The gym beckoned this morning. Why did I think this was a good idea? Monday seemed a long way off when I booked last week to see Ben the Personal Trainer.Monday suddenly appeared and here I was at 10 this morning all ready to go - feeling slightly apprehensive on how my body would react after no exercise (apart from walking Colin )for over a year.
I shouldn't have worried as Ben had done some research after our meeting last week and had come up with a plan. So after warming up on the cross trainer for 10 mins - which wasn't too bad and some stretching to get my leg muscles warmed up I ventured onto the treadmill. I hope that he wasn't going to take me straight into running as I did not think I would have the stamina for that. No he had other plans. I set the pace so that I was walking at a quick pace and that after 2 minutes I had to start to increase the incline every 30 seconds until I reached a point where on a scale of 1-10 I was at a 7. I reached level 10 on the first round - which I was pleased with. Then I walked at a slower pace on a level treadmill.
Two more rounds followed win which I managed to get to 11 and then 12 - so I was happy and I did not feel that I had overdone it but felt like I had a work out. Some stretching exercises to finish off and it was all over. I actually enjoyed it and have an appointment to see him again next week. Meanwhile I have a programme that I can work on so that when I see Ben next week I will see some improvement.
Monday 28 November 2011
Too Many Santas
I saw too many Santas on Sunday! Neil ran with some of our new dog walking friends in the Annual Santa Dash in aid of Thames Hospicecare. A 5k run through Swinley Forrest - and you guessed it the runners were all dressed as Santa! Here are some photos...................
Poor Colin he was at ground level and so too many legs! He was sniffing everyone's feet trying to find Neil - I had to pick him up as Santas were tripping over him! Neil did a good time of 27 mins.
And Colin finally found the right Santa - Neil!
 |
| Neil dressed as Santa,Colin in his red harness and me before the race. |
 |
| Neil, Maureen, Peter, Bob & Heather |
 |
| Too many Santas! |
 |
| Lots of Santas! |
 |
| And More! |
 |
| Start of the Dash. |
Poor Colin he was at ground level and so too many legs! He was sniffing everyone's feet trying to find Neil - I had to pick him up as Santas were tripping over him! Neil did a good time of 27 mins.
And Colin finally found the right Santa - Neil!
Saturday 26 November 2011
One Year Ago today....................
I had my operation to remove the tumour. A year seems a long time and upon reflection it is seems longer than that and sometimes it feels like it has all passed so quickly. It has been one of the most unusual years of my life.
Ironically yesterday (one year to the day that I was admitted into hospital before my major op) I had a follow up meeting with the consultant at Basingstoke to see how I was after the operation at the end of Sept. He was very pleased with my progress and he examined my tummy and he said that all had healed nicely. I told him on my progress in terms of trips to the loo which has now reduced again to 3-4 times a day and that I can now get out and about. He and the co-rectal cancer nurse were very pleased with this news as some patients can take up to 6 months to a year to get to the stage I am at. So I was delighted with this news and he said that things will still continue to improve
The best news of all is that he has agreed to be responsible for follow ups and monitoring going forward. I have great faith in his expertise and in Basingstoke's attention to detail in arranging appointments and there is hardly any delay when you attend an appointment. I was sent for a blood test so that they could measure my CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels to see how they are a year on after surgery and 6 months after chemo. I then will have to a colonoscopy in January. If all clear then a colonoscopy will not be required for 3 years but if there are then they will be annually. I then have a CT scan in July as that is a year since the chemo finished. So there is a plan for monitoring me going forward which I am happy about.
I continue to keep busy - I have even ventured back to the gym as I would like to improve my strength and stamina. After doing virtually no exercise apart from walking Colin I realise that this could be a long slog. I was lucky that the gym has given me three free sessions with a Personal Trainer. I met with him last Thursday for a fitness assessment. I was surprised that my body fat percentage was 21% - which is a good indication that there has not been huge muscle wastage over the last year. I am looking forward to Monday as I meet with him again to start work on a training programme he will have put together for me.
Ironically yesterday (one year to the day that I was admitted into hospital before my major op) I had a follow up meeting with the consultant at Basingstoke to see how I was after the operation at the end of Sept. He was very pleased with my progress and he examined my tummy and he said that all had healed nicely. I told him on my progress in terms of trips to the loo which has now reduced again to 3-4 times a day and that I can now get out and about. He and the co-rectal cancer nurse were very pleased with this news as some patients can take up to 6 months to a year to get to the stage I am at. So I was delighted with this news and he said that things will still continue to improve
The best news of all is that he has agreed to be responsible for follow ups and monitoring going forward. I have great faith in his expertise and in Basingstoke's attention to detail in arranging appointments and there is hardly any delay when you attend an appointment. I was sent for a blood test so that they could measure my CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels to see how they are a year on after surgery and 6 months after chemo. I then will have to a colonoscopy in January. If all clear then a colonoscopy will not be required for 3 years but if there are then they will be annually. I then have a CT scan in July as that is a year since the chemo finished. So there is a plan for monitoring me going forward which I am happy about.
I continue to keep busy - I have even ventured back to the gym as I would like to improve my strength and stamina. After doing virtually no exercise apart from walking Colin I realise that this could be a long slog. I was lucky that the gym has given me three free sessions with a Personal Trainer. I met with him last Thursday for a fitness assessment. I was surprised that my body fat percentage was 21% - which is a good indication that there has not been huge muscle wastage over the last year. I am looking forward to Monday as I meet with him again to start work on a training programme he will have put together for me.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Another week
Almost another week has passed by and the progress continues.............
I drove my car.
I went to meet my sister for coffee on Tuesday morning and was out for 2 and a half hours.
I have walked Colin every afternoon for about an hour.
I have cooked supper for friends.
I have lost a few kilos so my clothes fit more comfortably.
I have taken all the stoma spare supplies that I had no more use for anymore to a charity in Bracknell that sends them to Africa. They can not be used in the UK for all sorts of health reasons so I was pleased that I found this charity so I did not have to throw them away as I hate waste.
I am only waking once in the night and continue to sleep well.
I have done some gardening which I really enjoyed.
I planted my Amaryllis that Lynne bought me and it has shoots already - something to look forward to.
So all normal simple things you take for granted but when you can do them again they mean so much!
I drove my car.
I went to meet my sister for coffee on Tuesday morning and was out for 2 and a half hours.
I have walked Colin every afternoon for about an hour.
I have cooked supper for friends.
I have lost a few kilos so my clothes fit more comfortably.
I have taken all the stoma spare supplies that I had no more use for anymore to a charity in Bracknell that sends them to Africa. They can not be used in the UK for all sorts of health reasons so I was pleased that I found this charity so I did not have to throw them away as I hate waste.
I am only waking once in the night and continue to sleep well.
I have done some gardening which I really enjoyed.
I planted my Amaryllis that Lynne bought me and it has shoots already - something to look forward to.
So all normal simple things you take for granted but when you can do them again they mean so much!
