Just got back from hospital after having both MRI and CT (Computerised Tomography) scans. While we there I took the opportunity to visit the Stoma nurse and talk to the surgeon's team, the hernia around my stoma seems slightly enlarged; after some discussion I think I will have to stop going to the gym for the mean time as, despite using machines and not free weights, the consensus (between Stella and Maggs(the stoma nurse)) was that this was the probable cause of the strain on my stomach. No problem, I'll try and get out on my mountain bike a bit more as this doesn't seem to strain my stomach at all. I also wanted to ensure that my surgeon had got the previous message from me about the Da Vinci robot, he had and it will be discussed at the team meeting prior to my meeting with him on the 10th, I feel some relief at this.
Getting back into hospital visits with Stella driving me about has brought my treatment back into sharp focus, for 6 weeks we have had the luxury of unadulterated free time together and its been great!
I must admit to being a little apprehensive about today because despite feeling radiantly healthy these
scans will, starkly, portray the true state of my health, I hope they reflect the way I feel.
On a lighter note, for the CT scan I had to drink a ghastly brew, fluorescent yellow in colour which caused a 'flushing' panic when I used the loo after the scan. The stuff just 'glowed' in the pan menacingly, refusing to disappear on the first and second flush only grudgingly retiring on the third. My God, what are they putting in my body!
Now it has all started up again I find I want to get on with it and am eager to get to the end.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Intervening period
This week I have been trying to improve my general fitness, following on from my mountain bike ride at the weekend I have been in the gym twice, once with Gabriel and once on my own. I've obviously pushed a bit hard as I slept for 12 hours last night but generally I continue to feel more and more healthy and, now, fitter.
I see this period as a recovery time in preparation for surgery in February and I am on course to be as strong as possible for that event. I have sent a question to my surgeon's secretary about a possible alternative to open surgery which involves a machine called a Da Vinci robot, this machine is supposed to make the surgery less invasive and, potentially, less damaging to the surrounding area. I have a GP appointment tomorrow and will follow up my email with her (the GP) then. I will be exploring this possible option with my surgeon at our meeting in February.
Stella and I have been using this period to get out and about as much as possible and recently we went to Borough Market (a regular haunt) and had an excellent breakfast in 'Maria's cafe'. After this we went to the Tate modern, Bank side Gallery and then walked along the river, catching the train home from Charing Cross. It was a sunny but cold winter day.
I see this period as a recovery time in preparation for surgery in February and I am on course to be as strong as possible for that event. I have sent a question to my surgeon's secretary about a possible alternative to open surgery which involves a machine called a Da Vinci robot, this machine is supposed to make the surgery less invasive and, potentially, less damaging to the surrounding area. I have a GP appointment tomorrow and will follow up my email with her (the GP) then. I will be exploring this possible option with my surgeon at our meeting in February.
Stella and I have been using this period to get out and about as much as possible and recently we went to Borough Market (a regular haunt) and had an excellent breakfast in 'Maria's cafe'. After this we went to the Tate modern, Bank side Gallery and then walked along the river, catching the train home from Charing Cross. It was a sunny but cold winter day.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Birthday week
This last week I went to the gym for the first time since I was diagnosed back in September. Initially I used the the machines in the 'express area' these use tensioned cables rather than weight plates, after a workout using these machines I had a go on some of the heavier chest workout machines. I can't use free weights at the moment because the stoma is cut through my stomach wall picking the weights up and balancing them for exercise would put too much strain on my stomach possibly causing more muscle damage. I suspect my days of washboard abs and ripped pecs are behind me, despite this I intend to go to once a week to supplement my cycling.
I managed to get out on both my mountain bike and my motorbike (a first since September) this weekend. Paul, Our son in law or as I prefer to think bespoiler of our daughter, came with me for the cycle ride; having someone else with me gave me the confidence to go much further off road than I had previously dared. Despite the fact that I had to rest frequently we completed the biggest circuit I have done since early last year. This represents a massive psychological achievement.
I took my motorbike on a 30 mile circuit of country lanes, using these mostly empty lanes allowed me do some 'spirited' riding. I was a little rusty but got into the groove fairley quickly, the only problem I had was not being able to completely do the flies up on my leather jeans this caused a worryingly unpleasent cold draught.
Martha gave me a Birthday card on Friday last week. In the true spirit of recycling she put my age at 53 (a year out) and told me it doesn't matter and that I could use it next year. It is a lovely card though.
I managed to get out on both my mountain bike and my motorbike (a first since September) this weekend. Paul, Our son in law or as I prefer to think bespoiler of our daughter, came with me for the cycle ride; having someone else with me gave me the confidence to go much further off road than I had previously dared. Despite the fact that I had to rest frequently we completed the biggest circuit I have done since early last year. This represents a massive psychological achievement.
