PET Scan

I really hope that PET scans have advanced with new technology since this image was caught during the early stages of animal testing????

My PET scan date has come through, Monday 14th May with my CT scan on Wednesday 16th May. No appointment with my oncologist yet to find out results or if I will go on with radiation treatment. Have got everything crossed for clear results.


Thanks

Another one bites the dust....

A classic title...

Completed Chemo five yesterday, only one more to go (hopefully). Had a really good talk to my oncologist about future treatment and the benefits of radiotherapy and PET scans. I think I have decided to remain on the clinical trail and have the PET scan followed by the possibility of radiation treatment. At the end of the day I really don't fancy been zapped and having and all cells in the way fried! I thought that having radiation treatment under my arm pit would be safe but that can't rule out the lungs and heart being caught in the outer reaches of the treatment!

Following Chemo 5 felt very tired and a bit nausea's. Collapsed in bed and slept it off, waking this morning feeling still tired but not too bad. Tiredness is really starting to have an effect, even on my good days. I only had one full day last week with no midday sleep and felt very tired after completing small jobs. It brings it home how much this treatment is taking it out of you and that recovery will not be complete once treatment is over. I need to think about diet and fitness once I can start my convalescing period.

Managed to go and watch my eldest son in the Matlock Mini rugby festival on Sunday. They came second on more than one occasion but we all had a good day and they did their best. Days like these are really important and the memories will last a long time.

Aim to rest totally before my final planned chemo session, I really don't want to be hit by any delays.

NB. Wig due to arrive early next week...honest!

Thanks

Radiotherapy or not?

Just getting rid of the final pangs from chemo 4 and today been able to enjoy the full day without a sleep, although I am ready to drop know. Have found the side effects bad this time with a solid 8 days of feeling cr4p. There have been a few bugs in the house which I have managed to keep away from but maybe this has effected me more than I think.
As I have a little light at the end of the tunnel I have started to think of life and treatment post Chemo. A few thoughts:

1. I have signed up for a clinical trail which means that I have a CT and PET scan and depending on the results, I may or may not have radiotherapy. I am doubting if this is a wise move as I want the best for myself and know that Radiotherapy after chemo is the standard treatment and has a great success rate. On the other side of the coin, the side effects of radiotherapy are not good - who wants to be made radioactive! - and I am unsure which will be best. I need to discuss this at length with my consultant on Monday. I agreed to the trail when I was a virgin Chemo patient and having encountered the pain and side effects in recent weeks, I just want to get better and rebuild family life and reduce the chance of relapse. Its a hard one!
2. Really feel for my three children, they are so innocent but caught up in the whole mess. I have been surprised how they have reacted, in a positive way, but this is because they are innocent. They leave me alone when I am crabby and I know that they must be thinking why is he like this when in the past he was not! I hope that one day I will be able to talk to them openly about it and that they will fully understand (someone get the tissues out!)
3. Returning to work - enough said! Really will have to start thinking about this although at this time I can't bare the thought of a full days work!

Lots to think about in the coming weeks. Thanks to all for your continuing support and help.

Here's to you Jason Robinson....

Is that another song I hear???

What a send off for one of the greatest all round rugby players to grace the world. Ten seconds to go and Sale are 3 points down to Bath and Billy gets the ball, beats the defender and in, wham bang thank you man...Sale are safe and will play in the Premiership next year and 10,600 fans go wild. A night that will not be forgotten for Jason, all the best in your retirement.

On the other side of the scale, Marple RUFC lost and were relegated from North West, South, East Cheshire and Lancs (with a bit of Staffs) teams that play with red in their kit! third division. How they miss my dazzling side step, torpedo pass with that thundering pace!!!

Weather has been fantastic with record temperatures for April and no rain for the school holidays. My daughter has burnt her nose and the eldest lad looks like he has been to the 'Reef' for two weeks. As for me, no tanning my toned (party) six pack, does not mix well with the chemicals!

Feel a bit better as the week goes on, aching all over with reducing nausea. Look forward to my good days, especially as the kids are back at school - peace restored!

Vic continues to be a superstar, I really can't thank her enough. I hope she knows just how much it means to me and how much I love her.