Thursday 3 November 2011
Making good progress
I can't believe that my last post was the 17th October.
Since then things have progressed in the right direction. I am feeling so much more positive than when I last posted. I was beginning to feel slightly down. This was all tied in with the fact that after all my treatments and two operations I was still not back to full health and normality. I was beginning to question what normality for me would ever be again.
I sat myself down and did some research on some reputable websites and looking back at blog entries for when there was a new challenge to deal with and how I reacted I came up with a new plan. When I decide what I perceive is the right path for me I feel empowered and so my positivity increases.
I revamped my diet - I think that I was including too many fruits and vegetables too soon into my diet that my system was able to cope with. I was told I could eat anything and so I was. I decided to try a variation on the low residue diet that I had to follow when I came out of hospital last year which albeit boring does the trick in settling my system down. Once that happens I can start to introduce different foods. I ate smaller meal portions so I did not overload my digestive system. Everything that I ate or drank I recorded in a food diary and also monitored how this was effecting the number of times I need to visit the loo.
I started this new regime on the 20 October and the results have been very good. I only wake once in the night so I am getting a good night's sleep again. It has seriously cut down the number of times I need to go to the loo. Eating smaller meals more frequently means my energy levels stay more even. I have resumed "walking Colin duties". With the hour change last weekend I am now responsible for his afternoon walk that now replaces his evening walk now it is dark at 5.00 pm. I am so enjoying getting back out in the fresh air and he is remarkably well behaved.
I no longer need a nap in the afternoons.
I have been to Fego for lunch and been sat there for well over an hour with no discomfort. I am beginning to find that I have periods of 4 to 5 hours when I do not need the loo.
So all good progress. I feel like I am emerging from a fog, my sense of humour is returning and am feeling much happier and more positive.
Things are not perfect and will take time to get there - but I have made a good start. As a dear friend pointed out to me - if you had not been using your leg for that last 10 months and you had to start using it again it would take time to build up strength and time for your leg to realise what it was supposed to do - so just because you can't see your large colon why should it have to behave any differently. True I think - it needs time to do what it is supposed to do again. So we are on this part of the journey now............... it certainly has been a journey longer than anticipated but at the same time I am learning so much.
Since then things have progressed in the right direction. I am feeling so much more positive than when I last posted. I was beginning to feel slightly down. This was all tied in with the fact that after all my treatments and two operations I was still not back to full health and normality. I was beginning to question what normality for me would ever be again.
I sat myself down and did some research on some reputable websites and looking back at blog entries for when there was a new challenge to deal with and how I reacted I came up with a new plan. When I decide what I perceive is the right path for me I feel empowered and so my positivity increases.
I revamped my diet - I think that I was including too many fruits and vegetables too soon into my diet that my system was able to cope with. I was told I could eat anything and so I was. I decided to try a variation on the low residue diet that I had to follow when I came out of hospital last year which albeit boring does the trick in settling my system down. Once that happens I can start to introduce different foods. I ate smaller meal portions so I did not overload my digestive system. Everything that I ate or drank I recorded in a food diary and also monitored how this was effecting the number of times I need to visit the loo.
I started this new regime on the 20 October and the results have been very good. I only wake once in the night so I am getting a good night's sleep again. It has seriously cut down the number of times I need to go to the loo. Eating smaller meals more frequently means my energy levels stay more even. I have resumed "walking Colin duties". With the hour change last weekend I am now responsible for his afternoon walk that now replaces his evening walk now it is dark at 5.00 pm. I am so enjoying getting back out in the fresh air and he is remarkably well behaved.
I no longer need a nap in the afternoons.
I have been to Fego for lunch and been sat there for well over an hour with no discomfort. I am beginning to find that I have periods of 4 to 5 hours when I do not need the loo.
So all good progress. I feel like I am emerging from a fog, my sense of humour is returning and am feeling much happier and more positive.
Things are not perfect and will take time to get there - but I have made a good start. As a dear friend pointed out to me - if you had not been using your leg for that last 10 months and you had to start using it again it would take time to build up strength and time for your leg to realise what it was supposed to do - so just because you can't see your large colon why should it have to behave any differently. True I think - it needs time to do what it is supposed to do again. So we are on this part of the journey now............... it certainly has been a journey longer than anticipated but at the same time I am learning so much.
Monday 17 October 2011
Convalesing
It's been two weeks now since I have been home. It has been a strange two weeks. I have got used to going to the loo again but I didn't bargain on how often I would be making a visit. It has steadily reduced as the two weeks have progressed. I am now only waking twice in the night - so I at least now getting some decent sleep. For the first few nights I was home I felt the need to pay a visit every hour or so! I know that I am a grumpy bear if I don't get a decent sleep so I was not happy - strange when you think what I have been through and now I am in the place I could only dream about this time last year.
Like all recoveries you have your good days and bad days - that old cliche "tomorrow is another day" is so true as when I wake up in the morning you do feel different than when you went to bed the night before. I am back in the kitchen cooking simple suppers much to Neil's relief I think! I walked to Waitrose every day last week and took Colin for a 35-45 min walk on his lead. I really believe that he knows that I am not fully repaired yet as he does not pull on his leas like he normally does and his happy taking his time. A lovely cuddle with him always lifts my spirits. I am trying to keep positive - I am trying to make the best of this last burst of sunshine and have sat in the garden reading which I have enjoyed.
But I have to keep things in perspective - I was getting frustrated that I was not making as much progress as I thought I should be - bench marked against what I do not know - but as Neil pointed out yesterday comparing how I was when I came home 2 weeks ago and now I am making progress and it is all good and not to be too hard on myself. I need to keep this is in mind when I next feel disgruntled!
Like all recoveries you have your good days and bad days - that old cliche "tomorrow is another day" is so true as when I wake up in the morning you do feel different than when you went to bed the night before. I am back in the kitchen cooking simple suppers much to Neil's relief I think! I walked to Waitrose every day last week and took Colin for a 35-45 min walk on his lead. I really believe that he knows that I am not fully repaired yet as he does not pull on his leas like he normally does and his happy taking his time. A lovely cuddle with him always lifts my spirits. I am trying to keep positive - I am trying to make the best of this last burst of sunshine and have sat in the garden reading which I have enjoyed.
But I have to keep things in perspective - I was getting frustrated that I was not making as much progress as I thought I should be - bench marked against what I do not know - but as Neil pointed out yesterday comparing how I was when I came home 2 weeks ago and now I am making progress and it is all good and not to be too hard on myself. I need to keep this is in mind when I next feel disgruntled!
Friday 7 October 2011
Op and home
My op was carried out successfully on 29 September and I came home on Saturday evening 1 October. Just a short stay this time! I had my own room again on the same ward C2. Some of the nurses and doctors were there from my visit last year and they remarked on how well I was looking even though I just had surgery. I can never speak too highly of the medical team on that ward who are extremely skilled professional and have the extra time to make you feel like you are important. Even though I could not fault the hospital facilities it is always so much nicer at home!