I took my motorbike on a 30 mile circuit of country lanes, using these mostly empty lanes allowed me do some 'spirited' riding. I was a little rusty but got into the groove fairley quickly, the only problem I had was not being able to completely do the flies up on my leather jeans this caused a worryingly unpleasent cold draught.
Martha gave me a Birthday card on Friday last week. In the true spirit of recycling she put my age at 53 (a year out) and told me it doesn't matter and that I could use it next year. It is a lovely card though.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee
No more pain in my groin at all! I actually feel healthier than I have for a very long time, this seems ironic considering I have been exposed to more radiation than all the X men put together (I haven't discovered any super powers yet!). I think this is an indicator of how ill I had been for some time without being aware of it. My fitness level has definitely suffered through my treatment I will spend the next few weeks before surgery building it back to a reasonable level. Although I feel positive about my condition I must admit that I do still have the spectre of migration at the back of my mind, the scans on the 30th will hopefully dispel this fear and I can concentrate on the surgery in February.
Ah Nice, birth place of Giuseppe Garibaldi, home of Henri Matisse and the Savoy, as Italian as it is French an achingly beautiful city. We had a wonderful time there, ate in some spectacular restaurants and cafes. The temprature was a balmy 17 degrees with a sunny clear blue sky. Despite the warmth the locals insist on wearing heavy furs and winter coats, I think this has more to do with fashion than climate.
This is the view from our hotel room.
This Christmas bauble was huge and had a seating area insde it.
Me giving the locals some pointers.
Hmmm yacht or pied-a-terre with my commutation?
We have been going to Nice for 10 years but this year was special initially, in my darkest moments, I didn't think I would be here to go and then I wasn't sure until the day we left whether I would be fit enough to go. I am so glad we went.
Ah Nice, birth place of Giuseppe Garibaldi, home of Henri Matisse and the Savoy, as Italian as it is French an achingly beautiful city. We had a wonderful time there, ate in some spectacular restaurants and cafes. The temprature was a balmy 17 degrees with a sunny clear blue sky. Despite the warmth the locals insist on wearing heavy furs and winter coats, I think this has more to do with fashion than climate.
We have been going to Nice for 10 years but this year was special initially, in my darkest moments, I didn't think I would be here to go and then I wasn't sure until the day we left whether I would be fit enough to go. I am so glad we went.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Food and Drink
The pain in my groin has subsided but remains as a dull ache, I've found that drinking copious amounts of water seems to help. I don't know why maybe it changes the physical dynamics in the pelvic area but it definitely does, I'm drinking about 2 litres a day. I still feel dehydrated occasionally and need the rehydration drinks as well as plain water.
My level of fatigue has also reduced over the last 10 days, I still have a power nap during the day but it is getting shorter. That said, I missed a huge chunk of Christmas day to sleep and I was too tired to go to the pantomime with Mum and Dad, Stella, Martha and Tallulah on Boxing day. My eyes still water and are generally a bit sensitive to the light but all these side effects are as predicted by the team at the Oncology department.
Christmas morning we all decamped to Hannah's flat for Breakfast (strange, her Boyfriend must have arrived remarkably early?). It was great and as usual she had spread a cornucopia of delights, it was a good start to the day. Lunch was back at our house and this was restricted to those still living in the house (just the 6 of us).
I have been a long time reader of 'Bike' magazine and, while opening the presents after lunch, Stella presented me with a package which contained a card and 3 wrapped Tee shirts from the magazine. I read the card and choked up and had to compose myself before I could read it out to the rest of the family. Jemima had written to the magazine explaining my situation, telling them of my devotion to that august publication, in the hope that they would publish the letter and I would read it in the following month's issue. They couldn't but wanted to do something and this is what they did. I intend to wear one in Nice and send them a photo and covering email.
Me in my Bike Tee shirt in Nice.
Boxing day my Parents came to us for lunch and the Pantomime and as mentioned earlier I was too tired to go. Lunch was great though.
All our children, other halves and Grand children came us on the 27th, sadly, due to sickness (and rows) some the other halves and one of the Grand children couldn't make it, only 15 for lunch then.
Generally, Christmas is a very food and drink time for us and this Christmas has followed that trend.
Stella is ironing her clothes for Nice, placing them carefully in the case, and throwing my 'T's in , I must admit I am really looking forward to the (too short) break its a chance for both of us to recharge for the New Year.
My level of fatigue has also reduced over the last 10 days, I still have a power nap during the day but it is getting shorter. That said, I missed a huge chunk of Christmas day to sleep and I was too tired to go to the pantomime with Mum and Dad, Stella, Martha and Tallulah on Boxing day. My eyes still water and are generally a bit sensitive to the light but all these side effects are as predicted by the team at the Oncology department.
