancer would still be there I'm sure. Today, marks the first total solar eclipse in Northern Queensland the last until 2028..........A time of change

 

Blog 139 Sunday 11 November 2012

Wendy's Blog

I made the Christmas Cake today, and while doing so I could not help comparing the making of it to life. As I weighed, chopped, boiled and stirred the ingredients, I compared it to different events in our lives. We have had a lot of horrible things happen over the last few years, but mixed in with the horrible has been the good times as well.

It is the same as the ingredients for the cake, a glace cherry on it's own is very sweet, raw egg can make you sick, brandy burns your throat, and flour is so dry. But mix them together and you get a cake. Now the end product can turn out very differently as well, you can burn it, the cake can flop, or it can be perfect. It is up to us to take those ingredients that life throws at us and turn it into something to be proud of, a life worth living.

John's cancer is an ingredient, a part of our lives and no matter which way it shapes us we will draw strength from it and survive!

Blog 138 Sunday 4th November 2012

Just a very quick blog I have not been offered any further Chemotherapy by my oncologist, it didn't work the first time so why should it work again?

I was upset at first, then relieved that I wouldn't be going through the winter months enduring the Oxaliplatin and its side effects. I am however on a strict surveillance regime of a CT scan every 3 months.As my oncologist explained the "Harder" drugs for cancer are for established cancers and mine although returning on two occasions is not established.......................touch wood.............or pray......................  

Blog 137 Saturday 3rd November 2012

I am getting ready for my Oncologist appointment today at 11.15am in Northampton. I would like to thank the person that left a message on the blog which concerns the experimentation of screening for Bowel Cancer by blood tests.   Quote...............................................,

'Test for Bowl Cancer' Daily telegraph Sat. Nov 3rd 2012. Australia.

Australian scientists believe they are on the brink of delivering an affordable blood test to identify bowl cancer. At the moment, screening relies on people returning stool sample kits they receive in the mail. But less than 40 per cent of eligible Australians participate in the free federal government program.

The new blood test has been developed by biotech company Clinical Genomics in collaboration with the CSIRO and Flinders University in Adelaide.
It could be commercially available by late 2013. The blood test is currently being trialled on 3000 patients, with results detecting 73 per cent of cancers'.....................unquote

 

The current method is bowel cancer screening  In the UK only 50% of the test kits are returned !!! Come on you guys if you get a kit use it and send it back..................It could just save your life and prevent your family going through Hell if you are later diagnosed. 

Wendy's Blog

Talking about putting family through Hell, the only "Hell" that I have gone through is watching the man you love going through pain, uncertainty and psychological trauma and there is nothing I can do but support, hold and comfort. The other hell is trying to support a 10 year old who has seen and had things explained to her that no 10 year old should see and hear. We had her in counselling for a few months to try and cope with everything she has had thrown at her this year and it is comforting to know that she has "good coping" skills.

However I am lucky in that I manage a district and therefore I am classed as a home worker. I manage my diary 90% of the time and so I can schedule in John's appointments, and be with him when I can hear and see that he is not coping. My work has been incredibly supportive and has supported me when I need it. I say lucky because if I was office based it would be so much more difficult to offer this support and maybe we wouldn't have coped as well as we have. On the flip side there are times when the stress of  doing my job and dealing with setbacks with the cancer does get to the stage where you just want to walk away and hide. However that is not an option and I cope because John is my husband and the love of my life and I will be there for him as his crutch as he is there for me. Family is the key to overcoming adversity in your life.

Blog 136 Wednesday 31st October 2012

Happy Halloween!! We have just got back from a few days R&R in the Cairngorms National Park Scotland. I was not able to do much walking but the scenery was breathtaking, especially as most of the Cairngorms are snow capped. We had a lovely stay at the Dunallen Guest House in
Grantown-on-Spey. Thanks once again to our hosts David and Jayne.

After three lots of anti biotics my incisions are eventually healing nicely. On our return from Scotland a message had been left on the answer machine from my Oncologist Craig MacMillan. I have an appointment on Saturday 3rd November 2012. I am hoping that I am offered Chemotherapy for a second time. I previously blogged that Craig MacMillan, said that he would not necessarily offer me Chemo again, as it had not worked and I had suffered severe side effects. My Thoracic surgeon Mr Waller, reported that the tumours removed from my lung on this occasion, had been effected by the chemo but had continued to grow. With the return of the bowel cancer to my lung, I want the chemo even with the side effects. I am sure that Craig MacMillan is very concerned after the chemo drug Oxaliplatin  that gave me the Tinnitus that has effected me so badly.