I did recover from the op well and put this down to my pre op preparations of Reiki and Cranial osteopathy which were both so important in making me feel much stronger. I wish I had gone to Reiki especially during my chemo as I think that I would have benefited immensely.
I have spent the last week at home recovering and feeling better every day. Going to the loo again has taken some getting used to¬! Going so often will continue to take some getting used to! That will improve as my digestive system all begins to settle down which there are signs of it doing more and more. My appetite is coming back slowly but the portions are still very small. Little and often is the key!
I did recover from the op well and put this down to my pre op preparations of Reiki and Cranial osteopathy which were both so important in making me feel much stronger. I wish I had gone to Reiki especially during my chemo as I think that I would have benefited immensely.
I have spent the last week at home recovering and feeling better every day. Going to the loo again has taken some getting used to¬! Going so often will continue to take some getting used to! That will improve as my digestive system all begins to settle down which there are signs of it doing more and more. My appetite is coming back slowly but the portions are still very small. Little and often is the key!
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Penny Brohn Cancer Care - a delayed posting as I went here at the end of August
I attended The Living Well course which aims to provide people living with cancer and those close to them the essential information on how to support health and wellbeing. It explores the different ways in which cancer impacts on your life and teaches the tools to help you manage change positively. There is time to share experiences and learn from others, information on healthy eating and healthy cooking, and ideas on how to manage stress through simple relaxation and breathing exercises.
These courses have been developed in partnership with the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative at the recommendation of NHS Cancer Reform Strategy, and focusing on recovery, health and well being for all those living with and beyond cancer.
The Living Well course was run as a 2-day residential, based at their centre just outside Bristol.
 | ||
| The Main House at Penny Brohn |
| The support is complementary, and can be used alongside main stream medical treatment. A medical team will focus on treating the disease; while their specialists focus more on the whole person. Founded 30 years ago, today Penny Brohn Cancer Care has supported many thousands of people affected by cancer through a range of therapeutic courses and information services. The Charity continues to set the standard in complementary cancer care and has the backing of leading oncologists, healthcare professionals and complementary therapists. |
 |
| My early morning walk along the river. |
 |
| Me ! |
 |
| Beautiful Lace cap hydrangea I cannot speak highly enough of the course or my stay at Penny Brohn. I met some wonderful people who are all at different stages of their journey with cancer. I really benefited from my visit and left feeling empowered that there are things that I can do myself that will reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. A lot of the information I already knew but it was great to bring it all together and get a reminder how important it all is and to embed it as my way of life and not as a theoretical exercise. Since attending PB I have become even more aware of what I eat and looking after myself especially making sure that I get time to really relax and switch off and just be, When you get into that zone it is bliss! Off to meditate!!! |
Thursday 22 September 2011
Surprise Celebration Friday 16 September
Neil told me we were going out for dinner to a local foodie pub called the Baillywick on Friday evening. But before we left we had to drop a DVD into Sara & Allan who are our dear friends who live next door. When we knocked their door they seemed to be ready for going out and said that they were giving us a lift in their car. I thought this was a bit odd but went along with it. We stopped at Bluebells a restuarant less than 3 minutes away and I thought we were going here for dinner - but just as we were going to get out of the car, he drove off and turned back to Sunningdale. Strange I thought - they must have forgotten something or we were going somewhere closer to home. We passed their house again and turned into the next road. Allan parked outside Sally's house and I twigged the four if us must be going to Sally's for dinner. When we went in to the dining room Rosemary & Ruth were hiding and surprised me!
Sally & Sara had arranged a surprise celebratory dinner for us. I was overwhelmed as no one had ever done this for me before. What wonderful friends I have that would do this - of course I shed a tear - emotional moi!!!
This was such a perfect way to celebrate at the end of a landmark week full of tears, laughter and lots of messages, texts and phone calls from all my friends. Thank you for all your best wishes and messages of support and congratulations - it has meant such a a lot to me.
We had a lovely dinner. Rosemary had prepared smoked salmon starters, Sara a delicious fish pie for main and Sally did the veggies. Two yummy desserts were made by Ruth - the Mars Bar Cheesecake was too delicious!
Sally had done a brilliant job decorating the table - and there was even a helium ballon in the shape of a champagne glass - which is still inflated and sitting on my dining room table.
 |
| Me - with celebratory glass of Fleurie at Sally's House. |
 | |
| Feom left to right - Sally, Sara, Me, Ruth, Allan & Rosemary |
 |
| From left to right - Neil, Sara, Me, Ruth, Allan & Rosemary. |
 |
| Sharing a laugh with Sally |
 - |
| Sara, Ruth, Sally, Me with my celebration balloon ( no it is not a glass of fizz), Allan & Neil - at the end of the evening |
 |
| Sara, Ruth Sally, Me, Allan & Rosemary A most memorable & wonderful evening and thank you so much. |
Date for op - 29 September
I now have a date for my operation to reverse my ileostomy - Thursday 29 September - which is only a week away. Probably at this time next week I will be in theatre having the op. This date is much earlier than I anticipated but it is excellent news as this means that my return to full health after the all clear is now much closer.
The operation will be back at Basingstoke with the same team that performed the initial operation and I am very happy with this. It will be a 40 minute operation so no where near as long as the other op.
I went for my pre operation assessment yesterday which seemed to go well. I bumped into two of the nurses from when I was in hospital last year and they remarked how well I was looking.
I am feeling well - my energy levels are returning with the help of some Reiki and Cranial osteopathy that I was recommended to try as it helps to return your immune system , well being & energy back to normal. It seems to be working as I have not needed a nap in the afternoon .My legs seem lighter after walking Colin rather than the heavy achy feeling that was there before. This increase in energy will hopefully help me with a speedier recovery after the op.
The operation will be back at Basingstoke with the same team that performed the initial operation and I am very happy with this. It will be a 40 minute operation so no where near as long as the other op.
I went for my pre operation assessment yesterday which seemed to go well. I bumped into two of the nurses from when I was in hospital last year and they remarked how well I was looking.
I am feeling well - my energy levels are returning with the help of some Reiki and Cranial osteopathy that I was recommended to try as it helps to return your immune system , well being & energy back to normal. It seems to be working as I have not needed a nap in the afternoon .My legs seem lighter after walking Colin rather than the heavy achy feeling that was there before. This increase in energy will hopefully help me with a speedier recovery after the op.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Scan Results now received.
Late yesterday afternoon I received the results of my CT Scan by email - see below:
"Dear Brian
Your CT has finally been reported on and I am very sorry that you have had to wait so long. It is a completely normal scan with NO evidence of any disease in the bowel or anywhere else in the body J
If you are waiting for a reversal, then it can be arranged via your next outpatient appointment (so good news)"
I began to panic when I saw the phrase "I am very sorry" but then quickly realised that it referred to the wait for the results.
