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.
Merry Christmas Fiona,
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear from you and know you are doing so well. You made me tired just reading about you schedule! It is nice to know you are doing well enough to keep up with it.
Steve just had his two year follow up visit with his surgeon. The last month has been full of CT scans, a colonoscopy, blood work, etc. The results of those is that there is no indication of disease : ) In fact, Steve is doing so well with the results of his treatment that he no longer needs to meet with the surgeon. So, now we are down to just seeing an oncologist every six months. Yeah!!!!
We were also able to finally get Steve some help with his nose, throat, an exhaustion problems. After Steve's oncologist blew off these problems, I ended up setting Steve up with a sleep study doctor. Based on the results of that study, Steve is now using a CPAP machine which has pretty much resolved most of the problems he had been having. Thankfully we will be switching oncologists. Hopefully the next one will be more willing to listen and help.
Best Wishes to you and your family in the coming year.
Carla
Happy Christmas to you! Enjoy your upcoming days off, and every day before :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carla. Lovely to hear from you and to find that Steve is doing so well. Of all the 'bloggers' I followed when I was diagnosed with cancer, Steve is the only survivor. I count myself lucky so far, no doubt he does too.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas with your family and please pass my love and best wishes to Steve also.
Fiona
Hi Catherine and thank you for the Christmas Wishes. I'm still not sure which your blog is on the Facing Cancer website. I'd love to read it, can you post a link please. Thanks
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