Jock67B's Cancer Ward (Cancer Support and Discussion Thread)

[rab]

We had a meeting yesterday with the surgeon

who's going to do the op, the main purpose

of which was for me to sign a consent form.

 

He started off very positive, very confident

about the op, confident he can remove all that

needs to come out, pretty certain he can do it

with through the manhole (keyhole surgery).

 

 

He went on to say if he can't do it that way

it will be a full open up job (tubeplate out),

but I got the impression it will dent his pride

if he has to do it that way.

 

Then he started to talk about what could go

wrong, which of course he had to before I could

sign the form.

 

The bit he joins up may leak, in which case

I'll be back in quicker than you can say

City of Truro.

I may get spontaneous diahorea,

when you have to go, you have to go!

I may get a blood clot, quite likely I would

have thought, as he's operating on a clot.

Oh and there's a 2% chance I could die!

 

Then he waved the form in front of me and

asked if I was still happy to sign.

 

I'm just glad I know Him Up There

is going to be looking after me.

[Andrew P]

We had a meeting yesterday with the surgeon

who's going to do the op, the main purpose

of which was for me to sign a consent form.

 

He started off very positive, very confident

about the op, confident he can remove all that

needs to come out, pretty certain he can do it

with through the manhole (keyhole surgery).

 

 

He went on to say if he can't do it that way

it will be a full open up job (tubeplate out),

but I got the impression it will dent his pride

if he has to do it that way.

 

Then he started to talk about what could go

wrong, which of course he had to before I could

sign the form.

 

The bit he joins up may leak, in which case

I'll be back in quicker than you can say

City of Truro.

I may get spontaneous diahorea,

when you have to go, you have to go!

I may get a blood clot, quite likely I would

have thought, as he's operating on a clot.

Oh and there's a 2% chance I could die!

 

Then he waved the form in front of me and

asked if I was still happy to sign.

 

I'm just glad I know Him Up There

is going to be looking after me.

All the VERY best Rab.

[PeterBB]

Rab, thinking of you and trusting for a positive outcome.

[Purley Oaks]

Thinking of you, Rab, and hoping all goes well.

 

They'll probably give you a heavy-duty enema before the op; afterwards you'll be glad when you start farting again, and you may veer from the runs to constipation but it will all get itself right over the course of a few days, maybe a week or two.

 

They got me to sign my consent form just after they'd inserted the pre-op enema - so you're lucky to sign yours without any urgency!

 

Mal

[Oldddudders]

Rab - we are all touched by this wretched disease, through caring for or knowing many a sufferer, and who knows whether next week it will be my turn in this hideous barrel. I hope all goes according to the surgeon's plan and you emerge to make a full and comfortable recovery. 

[Purley Oaks]

Saw my new oncologist yesterday who was very good and reassuring. He was much more positive, too, which gives me something to work with mentally.

 

He's happy that I feel so good and look so well, which I do. The post-op scan from 5 weeks ago is what he'd expect to see from such a big op, and wants to see another scan for comparison in August.

 

All of which gives me time to get on with living rather than worrying about whatever health problems I may not have.

 

Thinking of you, Rab, for the op next week.

 

Mal

[rab]

I went to the boiler shop Friday morning

and had the tubing modified. I think it took a bit longer than planned, but it's done. Moved back to the shed in the evening &_had a drip feed to fill the boiler Friday night. Small fire lit yesterday & steam raised slowly. Had a few leaks, but think we've sorted those. Had a short run up the line this morning.

Edited May 27, 2018 by rab

[rab]

It's 'Tie a yellow ribbon' day,

I've done my time, I'm goin' home.

A short run down the line and

I'll be back at my home shed.

[Gwiwer]

As that little ditty was performed by an outfit named Dawn I sincerely hope the singing thereof represents the arrival of a new and brighter one for you rab.

 

OK I know they were fronted by Tony Orlando who sometimes gets the credit but who ever heard of a bright new Tony?

[Purley Oaks]

It's 'Tie a yellow ribbon' day,

I've done my time, I'm goin' home.

A short run down the line and

I'll be back at my home shed.

Great news! Enjoy being back at home taking it easy for a while

Mal

[rab]

As that little ditty was performed by an outfit named Dawn I sincerely hope the singing thereof represents the arrival of a new and brighter one for you rab.

OK I know they were fronted by Tony Orlando who sometimes gets the credit but who ever heard of a bright new Tony?

Thank you that is an encouraging thought to hold on to.

[rab]

Great news! Enjoy being back at home taking it easy for a while

Mal

Thank you. I've already been told by the foreman

(aka SWMBO) that I get a few days running round

the yard before proper running in turns begin.

[jamie92208]

Thank you. I've already been told by the foreman

(aka SWMBO) that I get a few days running round

the yard before proper running in turns begin.

 

So how long before you're back on top link work then.   Hope it's not too long.