I was so delighted, happy & relieved that I burst into tears - so when I rushed downstairs to tell Neil he thought something was wrong. He started to cry with me and then Colin jumped up on us - so we had a family hug. The relief was immense as after all the treatments, op & emotional journey to now know that I was cancer free made it all worth while. A big thank you to you all that have been encouraging me along this journey - I really have appreciated it.
The rest of the evening just disappeared in phone calls, texts and emails. We celebrated with a glass of red wine which was delicious!
So Happy just now!
Monday 12 September 2011
Scan Results still awaited.
Just a quick update ............. my scan results are not yet available so there is no news today of what the results of the scan are!
Maybe more tomorrow!
Patience is a virtue ---------- more deep breathing required I think.
Maybe more tomorrow!
Patience is a virtue ---------- more deep breathing required I think.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Scan Date
It has now been confirmed that the date for my CT Scan is this Thursday 8 September at 11.15 am at Heatherwood Hospital. I will not get the results until the following week. I am keeping positive about the results and that there should be no signs of the cancer. But there is a slight worry at the back of my mind which I am trying to keep in perspective with the new skills that I learnt at Penny Brohn Cancer Centre ( more later on this).
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Sense & Sensibility.......picnics..........a sunny evening
The weather was kind on Friday evening......... a sunny warm evening for a picnic in Savill Garden before seeing an out door production of Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austin presented by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the novel's publication.
I thought all week that I was going to see Pride & Prejudice! So for my benefit I looked up a brief overview of what this Austin escapade was about. Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth-century society. & this lively tale follows the sisters as they fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time in their quest to find a balance between sense and sensibility |
| Neil, Daughter Briony Samuel & Rosemary |
 |
| Me Rosemary & Neil |
 |
| Delicious picnic - yum! |
It got a bit chilly as the evening progressed though - not quite the balmy summer's evening but there haven't been too many of these!
 |
| Daughter wrapped up warm or is she a refugee? |
 |
| Mrs Jennings and John from the cast |
 |
| Refreshments in the interval - all wrapped up warm! |
A very pleasant evening!
Thursday 18 August 2011
Two weeks without chemo
Two weeks since I took the last tablet. I no longer have to worry about remembering to take my pills with my breakfast and dinner - or shortly after. So what has been happening?
Healthwise I continue to get stronger. Last weekend I did a walk for 2 miles along the Dorset Coast which was mainly up hill. I was very pleased with myself!It was the most amazing walk I have had for a long time- along the cliffs from Kimberidge to Tyneham village. Beautiful views - and it showed me that my stamina is getting stronger.
I ( with Neil & Colin of course) spent time away staying with friends in Dorset This was my first trip away from home for a long time and it was great to be away. I was so happy to be by the sea - it lifts my energy levels and breathing all that wonderful fresh air has to be good for you.
I still have the tingling feeling in my hands and feet and a dull ache in my left hand has now appeared. The spots on my face still erupt for no reason but apart from that all ok.
I have caught up with people that I have been meaning to see for a while over the last two weeks so it has been a busy social time.............
Dinner with Stephen & Steve which was delicious and I got to see the beautiful new extension to their house.
Visiting Sharan & DJ to see their lovely new home and to hear all their plans for the house.
Daily walks with Ruth & her dog Jazz.
A Fish & Chip supper with Ruth.
A lunch party for Sue. Mike, Liza & Jim - which I enjoyed cooking for, and we all had a good time catching up.
Healthwise I continue to get stronger. Last weekend I did a walk for 2 miles along the Dorset Coast which was mainly up hill. I was very pleased with myself!It was the most amazing walk I have had for a long time- along the cliffs from Kimberidge to Tyneham village. Beautiful views - and it showed me that my stamina is getting stronger.
 |
| Coastal Path |
 | ||
| Danger!! |
 |
| Beautiful coastline |
I ( with Neil & Colin of course) spent time away staying with friends in Dorset This was my first trip away from home for a long time and it was great to be away. I was so happy to be by the sea - it lifts my energy levels and breathing all that wonderful fresh air has to be good for you.
I still have the tingling feeling in my hands and feet and a dull ache in my left hand has now appeared. The spots on my face still erupt for no reason but apart from that all ok.
I have caught up with people that I have been meaning to see for a while over the last two weeks so it has been a busy social time.............
Dinner with Stephen & Steve which was delicious and I got to see the beautiful new extension to their house.
Visiting Sharan & DJ to see their lovely new home and to hear all their plans for the house.
Daily walks with Ruth & her dog Jazz.
A Fish & Chip supper with Ruth.
A lunch party for Sue. Mike, Liza & Jim - which I enjoyed cooking for, and we all had a good time catching up.
Stella & Angela came for lunch the day after and again it was a lovely time.
The enjoyable stay in Dorset with Alison, Sarah TeaTaster & Billy.
 |
| My first taste of wine since November! |
 |
| Alison, TeaTaster (aka Ben), me, Sarah & Neil |
I do enjoy spending time with people, it makes me happy. Yes sometimes I am tired afterwards but I count myself lucky that I have had so many people who have been so supportive and considerate since I was diagnosed. I knew that I had beautiful friends and family in my life but the last 12 months new friends as well as old friends have really meant a lot to me. But most of all having Neil & Colin with me all the time - 2 perfect companions!
 |
| The three of us resting on our walk. |
Thursday 4 August 2011
First Day without chemo pills
The 3rd August came and went. Took the last pills last night and did a happy dance as I swallowed the last one.
I hope that this will be the last one I have to take - let's hope that they have done the business.
Feeling much better than last week and last night was another milestone in getting better. I went to London yesterday evening to meet David & Jeremy our friends from Yorkshire who were passing through on the way to their holidays. No need for champagne to celebrate -just happy spending the evening it with friends and Neil.
We had a delicious supper at Carluccios in Covent Garden.
We went to see Pygmalion at the Garrick Theatre.
I felt like a grown up again -venturing into the West End for an evening out. The play was very good - it is the play by George Bernard Shaw on which My Fair Lady was based. Luckily the theatre was air conditioned as it was a very warm evening. We drove into London so that I did not have to brave public transport and we walked from Albermarle Street. I was very pleased that I was able to stand up energy wise to the evening which was a real treat.
I hope that this will be the last one I have to take - let's hope that they have done the business.
Feeling much better than last week and last night was another milestone in getting better. I went to London yesterday evening to meet David & Jeremy our friends from Yorkshire who were passing through on the way to their holidays. No need for champagne to celebrate -just happy spending the evening it with friends and Neil.
We had a delicious supper at Carluccios in Covent Garden.
We went to see Pygmalion at the Garrick Theatre.
I felt like a grown up again -venturing into the West End for an evening out. The play was very good - it is the play by George Bernard Shaw on which My Fair Lady was based. Luckily the theatre was air conditioned as it was a very warm evening. We drove into London so that I did not have to brave public transport and we walked from Albermarle Street. I was very pleased that I was able to stand up energy wise to the evening which was a real treat.