November is just around the corner. I will be so glad when this year is over. Its been a horrible year starting in January with the passing of my former wife, Janice, who was battling cancer, and which has devastated my sons, to the passing of my father in March. Chemotherapy with its side effects and further ops on my lungs after the cancer has returned. Bring on 2013 I am optimistic it will be better much better !!!!     

Blog 135 Tuesday 23rd October 2012

The consultation with Mr Waller the surgeon went better than first thought. Firstly a quick chest scan, which was clear, great now to the big man himself. Apparently I was on the wrong anti-biotics and told to discontinue these and take a new batch for the next 5 days ........that's it, .......all that worry for nothing....... I'm sure other cancer patients would agree, that when a strange phone call comes in from the hospital on a Sunday afternoon, or any day of the week come to that (Its happened to me twice and its always been bad news)   you do tend to worry........................ OK.................

Colonoscopy..................................check
Bowel surgery................................check
CT and MRI scans......................... check
Surgery on both lungs.....................check
Chemotherapy ................................check
CT & PET Scan...............................check
Surgery on left lung.........................check

Please talk to, your family or friends if you or they do not want a check list like my list above check out the Bowel Cancer UK website for signs and symptoms or more information.

http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/

It is staggering that a quarter of bowel cancer sufferers are only diagnosed after being admitted to hospital as an emergency. Please read more by clicking on the link http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/media-centre/latest-news/quarter-of-bowel-cancer-patients-only-diagnosed-after-an-emergency-admission/

England Scotland and Wales have a bowel cancer screening programme in place
"Compared with breast and cervical screening, bowel screening uptake is worryingly low, particularly among men. This study is an important reminder for people to complete their bowel screening kit when it arrives in the post."
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK with more than 41,000 people diagnosed with the disease each year - over 100 people each day.
The bowel screening programme has only been fully up and running in England since 2010 but it is thought it will eventually save around 2,000 lives each year in

I am aware that this blog has been viewed in Fifty Four countries so far (Click Here to See) or on the Cluster Map) I would love to hear from others, especially if you have a screening programme in your country or have used the screening programme in your country.   

Blog 134 Monday 22nd October 2012

We have had a fantastic weekend celebrating my eldest son Jonathan and his wife Victoria's blessing of their marriage. Jonathan & Victoria were married on Christmas Eve 2011, they had brought their wedding plans forward, as Jonathan's mum Janice, my former wife of fourteen years, was battling cancer a battle she lost in January 2012. The wedding was originally planned for 20th October 2012 and that's what we did............it was a beautiful occasion.

On our return Sunday afternoon, I received  a strange phone call from the hospital.......Sunday afternoon.........?? results of the fluid removed from the recent absys that were sent for analysis have been returned and my surgeon, Mr Waller needs to speak to me ..................I confirmed I have an appointment tomorrow 23rd October, "Don't shoot the messenger" comes to mind. The very polite person was not able to give me any further information................we wait and try not to come up with any reasons and explanations prior to the consultation.............
 

Blog 133 Thursday 18th October 2012

What a week!! I had to go back to the hospital as an absis had formed under one of the incisions and was causing a lot of pain. The ward doctor had to open up the incision, firstly with a large needle and syringe, then with a swab. All the fluid was removed and a sample sent for analysis. because the infection is so bad I have been put on Flucloxacillin x 2 x 500mg x 4 times a day and Phenoxymethyl x 250mg x 4 times day as well as Tylex pain killers. I have been back to the local GP everyday this week for the wounds to be dressed. I haven't been able to sleep very well as my chest and back is still very painful. On my return to hospital I was sent straight back to the High Dependency Unit HDU as that was the only room available for the doctor. To my horror, I recognised the person in the only other bed "Colin". Colin was in the HDU with me after our operations two weeks ago. Colin had the same Op as me and was informed that there was a probability of 90% that the biopsy's taken from his lung were not cancerous. Colin was back in having surgery, on the very day I had returned and having his lung lower lobe removed............ the histology had returned cancerous cells ..............................I felt so sorry for Colin,  as on the ward we had discussed his operation and I felt good for him that all would probably be OK. Keep your chin up Colin Its all been found in good time which is great.!!