 

Jamie

[rab]

We saw the oncologist today. When they removed

the tumour, they also removed tissue around it,

which when examined, contained 22 lymph nodes,

only one of which was cancerous.

 

They have suggested I should have a course of chemo,

apparently there's nothing to say the cancer

would return without chemo, and there's

no guarantee it won't return with chemo,

but there's a 10% less chance of it returning

if I have the chemo.

 

The figures aren't that convincing, but

I've agreed to give it a go and see how I get on.

It'll probably start in 2-3 weeks,

with 4 three week cycles.

Intravenous chemo on day one, tablets twice a day

for two weeks, then a break for a week.

If all goes to plan, I should finish

in time for my birthday in Sep, which gives me

something to aim for.

 

So I guess it's a case of making the most

of the next couple of weeks.

Edited June 14, 2018 by rab

[PeterBB]

Hope it goes well and that you become totally well.

[rab]

Well it's day 1 of chemo today.

I've read all the info from the hospital

heard all the horror stories, so will be

interested to know what it's actually like.

[Andrew P]

Well it's day 1 of chemo today.

I've read all the info from the hospital

heard all the horror stories, so will be

interested to know what it's actually like.

All the very best Brian, I hope the horror stories were exaggerated, and it's not so bad.

[PeterBB]

Good luck Brian.  The wife of one of our club members does not seem to have had the post dose after effects that a number have described so hopefully neither will you.

 

Cheers, Peter

[rab]

All change!

 

I got to the hospital and

my chemo prescription wasn't ready.

 

Because I've got a long term blood condition

which is being treated with a very mild chemo dose,

the pharmacy weren't sure about making up the chemo

for the cancer. They need to talk to the haematologist

and the oncologist and they can't get hold of them both

together to discuss it. I'm provisionally booked in for

Tuesday now. At least I get to enjoy the weekend and

I might even get to the Plymouth exhibition tomorrow.

[spikey]

... Because I've got a long term blood condition

which is being treated with a very mild chemo dose,

the pharmacy weren't sure about making up the chemo

for the cancer.

Well at least you now know that your hospital pharmacy's on the ball!

[Andrew P]

All change!

 

I got to the hospital and

my chemo prescription wasn't ready.

 

Because I've got a long term blood condition

which is being treated with a very mild chemo dose,

the pharmacy weren't sure about making up the chemo

for the cancer. They need to talk to the haematologist

and the oncologist and they can't get hold of them both

together to discuss it. I'm provisionally booked in for

Tuesday now. At least I get to enjoy the weekend and

I might even get to the Plymouth exhibition tomorrow.

 

Give Plymouth my love, not been back home for a few years now, and really miss the place.

 

ENJOY,

 

And all the best for Tuesday.

[Gwiwer]

All the best for the eventual chemo Brian. One minor hiccup now erring on the side of caution shows that these people are thorough and actually care for and about you.

[rab]

All the best for the eventual chemo Brian. One minor hiccup now erring on the side of caution shows that these people are thorough and actually care for and about you.

[Purley Oaks]

We saw the oncologist today. When they removed

the tumour, they also removed tissue around it,

which when examined, contained 22 lymph nodes,

only one of which was cancerous.

 

They have suggested I should have a course of chemo,

apparently there's nothing to say the cancer

would return without chemo, and there's

no guarantee it won't return with chemo,

but there's a 10% less chance of it returning

if I have the chemo.

 

The figures aren't that convincing, but

I've agreed to give it a go and see how I get on.

It'll probably start in 2-3 weeks,

with 4 three week cycles.

Intravenous chemo on day one, tablets twice a day

for two weeks, then a break for a week.

If all goes to plan, I should finish

in time for my birthday in Sep, which gives me

something to aim for.

 

 

 

 

All change!

 

I got to the hospital and

my chemo prescription wasn't ready.

 

Because I've got a long term blood condition

which is being treated with a very mild chemo dose,

the pharmacy weren't sure about making up the chemo

for the cancer. They need to talk to the haematologist

and the oncologist and they can't get hold of them both

together to discuss it. I'm provisionally booked in for

Tuesday now. At least I get to enjoy the weekend and

I might even get to the Plymouth exhibition tomorrow.

Good to read both posts, Brian. (Sorry I'm over a week late responding.) Sounds like the original planned chemo was oxalyplatin, the same stuff that I had.

 

Please let us know what happens as and when.

 

Glad you're up and about and going places, it all helps with long-term recovery.

 

Mal

[rab]

I had my 1st dose of oxalyplatin today.

The only real problem I've had so far

is pins and needles in my arm.

When it started, the nurse reduced

the pump rate which helped a bit but

of course that meant it took an hour

longer to run it all through.

The numbness is gradually going but

I must remember next time to have it

in my right arm; I'm left handed and

my fingers aren't quite going where

I want them too. I'm starting the

tablets this evening, apparently the

side effects (if any) may take a

couple of days to kick in.