Thursday 28 July 2011
Last week of chemo
Hard to believe that this time next week I will have finished the chemo pills and the 6 months of treatment is done - seems like ages but at the same time it has gone quickly. It is nearly August!
Yesterday evening I had the worst diarrhoea that I have had all year. I was a bit exhausted by it all and have had a slow day today recovering. . Strange that this should happen in my last week! I thought it was triggered by a cup of coffee I drank. I have not drunk that much coffee in the last year apart from the occasional cappuccino as I like the froth on top - which has been ok.
I was chatting last night on the phone to Gillian and she mentioned that there had been a tummy bug going around which only lasts a day so maybe I picked this bug up somewhere.
I am over the worst of it now and have made a recovery this afternoon. I have been drinking lots of fluids and eating bland food which has helped with the aid of some loperamide.
Yesterday evening I had the worst diarrhoea that I have had all year. I was a bit exhausted by it all and have had a slow day today recovering. . Strange that this should happen in my last week! I thought it was triggered by a cup of coffee I drank. I have not drunk that much coffee in the last year apart from the occasional cappuccino as I like the froth on top - which has been ok.
I was chatting last night on the phone to Gillian and she mentioned that there had been a tummy bug going around which only lasts a day so maybe I picked this bug up somewhere.
I am over the worst of it now and have made a recovery this afternoon. I have been drinking lots of fluids and eating bland food which has helped with the aid of some loperamide.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Cancer Research UK Press Release - men's chances of bowel cancer has increased
As the news on my radio alarm woke me this morning I heard that Cancer Research UK have issued a Press Release today which makes alarming reading but confirms why we hear of more people having cancer than ever before. The reassuring news is that is that survival rates are much better.
Here are the main headlines from that Press Release..........
Men’s chances of getting bowel cancer in Great Britain have doubled since the mid 70s. Their lifetime risk has increased from around one in 29 to around one in 15. And for women bowel cancer risk has risen by more than a quarter going from one in 26 to one in 19.
Half of all patients diagnosed with bowel cancer now survive the disease for at least 10 years (around 50 per cent) – double the number who would have done so in the early 70s (around 23 per cent).
Other figures, released today by Cancer Research UK, show that men generally are more at risk of getting cancer – 42.2 per cent develop the disease compared to 38.8 per cent of women.
For some cancers including bowel – the risk of cancer in the next 10 years will be much higher for people in their 50s and 60s.
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "An ageing population as well as changes in lifestyle have both led to more people developing cancer than a generation ago.
"But even though the chances of getting the disease have increased in the population there are many ways that people can cut their own risk. You can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet that’s high in fibre and low in red and processed meat, cutting down on alcohol and not smoking. It’s also important to take up the opportunity to take part in bowel screening when invited.
And the good news is that even though more people are developing bowel cancer, more people are surviving the disease. There are many reasons for this including earlier diagnosis improved surgical techniques and better treatments many of which have been developed.
Early diagnosis is the key in dealing with bowel cancer but the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is available only to people aged 60 years and over who are based in England. It cannot screen people who are below this age or who live elsewhere. Yet in Scotland and Wales their respective Bowel Screening Programmes will invite all men and women in Scotland between the ages of 50 to 74 for screening every two years. Why the difference I ask? Why in England do we not get the same treatment?
As the Press Release highlights that the risk is higher for people in their 50s as well as people in their 60s it is so important that if you are worried about symptoms such as a persistent change in bowel habit, pain in your abdomen, bleeding from the back passage, tiredness or weight loss, or are worried about your bowel health in any way, you shouldn't wait for screening. You should speak to your GP, who can arrange for referral to a specialist if necessary.
Here are the main headlines from that Press Release..........
Men’s chances of getting bowel cancer in Great Britain have doubled since the mid 70s. Their lifetime risk has increased from around one in 29 to around one in 15. And for women bowel cancer risk has risen by more than a quarter going from one in 26 to one in 19.
Half of all patients diagnosed with bowel cancer now survive the disease for at least 10 years (around 50 per cent) – double the number who would have done so in the early 70s (around 23 per cent).
Other figures, released today by Cancer Research UK, show that men generally are more at risk of getting cancer – 42.2 per cent develop the disease compared to 38.8 per cent of women.
For some cancers including bowel – the risk of cancer in the next 10 years will be much higher for people in their 50s and 60s.
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "An ageing population as well as changes in lifestyle have both led to more people developing cancer than a generation ago.
"But even though the chances of getting the disease have increased in the population there are many ways that people can cut their own risk. You can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet that’s high in fibre and low in red and processed meat, cutting down on alcohol and not smoking. It’s also important to take up the opportunity to take part in bowel screening when invited.
And the good news is that even though more people are developing bowel cancer, more people are surviving the disease. There are many reasons for this including earlier diagnosis improved surgical techniques and better treatments many of which have been developed.
Early diagnosis is the key in dealing with bowel cancer but the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is available only to people aged 60 years and over who are based in England. It cannot screen people who are below this age or who live elsewhere. Yet in Scotland and Wales their respective Bowel Screening Programmes will invite all men and women in Scotland between the ages of 50 to 74 for screening every two years. Why the difference I ask? Why in England do we not get the same treatment?
As the Press Release highlights that the risk is higher for people in their 50s as well as people in their 60s it is so important that if you are worried about symptoms such as a persistent change in bowel habit, pain in your abdomen, bleeding from the back passage, tiredness or weight loss, or are worried about your bowel health in any way, you shouldn't wait for screening. You should speak to your GP, who can arrange for referral to a specialist if necessary.
One Year on...
Yes it is hard to believe that this blog has been going a year. It started on the day that I took my first chemotherapy tablet and started my 5 week course of radiotherapy. The idea was to keep you all informed of my progress as I made my journey through those 5 weeks. One year later I am still posting as I continue in my journey.
As I reread some of the posts it has not only been about my progress as I made my way through the visits to surgeons, oncologists, nurses, different hospitals, my surgery and subsequent chemotherapy but what else happens on a day to day basis. As Ruth pointed out when she read the blog for the first time a few months ago "you have eaten a lot of cake"! She suggested that the blog be renamed "Cancer Cake & Colin".
Thank you to you all who have persevered in reading my posts, phoning me, emailing me and visiting me in supporting me through this journey which has been longer than I ever anticipated.
A special thank you to my editor Neil who has diligently edited all of my posts before publishing and ensures that my habit of mixing tenses is corrected!
And of course where would I be without my fortnightly letters from Alison aka Miss Austen who decided to write to me when I started the treatment a year ago. She said she would write to me while I was having my treatment and surgery. She must have thought "oh no "when I had to have a further 6 months of chemotherapy! Ten out of ten for dedication Miss A! I have so enjoyed those letters and they have always made me laugh.
I looked at some of the stats that I can view relating to the blog and was surprised that there have been 4.010 hits with an audience from UK, USA, Austria, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil & Hong Kong .The most popular of my 87 posts was the photoblog of 18 August 2010.