I must again make mention of my Medical Insurance "Simply Health" they have been wonderful a special thanks to "Julia" my contact at Simply Health. I have mentioned before how comforting it is to know that medically, everything will be taken care of when your world starts falling apart around you......................It is so nice to have a friendly voice and efficient person arranging everything.         

Blog 132 Sunday 14th October 2012

Today was my fathers birthday, he died earlier this year aged 93 years. My wife  Wendy had an opportunity to participate in the Perkins 5k Fun Run she did so in my fathers honour, and to raise money for the "The blind Veterans UK" . My father was an Eighth Army "Desert Rat"  in the second world war and a commander of a tank regiment. In later years he lost his sight and St Dunstans in Sussex helped him tremendously. St Dunstans is now known as The Blind Veterans UK . Wendy completed the fun run in brilliant sunshine this morning in Peterborough. There were hundreds of people running for different charities, you may donate to this fantastic cause HERE  

Under normal circumstances Wendy would have run for Bowel Cancer UK due to my condition, but it was poignant that this run was arranged on my fathers birthday

I was not able to run, as I only had my stitches out on Friday last week and I am still in a lot of pain. I am due to see the nurse again on Monday 15th October to assess the wounds and then an appointment with my Surgeon Mr Waller has been set for 23rd October. I will then enter the early warning treadmill of the scans.........................I will now be passed back to my Oncologist Mr Craig MacMillan. As I have more treatments and surgery, it appears to take longer to get over it .................or is it because I'm getting older??mmm

Blog 131 Sunday 7th October 2012

I am now back home, having been discharged from hospital with a big pack of pain relief. My first thoughts of this last week is that the pain was not so intense second time around due to the epidural

 

Although my epidural was placed much higher than shown in this image, the principle was the same.
The Epidural was in place to administer a prescribed dose of a drug called FENTANYL this drug is described as 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. I was given morphine during my Bowel cancer operation and had hallucination's what was to happen now!!!!!! The following is taken from an information site

Thoracic Epidural Block height and intensity
"Typically, the effects of the epidural are noted below a specific level on the body (dermatome). This level (the "block height") is chosen by the anaesthetist. The level is usually 3-4 dermatomes higher than the point of insertion. A very high insertion level may result in sparing of very low dermatomes. For example, a thoracic epidural may be performed for upper abdominal surgery, but may not have any effect on the perineum (area around the genitals) or bladder.^[9] Nonetheless, giving very large volumes into the epidural space may spread the block both higher and lower.
The intensity of the block is determined by the concentration of local anaesthetic drugs used. For example, 15 ml 0.1% bupivacaine may provide good analgesia for a woman in labour, but would likely be insufficient for surgery. Conversely, 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine would provide a more intense block, likely sufficient for surgery. Since the volume used in each case is the same, the spread of drug, and hence the block height, is likely to be similar"................................so there you have it !


Knowing my fear of having a needle into my spinal column from our previous meeting, my anaesthetist, first put me under before inserting the epidural. My Surgeon Mr Waller said he would try to use the previous scars but would have to open them up further:-

CHEST DRAIN

THE LOWER SCAR IS THE WIDTH OF THE SURGEONS HAND AS HE HAD TO GET HIS HAND INSIDE MY DEFLATED LUNG






A SPIRAL OF EPIDURAL TUBE EXITING MY SPINAL COLUMN SECURED IN PLACE BY SURGICAL CLINGWRAP!!









The worst experience during this whole procedure was waking up after the Op, I was gasping for air and trying to say I couldn't breath !! The recovery staff had just removed all the tubes from my throat and having had my lung deflated for surgery, I needed to re-inflate it naturally. How was I to know!!!! I was asleep!! I was panicking, disorientated, and woozy. A very calm voice repeated several times "Just concentrate on breathing" I stopped panicking and started breathing.................  

The secondary tumour has now been removed from my lung and had been effected by the previous Chemotherapy. Some cells had died from the effects of the chemo, but the actual tumour had continued to grow. This is good news, as my Oncologist had previously stated that I would not necessarily be offered further Chemotherapy, "as it had not worked" now we know it had worked, in part, maybe I will get another opportunity.

