Cautiously optimisitc....

Well, I saw Dr M (Scan man) on Friday evening and he did an ultra sound on my liver and pronounced it A Ok !!  Just a couple of small cysts which are nothing to worry about apparently.

The lymph node by my lung is still causing concern though.  Apparently kidney tumours have a very rich blood supply, and the contrast used during a CT scan makes them light up like a light bulb.  And this one did.  Mr D and Dr M are showing my scans etc to Prof Nick (an Onc specialist) to see what he thinks.  Im collecting consultants like some people collect stamps !

Had the 'hump' removed from my back today.  Mr D and I decided to opt for a local anaesthetic - BIG mistake.  It was bigger and deeper than he thought and I had to endure an hour of him digging away to get it out.  Not to be recommended.  He did say it didnt seem to have a rich blood supply so Im hoping this is a good sign.  Its gone off for histology and I will hear in 10 days what exactly it was.

Anyway Im home, and it is really painful - really really painful but Im feeling quite optimistic.  I feel well (apart from the hole in my back now!)

James called a short while ago to say he had arrived in Sydney safely and met up with his mates.  We could tell because we could hear the racous drunken laughter in the background - so he is ok !!  Nice to hear that its cold and raining over there right now...haha

 

 

Bad news....and a bit more bad news !

I went to see Mr D last evening for my results.  I really really hoped I would get a definitive answer but it seems its not to be just yet.

Basically, my bones scan was ok.  No sign of any cancer, just a bit of arthritis in my right hip and left knee !

But my CT was a different story.  It was reported by a different radiologist, usually Dr M (Scan man) does it.  I think he was on holiday this week.  Anyway it was very non commital, but still said enough to worry Mr D and me.  I have an enlarged lymph node (about 4cm which IS big) on my left lung.  Plus 'multiple lesions' on my liver which could, or could not be, cysts or mets.  Very helpful.  Sit on the fence why dont you?

Anyway, Mr D has arranged for Dr M to both do an ultra sound on my liver on Monday afternoon and also review the scans - so we should get some answers then.

Hes also going to operate and remove the lump on my spine, which we are still not sure what it is.  Best thing is to get it off and send it for histology.  This will be on Thursday.  So I have another bumper fun week ahead of me !

How do I feel?......well a bit worried still.  'Multiple lesions' doesnt sound good in anyones book.  Mr D said they could be, and are most likely 'early changes'.....ie early metastatic disease.

Martin and I went for a curry after to chat and settle down before we went home.  And I drank most of a bottle of red wine just to teach my liver a lesson !

 

Fun Day Out...

Oh yes, you can keep your Alton Towers and Drayton Manor - Ive discovered a much more exciting way of spending the day.

9am turn up at hospital, be met by a charming, but VERY camp, young doctor who proceeded to inject me with this nasty stinging stuff (isotope something) and announce 'youre now mildly radio active so dont go holding any small children or babies'

See ?....you dont get that on Apocolypse do you?

The scan followed which wasnt that bad - except he put a cd player on and it was Barbara Striesand !!

Then it was upstairs to drink a litre of vile contrast that tastes like Castrol GT5, another injection that makes you feel like youre weeing yourself, and yet more scans.

Honestly, Im lucky they dont charge me for all this fun and excitement!

Anyway, all done now and results this evening....

 

James

James is off to Oz next week.  For 6 months or even longer.  Im pleased for him really I am.  I encouraged him to go, it really is the best thing for him right now but oh my goodness will I miss him.

I will miss his smelly socks left lying in the living room, his muddy football kit on the kitchen floor, the delightful way he leaves wet towels on the bathroom floor and his pigsty of a bedroom.

But most of all I shall miss the way he comes into my bedroom when Ive had a bad day, plonks himself on the bed, and says 'Fancy a coffee Mum?' and he sits and chats about his night out/work/girl friend problems.

Im trying so hard to quell the little voice inside me thats saying 'this could be the last time you see him'...but its still there.  And I cant let him see that. So I shall stand there waving him off  at the airport with a big smile on my face, and then bawl my eyes out all the way home !

 

Update on the hump...

Saw Mr D the other evening regarding the hump and a few other niggling problems.

He had a bit of a poke and prod at it, was very non commital about what it could be as I expected, then ordered a battery of tests.  A full bone scan.  Spiral CT scan. Full bloods etc.  Seems he doesnt think its innocuous either.  So next Thursday I shall be spending all day in hospital being injected and scanned - oh joy!  At least we should have some answers though.

He did say however that he thought it should be 'whipped out'.  Not sure how I feel about this really, spinal surgery sounds just a wee bit scary.  Martin, ever sensible, said to just wait and see what the results are before getting all worked about it.....

So...more waiting.....

Radio Star....

Oh Yes !

Thats me - a Radio Star!......Well, I took part in a phone in on Radio 5 on Sunday evening at the ungodly hour of 11.30pm.  In the main it was a discussion about the  NHSs refusal to fund certain drugs to cancer patients.  Since I got involved with JWF campagain Ive benn horrified to learn how many patients are dying because of this decision by the NHS and PCTs.

Anyway, I wont rant on about it here !

It went very well, was very well received by the public and we drummed up a lot of support.....

So...onwards and upwards comrades !!

 

The bells the bells.....

Yes I know I know - its been a while since my last entry.

Thats because all has been quiet on the 'Jane health front'.  Not a lot to report really.  Leak finally dried up, back to eating normally, we even had a holiday last month!

But for the past few weeks Ive been feeling weaker, and tireder, and acheyier.  And Ive developed a lump on my spine.  Oh yes, Im growing a hump!  All joking aside its a pretty worrying development.  I know it COULD be something innocuous - but lets face it....what are the chances?

Reported it to Mr D last week and hes ringing tomorrow with a 'plan'.  CT is already booked for Sept 3rd.

Results to follow.....