But most of all I thank the universe or what ever you believe in for looking after me in this journey as the ride has not been as traumatic or debilitating as I imagined 12 months ago. I have learnt that I am a stronger individual than I ever appreciated I could be. Through this experience I have become more contented than I have ever been and realise that my family and friends are such special people who I am so lucky to have with me in this life. It brought me Colin the biggest distraction ever and who has played a major role in the journey in the last few months - who would have known that we would get a dog!
And finally how have I stood up to all this - comparing where I was 12 months ago and now - physically I think I look the same even after all this drugs have been pumped into my body.......
pretty well I think - it is amazing what the body can withstand.
A BIG THANKYOU!
As I reread some of the posts it has not only been about my progress as I made my way through the visits to surgeons, oncologists, nurses, different hospitals, my surgery and subsequent chemotherapy but what else happens on a day to day basis. As Ruth pointed out when she read the blog for the first time a few months ago "you have eaten a lot of cake"! She suggested that the blog be renamed "Cancer Cake & Colin".
Thank you to you all who have persevered in reading my posts, phoning me, emailing me and visiting me in supporting me through this journey which has been longer than I ever anticipated.
A special thank you to my editor Neil who has diligently edited all of my posts before publishing and ensures that my habit of mixing tenses is corrected!
 |
| He's driving me to drink with all this editing! |
And of course where would I be without my fortnightly letters from Alison aka Miss Austen who decided to write to me when I started the treatment a year ago. She said she would write to me while I was having my treatment and surgery. She must have thought "oh no "when I had to have a further 6 months of chemotherapy! Ten out of ten for dedication Miss A! I have so enjoyed those letters and they have always made me laugh.
 |
| The author Miss A waving the flag. |
I looked at some of the stats that I can view relating to the blog and was surprised that there have been 4.010 hits with an audience from UK, USA, Austria, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil & Hong Kong .The most popular of my 87 posts was the photoblog of 18 August 2010.
But most of all I thank the universe or what ever you believe in for looking after me in this journey as the ride has not been as traumatic or debilitating as I imagined 12 months ago. I have learnt that I am a stronger individual than I ever appreciated I could be. Through this experience I have become more contented than I have ever been and realise that my family and friends are such special people who I am so lucky to have with me in this life. It brought me Colin the biggest distraction ever and who has played a major role in the journey in the last few months - who would have known that we would get a dog!
And finally how have I stood up to all this - comparing where I was 12 months ago and now - physically I think I look the same even after all this drugs have been pumped into my body.......
 |
| July 2010 |
 |
| January 2011 |
 |
| July 2011 |
pretty well I think - it is amazing what the body can withstand.
A BIG THANKYOU!
Wednesday 20 July 2011
So today I start my last 2 week cycle.
Today marks an important event in that I start my last course of Capecitabine . I have been taking these tablets every 2 weeks in a 3 week cycle since 2 February - 6 tablets in the morning and evening with or just after food.
I hope that this will be the last cycle I have to take! I am scheduled to have a scan towards the end of August to see if there is any cancer left. The oncologist is optimistic that at this stage after all my treatment the scan should be clear - so I am confident too and positive about the outcome.
Meanwhile I have to remember to take the pills and looking forward to 3 August when I finish the course.
It is coming up to a year since I started treatment which is hard to believe. I came across this proverb which sums up the last year or so ..............
“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” ~Proverb
I hope that this will be the last cycle I have to take! I am scheduled to have a scan towards the end of August to see if there is any cancer left. The oncologist is optimistic that at this stage after all my treatment the scan should be clear - so I am confident too and positive about the outcome.
Meanwhile I have to remember to take the pills and looking forward to 3 August when I finish the course.
It is coming up to a year since I started treatment which is hard to believe. I came across this proverb which sums up the last year or so ..............
“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” ~Proverb
Tuesday 19 July 2011
It's taken me six months...........
I have been visiting Heatherwood Hospital every three weeks for a blood test. I normally attend on a Tuesday morning so that the results are known for my Wednesday morning appointment with the oncologist. There is no appointment system. You turn up take a number and wait your turn. I have waited anything in between 30 mins and 2 hours depending on how many nurses are on duty and how many patients are waiting for a blood test. But this week I went along at 3.30pm yesterday afternoon(Monday) and was in and out in 15 minutes! Why has it taken me so long to work this out that the afternoons are bound to be quieter as in the mornings patients who have had to starve before their blood test will be there as well as anyone referred from the GPs morning surgery or people going before work. Well at least now I know!!!
TEDTALKS
In the last few months I have been watching videos on TEDTALKS. TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.
I have watched some very interesting and fascinating talks. I wanted to share this interesting video "A new strategy in the war on cancer" by David Agus. It is in similar vein to the Economist article that I posted last week in that it challenges the traditional method of treating cancer and how chemotherapy is not always the way forward and that a broad spectrum of technologies will be used in discovering new ways of treating cancers.
Take a look at other presentations on TED - some of the ones I have watched have been truly inspirational. One of my favourites was by Aimee Mullins and her 12 pairs of legs. Aimee Mullins was born without fibular bones, and had both of her legs amputated below the knee when she was an infant. She learned to walk on prosthetics, then to run -- competing at the national and international level as a champion sprinter, and setting world records at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta.
I have watched some very interesting and fascinating talks. I wanted to share this interesting video "A new strategy in the war on cancer" by David Agus. It is in similar vein to the Economist article that I posted last week in that it challenges the traditional method of treating cancer and how chemotherapy is not always the way forward and that a broad spectrum of technologies will be used in discovering new ways of treating cancers.
Take a look at other presentations on TED - some of the ones I have watched have been truly inspirational. One of my favourites was by Aimee Mullins and her 12 pairs of legs. Aimee Mullins was born without fibular bones, and had both of her legs amputated below the knee when she was an infant. She learned to walk on prosthetics, then to run -- competing at the national and international level as a champion sprinter, and setting world records at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta.
Monday 18 July 2011
Courageous Colin's Fun Run
Last Thursday was Colin's debut in the BA Fun Run, He did a great time 26mins 20sec. - he beat Neil by 2 seconds!. He even stopped for a swim in the lake. All we need to do is train him to ride a bike and he can enter a triathalon! He raised £410 for Cancer Research which was much more than we expected. A big thank you to everyone who sponsored him. Here are some photos:
 |
| Pre Race Photo |
 |
| Look at my new friend dad - is it a gorilla or a big doggie? |
 |
| Colin met Lionel Vinyl! |
 |
| Give me some of your samosa as I have just run 5k. |
 |
| French & Saunters Team |
Thursday 14 July 2011
Interesting Article in the Economist
Thanks to Nouchine for posting a very interesting article on Linked In about the cost of new Cancer Drugs.