This episode was a major disappointment to me, especially after the chemo. I am secretly hoping this tumour was a "stray" cell from my previous lung op a year ago and this is now the end.

I have had many well wishers and prayers offered from family and friends thank you all ,but I was especially very proud to have my 83 year old Mother "Phyllis" and wife Wendy by my side in hospital throughout the week helping me through. Jonathan and Hope were also fantastic in their support thank you all very much.

Again I have to thank all the staff at the Leicester Spire for a job well done especially Mr Waller Thoracic surgeon, Dr West Anesthetist, theatre staff and ward staff they were all brilliant........ 

Blog 130 Tuesday 2nd October 2012

Wendy's Blog

Last night John slept like a baby, I was the one sitting reading the paper at 2.00am in the morning in the lounge.... I don't know but today was not something I was looking forward too. We arrived at the hospital at 7.15am and was lead straight to the High Dependency Unit. The nurse arrived at about 7.45am and John was asked all sorts of questions and was given his nice hospital gown and pressure socks....very fetching.

We waited, and waited, the operation was originally due for 8.30 but after the anesthetist Dr West and Mr Waller, the surgeon saw John we realised that he was being put back till 11.00am. John climbed into bed and managed to sleep for awhile. I must say it wasn't long before the men in green surgical scrubs came to get him. After a hug and kiss I watched my husband being wheeled away. It is not nice knowingly letting him go so that someone can hurt him. We both know that there was no option, this operation needed to be done, but the pain to come that is what is scary!

It was a long and lonely wait. Jonathan (John's eldest son) had gone to our home to pick up John's mum who is staying with us this week, and to help get Hope off to school, but with the delay of the operation they decided to come to the hospital for about noon. It was then decided that they would then wait for Hope as John was not due back till about 2.30pm - 3.00pm. I had taken a book and sat in the lounge waiting! As for updates none is forthcoming until he is wheeled back from recovery... a really long wait!

He was brought back to me at 2.30pm, tubes coming out of his back (epidural), side (lung drain), nose (oxygen), catheter, and IV's in his hand and arm. He was still incredibly drowsy and in pain. The epidural is something John was offered last time but turned down. He regretted that decision and that is why he had it this time. I must say the pain was controlled very quickly and he was made comfortable a lot quicker than last year.

By the time his Mum, Jonathan and Hope arrived at the hospital, he was sitting up, drinking water and asking for something to eat and some tea. However he soon waned and needed to sleep. Sleep tight John, love you and glad that they got the tumour.

I have taken some photo's and we will get them up as soon as he is back home

 

Blog 129 Monday 1st October 2012

The day before surgery........ not sure how I am feeling, I remember the last time I went in to the same hospital for the same operation at the same time only 13 months ago. I have been given the same surgical scrub for pre operative washing and the same thoughts running through my head, only last time I had the chemotherapy, post Op, to fall back on.  I am an avid reader of anything that will assist others in the future concerning Bowel Cancer It was with interest that I read
 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2201277/The-3D-scan-helping-surgeons-treat-inoperable-tumours.html A story about a very brave lady Heather Davies diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in such an awkward position she was told it was inoperable. Based along the same lines of my recent PET Scan (but without radio-activity). A CT scan and  an MRI Scan is put together and computer software transforms it into 3D images, giving the surgeon a far better platform to operate,  brilliant!!. When you read things like this you again realise there are persons far worse off than yourself..................Bag packed, starvation procedure in place, not long to go now and this alien will be removed.

HOPE'S BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm Really upset that my daddy is going into hospital again its been a while since I wrote on the blog. I'm typing really fast because I gotta go to bed soon. When daddy was given the ALL CLEAR for a little bit I thought it was forever but mummy said he still had to have checks and scans. Anyway I'm looking forward for tomorrow because we get KFC by the way that's a take away.

 

 

BYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Blog 128 Tuesday 25th September 2012

I have had a letter confirming my lung operation at the Leicester Spire Hospital for next week. I also have to attend at the hospital this Thursday for a Pre-Op assessment. Secondary Bowel cancer has once again taken hold in my left lung.  My Surgeon, Mr Waller will be performing a Broncoscopy as well as opening up the original scars to remove the tumour .....happy days. Hey! this time next week it will all be over and hopefully drawing on the morphine!!!!

