"There's a myth that anyone who has a liver problem has brought it on themselves" This quote is from a Crohn's disease patient living with a blocked portal vein hoping for a liver transplant (Independent 31st Oct 2010)

Friday 21 December 2012

Update and Happy Christmas


Had my latest 6-monthly liver cancer surveillance MRI on December 11th.  It partly seemed better than usual, as I couldnt 'taste' the dye at the back of my throat which tends to raise the anxiety level.  It partly seemed not so good as I was in the scanner for an hour which is much longer than usual.  A number of times we seemed to repeat parts of the process while they told me through the microphone that they were 'comparing' scans.
The MRI report is to be discussed at Mr O'Blimey's clinic on December 27th.  However to date it hasnt been written up by the radiographer at Macclesfield where it was done.  No point driving to North Manchester if there is no report to discuss (also they have been hit by the Norovirus like much of the UK, and I dont want that!)  Trying to postpone the appointment but not getting any response from the clinic secretaries as I write this.
Blood tests have been coming back ok.  Tumour marker is currently <1 which in my book means Zero.
Stamina or at least recovery rate after exertion has improved.  I've been coping with 11 hour shifts 2 days a week and 6 hour shifts at the weekend (OK I do get short breaks, but not much).  I make sure I go to bed very early.  My first shift is generally 7am which means getting up around 6am.  I get 3 days a week off (except when there is an on-call job that needs doing) which works much better than where I worked before as I can get home things sorted in advance for the work days and have full days at home to do whatever I want.  J is still at home on his year out, doing all his cooking for breakfast and lunch and helping out on my work days by organising our evening meal if Dad isnt at home.
I'm working Christmas morning and until late afternoon Boxing Day.  Then I get 2 days off - yipee!

Happy Christmas to everyone.