Oncologists have long used the same blunt weapons to fight different types of cancer: cut the tumour out, zap it with radiation or blast it with chemotherapy that kills good cells as well as bad ones. That's the treatment that I received and is outlined as the course of treatment in the NICE guidelines. The new cancer drugs being produced are more intelligent and bespoke that are aimed at specific cancers. There is so much research being done and more solutions being found but the cost of these new drugs can be prohibitive and not always available because of the cost by the NHS or Private medical plans. This article explains it all very well.
On a lighter note it is Colin's big day today - he is running with Neil in the BA Fun Run for charity. This is his first 5km Fun Run - he has been training with Neil on Sunday mornings for the last few weeks so he can easily do the distance. He has raised over £400 for Cancer Research. Many many thanks for all of you who have generously sponsored him and it is not too late for those you who still have some spare pennies and want to sponsor him - here is a link to his Just Giving Page. We have been blown away by how much he has raised and he knows nothing about it bless him - but he will have some extra dinner and treats this evening!
Oh yes and Me - still doing OK! Taking the last tablet this evening of my penultimate course of chemo pills.If blood tests all good nect week then I start my last course next Wednesday.
Oncologists have long used the same blunt weapons to fight different types of cancer: cut the tumour out, zap it with radiation or blast it with chemotherapy that kills good cells as well as bad ones. That's the treatment that I received and is outlined as the course of treatment in the NICE guidelines. The new cancer drugs being produced are more intelligent and bespoke that are aimed at specific cancers. There is so much research being done and more solutions being found but the cost of these new drugs can be prohibitive and not always available because of the cost by the NHS or Private medical plans. This article explains it all very well.
On a lighter note it is Colin's big day today - he is running with Neil in the BA Fun Run for charity. This is his first 5km Fun Run - he has been training with Neil on Sunday mornings for the last few weeks so he can easily do the distance. He has raised over £400 for Cancer Research. Many many thanks for all of you who have generously sponsored him and it is not too late for those you who still have some spare pennies and want to sponsor him - here is a link to his Just Giving Page. We have been blown away by how much he has raised and he knows nothing about it bless him - but he will have some extra dinner and treats this evening!
Oh yes and Me - still doing OK! Taking the last tablet this evening of my penultimate course of chemo pills.If blood tests all good nect week then I start my last course next Wednesday.
Sunday 3 July 2011
Friday 1 July 2011
Visit to Oncologist on 29 June
5 weeks now since I had my last infusion and on Wednesday I had to see the oncologist before he would give me my prescription for the Chemo tablets that I will be taking at home for the next few weeks. The results from the blood tests this month were moving in the right direction. He decided that as I had no new side effects after the last treatment he would give me tablets for the last two sessions. I will have to get another blood test before I start the last set of pills but unless he calls me when he gets the results I am ok to start the last batch, which means I should be free of drugs come the 3rd August
He told me that I will then have a CT scan in September and he will call me if anything untoward shows up but that is generally unlikely at this stage after all the chemo treatment. If I receive no call then we are ok for a whole year before I have to go to him again! This was indeed promising news and I felt that there was a glimmer of hope that we were on the home straight. I had to treat myself to a coffee and a slice of Victoria sponge at the Windsor Farm shop cafe!
That just leaves the stoma reversal operation which will happen late September and then we are really on the way to the finishing line of treatment!
He told me that I will then have a CT scan in September and he will call me if anything untoward shows up but that is generally unlikely at this stage after all the chemo treatment. If I receive no call then we are ok for a whole year before I have to go to him again! This was indeed promising news and I felt that there was a glimmer of hope that we were on the home straight. I had to treat myself to a coffee and a slice of Victoria sponge at the Windsor Farm shop cafe!
That just leaves the stoma reversal operation which will happen late September and then we are really on the way to the finishing line of treatment!
Wednesday 15 June 2011
What's been happening/
The side effects from the last blast of chemo have are not too bad - it is just the fatigue and tiredness which is taking up a lot of my time and stopping me from doing as much as I plan. I have also developed more teenage spots on my face than I ever had when I was one all that time ago! The fingers have not got any worse in fact I think that they have improved with my regime of using rubber gloves to wash up, gardening gloves for gardening and plenty of hand cream. My hands have never been so pampered The tingling in my hands has not been an issue this cycle but there has been some sensitivity in my feet. So all in all I am not doing too badly - just need to take things slowly and rest as much as I can.
Friday 3 June 2011
Six has to be my lucky number
Took things easy yesterday after having a sleepless night on Wednesday. I can only think that this is down to the 2 anti sickness pills I take on the afternoon after my infusion. Dexamethasone which are a steroid so they can keep you awake. I think two are a bit strong for me as last night I took one tablet and slept until 6 am - so feeling a bit more alert this morning..... or so I thought but I was back in bed at 7.30 for another hour!
The good news is that there are no more infusions for me!!! I had a long discussion with my oncologist before my treatment on Wednesday and he has decided and I have agreed that 6 will be last infusion of Oxaliplatin. My white blood cell count was the lowest since I started the treatment back in February, even with a four week break between treatments. There are signs that the skin around my fingernails is beginning to crack deeply which can take some time to heal and is a symptom that my body is beginning to struggle with the levels of chemo in my system. It was a bit painful but some savlon normally stopped any pain.
I will continue to take the capecitabine tablets for the next ten days and the for two more cycles following my appointments on 29 June and 20 July. So all being well August 3rd the cycle will be complete!
I am happy that the cycle of infusions have ended. While compared to lots of people I have come through fairly unscathed the oncologist commented that while this may be the case not to forget that inside there is a battle being fought. Good cells as well as the bad ones have been battered and there are signs that my body is saying enough.
I asked him why we were initially trying for 8 sessions of Oxaliplatin? His response was interesting as he said that Oncology can be a crude science in terms of dosage and treatment. 8 was the maximum dose based on the strongest person able to endure that dosage. The reality was very different as it is rare that people get to the 8th session. The stats do not take into account what the average dosage patients are able to sustain or any other factors such as allergic reaction to the drug, complications or even death. Most patients get to 4 sessions which he was hoping we would get to with me and the fact that we have got to 75% is better than average and he was happy with this.
There are currently clinical trials running that are comparing the effects of treatment for three months and 6 months and the results for the three months are very good. Just have to hope that 6 is my lucky number! I am happy to stop the infusions as they have wiped me out for more than a few days each time.
I must have had some intuition that this might be the case as before I went to the hospital I bought the chemo nurses a box of chocolates as a thank you - just as well as I will not be seeing them again - hopefully.
This time side effects are not as bad so far - wondering if it is there is a rush of adrenaline pumping around my body at the thought the infusions are done? The warm weather? My positive mind? So no tingling in my hands so far and tiredness no worse that before Wed. Just the red face but as it was sunny yesterday I just had a healthy glow rather than I had been drinking excessive alcohol the night before.
Another sunny day ..... Colin has had a bath so smells lovely today to share the house with - thanks to Ruth for bathing him after he sat in the smelly pool of water. Gillian is visiting this afternoon before her 2 weeks holiday to Maderia and Portugal! Lucky girl!