Reading all the hospital literature that has come through the post, I get DeJa Vu  yes !! I've definitely  been here before Monday 18th July 2011  I can distincly remember,  I went through the mind debate of whether to have an Epidural or not. I didn't, my anaethetist listened and come up with some other blocker. I may have to this time as it is my surgeon's preffered method of analgesia  

 

Blog 127 Thursday 20th September 2012

At 19.30 this evening the phone rang and a very welcome voice followed.... Mr Waller my Thoracic surgeon  Mr Waller apologised for phoning so late.............I wouldn't of cared if it was midnight!!!! He explained his view of the scans, and position of the tumour. Mr Waller explained, he would have to open me up again in the same area as before, (Blog 17 Friday 22nd July) but he would have to make the incisions larger in order to get to the area concerned. Well at least I now have a date and have something to aim at !! If it's anything like last time, Wendy will clear her diary, and work from her laptop in the hospital. The mum's at Hopes school will rally around and offer to look after Hope, Pick up and drop off etc. Appointments to be cancelled. Nobody likes going in for an operation but I'm sure that other cancer sufferers will agree, I just want this thing out of my body and 2nd October when my operation is scheduled, cannot come soon enough !! 

Blog 126 Wednesday 19th September 2012

Hey, suddenly got lots of visits from Brazil on the blog was it something I said ? "Ola Brazil"

Back on blog 117 16th July 2012 I blogged that I had received an NHS Letter "Out of the Blue" from Kettering Radiography department for a CT Scan on 25th July 2012 . This Scan was out of sync for my cancer surveillance. I queried the letter with my bowel cancer specialist nurse Mark Kingston of Kettering hospital  and was told it is a mistake. It should read 25th July2013, I should not turn up and to rip the letter up.

I wrote on blog 117 "Everything happens for a reason"   I did not go for the scan,  as It would have deprived someone else of an appointment,  I had a scan arranged by my oncologist privately......the scan that found the latest tumour. I have read this letter several times since,  the scan was for an abdominal scan only and would not have identified the tumour in my lung !! I have since queried the surveillance regime I am on .................apparently the NHS surveillance regime is correct.

Sorry to sound morose, but I'm certain that Kettering Radiography dept would not have seen me on the 25th July 2013 it would have been too late in my case.................the NHS has done wonderful things for me and my family in the past, but if you believe you have been wrongly diagnosed, as I was, or you believe you have been incorrectly categorised for your treatment, do not hesitate to question... question... question. I believe from my first incorrect diagnosis to this recent episode I may have extended my life expectancy by at least 10 years.

 

Blog 125 Tuesday 18th September 2012

Yesterday, I waited all day for the phone to ring for the results of my PET scan ........................and waited, it was a long day.............I phoned the thoracic nurse specialist that had been assigned to me ...............answer phone......I phoned my oncologist...............answer phone.......eventually around 4.30pm I decided to take "Jack" our Labrador out for a walk, I took my mobile just in case.............nobody phoned. Whilst I was out, my oncologist had phoned and left a message to call straight back. In our country we call that sods law  otherwise known as Murphy's law.

Good news the PET Scan only revealed the tumour in my lung and nothing else phew !! now we know what we are dealing with its a referral back to Mr Waller who performed my original chest operation. I have had a few questions about the latest tumour in my lung. Yes, it is still Bowel Cancer that has travelled to the lungs. I will be asking the obvious question on my next consultation, "How much more of my lung can be removed"? unlike the liver the lung does not regenerate. I have already had five tumours removed a year ago. The other day someone said to me "Its lucky its bowel cancer and not lung cancer that lung cancer is terrible"!!!  ........MMMmmmmmmmmmm

Wendy's Blog

It was a great relief to get that phone call from the oncologist yesterday, the whole weekend in the back of our minds hung the thought of what the PET scan would reveal. It is really difficult to stay positive, today on the way to Norfolk (I do a lot of driving in my job) I was saying things like....positive thoughts only, a half full glass and not a half empty glass.....release the anger!!!!

I must admit I did feel calmer, so now I just need to continue floating those thoughts through my mind a bit more often.