Bye for know.

Motivation - and I need it.

Three pieces of motivation received today:

1. Great news from Daz of Arran, a HL blogger given the all clear today after his PET scan. Can't wait to be in the same position.
2. Dates for my CT and PET scan confirmed for week beginning 14th May and by then I will have the last of my chemos behind me.
3. Mrs T has written a great quote on the comments section from my last post following an unfortunate comment made to us that did not go down too well. I really wish some people would think before the mouth goes into action - this is very real! I am in this position and have to make the best of a bad time, I did not ask to be here and I don't think I deserve to be either. (Quoted below)

Still feel poo after Chemo 4 with bad sickly feeling and the aches. Every time I think of the hospital and injections I fell sick which is not good. Looking forward to the kids returning from Wales tonight although I have to say the peace and quiet has been very nice.

Quote" Common sense tells us when catastrophe befalls us it's more productive to have a good attitude, to have gratitude, faith, hope, and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. That's the ideal goal. Sometimes despite our best efforts, we fall short of this: we complain, feel sorry for ourselves, feel alone, that we've been dealt a hand we don't deserve. We may harbor resentments for those who've disappointed us, misunderstood us, avoided us, or even deserted us. This may lead us to isolate and fall into further despair.The challenge is to reclaim who we are. We can start by letting ourselves off the hook and giving ourselves the compassion we so desperately need. We can give ourselves permission to take as much time as we need to regain our health and our strength, permission to weep out loud at the loss of our hair, permission to curse God for how sick we feel. We can take back our power and dignity by talking out loud and without shame or apology about our illness or why we need help. Its not our fault we got cancer and there nothing that says we are bad or defective if we don't conduct ourselves like Mother Teresa. (Even saints have their defects.) But we can't do this alone."

Speak again soon

A Sucker Punch!

After a great week in north Wales had Chemo 4 yesterday and what a sucker punch, right where it hurts! Funny, I felt that this one was going to be difficult during the previous week and sure enough I felt sick, very tired and when I got home just went to bed for the rest of the day. Managed to watch Man U stuff AS Roma 7-1!
Had a good nights kip with the help of a small while pill and today feel about 70% but know that its back to the same routine in the next few days.
Had a great time in Wales over Easter with the Spring Sunshine and freedom for the kids, they enjoyed it so much that they have stayed for a few more days, bonus! I did find the 'good days' not as good feeling nausea and tired which was a shame, I think its all catching up on me. Also noticed that I do a great deal for lowering the average age in the hospital, it really brings it home when you have 30 years catch up on the majority of the other patients. Plan to chill out fully this time. Only commitment is to go and see Jason Robinson play his last game for Sale Sharks before retiring, that is this Friday. Hope I won't feel too crap!
Wig lady very nice and has taken measurements, I officially have a big head! Will see her next time to try on a few before taking the plunge. Having seen the blue rinse models, I think that a BIC razor is looking favorite!
Hope you all had a great Easter and did not eat too much chocolate!
Cheers

Day six since chemo 3

Day six in the Chemo 3 house!
Since my last post I have had a real roller coaster ride. Days 1 and 2 were good and I even managed to get some jobs done and cut the grass for the first time this year. Day 3 was the beginning of a deep trough and I have felt poor since with all over body aches and nausea / sickness feelings. I am finding it hard to sleep and this is having an adverse effect on my mood during the day. One minute I feel good the next all I want to do is collapse under the duvet. The aches are really unpleasant and my bones in my thighs and upper arms feel like they are buzzing? Can't wait for the good days this week.
Off to the Land of the Dragons few days R&R with sea air. Hope the weather holds as the Easter weekend will be great fun with the kids, just before I got my next shots! When at the hospital I have an appointment with the wig lady to check out my options. If nothing else will be a good laugh. Thinking of the Kevin Keegan or Bobby Charlton look, which one, your suggestions please!

If I don't get chance to update next week, hope you all have a great Easter. Is chocolate good for producing red blood cells, I hope so!

Finally, thanks to everyone who has supported my sisters challenge and helped her to exceed her initial target. If you have not supported her, shame on you!

Cheers

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