The good news is that there are no more infusions for me!!! I had a long discussion with my oncologist before my treatment on Wednesday and he has decided and I have agreed that 6 will be last infusion of Oxaliplatin. My white blood cell count was the lowest since I started the treatment back in February, even with a four week break between treatments. There are signs that the skin around my fingernails is beginning to crack deeply which can take some time to heal and is a symptom that my body is beginning to struggle with the levels of chemo in my system. It was a bit painful but some savlon normally stopped any pain.
I will continue to take the capecitabine tablets for the next ten days and the for two more cycles following my appointments on 29 June and 20 July. So all being well August 3rd the cycle will be complete!
I am happy that the cycle of infusions have ended. While compared to lots of people I have come through fairly unscathed the oncologist commented that while this may be the case not to forget that inside there is a battle being fought. Good cells as well as the bad ones have been battered and there are signs that my body is saying enough.
I asked him why we were initially trying for 8 sessions of Oxaliplatin? His response was interesting as he said that Oncology can be a crude science in terms of dosage and treatment. 8 was the maximum dose based on the strongest person able to endure that dosage. The reality was very different as it is rare that people get to the 8th session. The stats do not take into account what the average dosage patients are able to sustain or any other factors such as allergic reaction to the drug, complications or even death. Most patients get to 4 sessions which he was hoping we would get to with me and the fact that we have got to 75% is better than average and he was happy with this.
There are currently clinical trials running that are comparing the effects of treatment for three months and 6 months and the results for the three months are very good. Just have to hope that 6 is my lucky number! I am happy to stop the infusions as they have wiped me out for more than a few days each time.
I must have had some intuition that this might be the case as before I went to the hospital I bought the chemo nurses a box of chocolates as a thank you - just as well as I will not be seeing them again - hopefully.
This time side effects are not as bad so far - wondering if it is there is a rush of adrenaline pumping around my body at the thought the infusions are done? The warm weather? My positive mind? So no tingling in my hands so far and tiredness no worse that before Wed. Just the red face but as it was sunny yesterday I just had a healthy glow rather than I had been drinking excessive alcohol the night before.
Another sunny day ..... Colin has had a bath so smells lovely today to share the house with - thanks to Ruth for bathing him after he sat in the smelly pool of water. Gillian is visiting this afternoon before her 2 weeks holiday to Maderia and Portugal! Lucky girl!
Sunday 29 May 2011
Fatigue but life goes on......
I still underestimate how much this blasted fatigue affects me. Just when I think that I have moved on and not feeling tired it reappears and I know that I have overdone things. This fatigue can affect me mentally, physically & emotionally. I am not worried that because I feel so tired all the time my cancer could be returning as all that I have read indicates that it is a side effect of treatment. I read on the Cancer Research web site that the symptoms of fatigue can be;
- Lack of energy - you may just want to stay in bed all day
- Feeling ‘I just cannot be bothered to do much’
- Problems sleeping
- Finding it hard to get up in the morning
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Pain in your muscles - you may find it hard to climb stairs or walk short distances
- Being breathless after doing small tasks, like having a shower or making your bed
- Finding it hard to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a good friend
- Finding it hard to think clearly or make decisions easily
- Loss of interest in doing things you usually enjoy
- Negative feelings about yourself and others
I was surprised to find that I could relate to most of these at some time in the last few months – luckily not all together!! I wondered why my legs ache after not doing anything too strenuous and this is still a mystery.
I give myself one task a day that I have to complete whatever so that I get a sense of achievement. I do get bursts of energy when I feel good and this is encouraging. Once all the treatment ends then the fatigue should go away.
I have been planning to go to Manchester ro see our friends Chris, Philip & David for sometime and waiting for me to feel up to travelling.
 |
| Philip & Chris |
As I am in a 4 week cycle I have an extra weekend without taking pills so last weekend looked a good opportunity to venture North. The journey was good and when I got there after a walk with them and Colin I was able to rest for an hour which helped. It was good to get a change of scenery and company. We went for dinner to a Thai restaurant in Hale on Friday and then to friends Nina & Peter for dinner on Saturday. So it was a very social weekend and I enjoyed all the company.
 |
| David in paternal role. |
A blog entry is not complete without mentioning Colin. He was well behaved on his first long car journey. He charmed his new friends and even managed to get away lightly for chewing Nina's dust pan and brush set! Sorry!
 |
| Neil & Colin on our Sat morning walk |
My next treatment is Wed 1 June - I can feel that anxiety approaching!
Wednesday 18 May 2011
A week has gone by,
Can't believe another week has gone by. The tiredness continued all week - I was sleeping for 3 hours in the day and then sleeping at night from 11 pm until 7.00 am the next morning and still I felt tired. I had occasional bursts of energy, did something and then felt weary again. It was all a bit irritating as I had things that I needed to and wanted to do - but somehow they didn't get done. Emotionally I was a bit all over the place and in a way it is good to get those emotions out rather than bottling them up - but I could cry at anything which was all very embarrassing as there was no rhyme or reason as to what could start me off!
The tiredness has lessened over the weekend but then Monday morning it was back and with it I still felt a bit wobbly. I think I am beginning to turn a corner as there are periods now when I feel fine. The white blood cells must have taken another hit after the last treatment. I am lucky that I have still avoided any infections and and count my blessings that this is the case and hope that it continues.
But life still has to go on..........
Neil's is as some already know a massive Man City supporter so he was on a mega high with their FA Cup win on Saturday and over 35 years since they last won a trophy. It was well deserved and what a relief that they won! So Saturday was a day of excitement, we had some friends around to watch the match and they all brought food which was brilliant as we could eat before the match and I didn't have to do very much at all. Royalty even turned up!
We even had a cake in the shape of a Man City shirt that Rosemary made.
When the final whistle went we all went mad!
A great day for Manchester - City won the FA Cup & United won the league. Two fans managed to be conciliatory for the day!!
And I stayed awake through out but was in bed by 9.30pm asleep after all that excitement!
The tiredness has lessened over the weekend but then Monday morning it was back and with it I still felt a bit wobbly. I think I am beginning to turn a corner as there are periods now when I feel fine. The white blood cells must have taken another hit after the last treatment. I am lucky that I have still avoided any infections and and count my blessings that this is the case and hope that it continues.
But life still has to go on..........
Neil's is as some already know a massive Man City supporter so he was on a mega high with their FA Cup win on Saturday and over 35 years since they last won a trophy. It was well deserved and what a relief that they won! So Saturday was a day of excitement, we had some friends around to watch the match and they all brought food which was brilliant as we could eat before the match and I didn't have to do very much at all. Royalty even turned up!
 |
| The HRH's Duke & Duchess of Nash |
We even had a cake in the shape of a Man City shirt that Rosemary made.
 |
| The Lucky Cake |
 |
| Colin was not impressed with the build up to the match. |
 |
| Daughter, Neil, Lynne (Neil's mum), Sara, me & Rosemary |
 |
| Raising a glass to our respective teams success |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)