Christmas morning we all decamped to Hannah's flat for Breakfast (strange, her Boyfriend must have arrived remarkably early?). It was great and as usual she had spread a cornucopia of delights, it was a good start to the day. Lunch was back at our house and this was restricted to those still living in the house (just the 6 of us).
I have been a long time reader of 'Bike' magazine and, while opening the presents after lunch, Stella presented me with a package which contained a card and 3 wrapped Tee shirts from the magazine. I read the card and choked up and had to compose myself before I could read it out to the rest of the family. Jemima had written to the magazine explaining my situation, telling them of my devotion to that august publication, in the hope that they would publish the letter and I would read it in the following month's issue. They couldn't but wanted to do something and this is what they did. I intend to wear one in Nice and send them a photo and covering email.
Boxing day my Parents came to us for lunch and the Pantomime and as mentioned earlier I was too tired to go. Lunch was great though.
All our children, other halves and Grand children came us on the 27th, sadly, due to sickness (and rows) some the other halves and one of the Grand children couldn't make it, only 15 for lunch then.
Generally, Christmas is a very food and drink time for us and this Christmas has followed that trend.
Stella is ironing her clothes for Nice, placing them carefully in the case, and throwing my 'T's in , I must admit I am really looking forward to the (too short) break its a chance for both of us to recharge for the New Year.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Twas the night before Christmas...........
I've just finished reading the night before Christmas to Martha, the only child who wants to listen now. Most of the older children are having a debauched night in the pub or tucking their own children in bed.
This week is the first week without any Radio/Chemo therapy and I have had some of the predicted side effects in the following days. The worst has been a growing ache in my groin/pelvis area, this started last weekend and grew increasing painful reaching a crescendo on Thursday all I could do was go to bed and pop ibuprofen. This pain has subsided largely since Thursday but remains a dull ache, I am hoping this will fade substantially before Stella and I go to Nice.
To celebrate finishing the Nuclear part of my treatment Stella and I went out for lunch at a local fish restaurant on Monday which started with a rather saucy glass of Champagne. Very nice.
I popped into work this week, to Tooting to drop of tins of sweets for the watches and to Croydon to drop off a card and say hello. The guy filling in for me is young, keen and good at the job (swine!) but at least I know the ship is in good hands. My tins of sweets seem paltry compared with the hamper I received from Tooting but I have given them for many years and they have become a bit of an annual tradition.It was good to catch up with the Red Watch, Tom and Pete.
It was equally good to catch up with everybody at Croydon it was quite emotional and I ended up being there chatting for much longer than I intended.
This week is the first week without any Radio/Chemo therapy and I have had some of the predicted side effects in the following days. The worst has been a growing ache in my groin/pelvis area, this started last weekend and grew increasing painful reaching a crescendo on Thursday all I could do was go to bed and pop ibuprofen. This pain has subsided largely since Thursday but remains a dull ache, I am hoping this will fade substantially before Stella and I go to Nice.
To celebrate finishing the Nuclear part of my treatment Stella and I went out for lunch at a local fish restaurant on Monday which started with a rather saucy glass of Champagne. Very nice.
I popped into work this week, to Tooting to drop of tins of sweets for the watches and to Croydon to drop off a card and say hello. The guy filling in for me is young, keen and good at the job (swine!) but at least I know the ship is in good hands. My tins of sweets seem paltry compared with the hamper I received from Tooting but I have given them for many years and they have become a bit of an annual tradition.It was good to catch up with the Red Watch, Tom and Pete.
It was equally good to catch up with everybody at Croydon it was quite emotional and I ended up being there chatting for much longer than I intended.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
That was the week that was
Thats it! completed my last Radiotherapy session and have just taken the last of my Chemotherapy medication. I feel quite emotional about it, I'll miss all the crew on LA6 at the Oncology dept. Talking to the Radiotherapist the Radiotherapy has killed off the tumour and the Chemotherapy should prevent 'migration' so only the surgery to go, Bring it on!
In the early hours of Saturday morning a taxi driver, attempting the land speed record for a Skoda, ploughed into Stella's VW Polo pushing it from the kerb side where it was parked, up our drive and into my car. He then proceeded to use two of the neighbour's cars as emergency crash barriers before coming to rest. Obviously his 'chute' failed to deploy! Unbelievably neither the taxi driver or anyone else were injured in this pile up which totalled seven cars.
It's funny I can't recall breaking any mirrors at the beginning of the year but I am not sure we can withstand a further six years bad luck.
Whilst sorting out the torturous labyrinthine insurance process later that morning we received a parcel which Stella thought was a bumper pack of colostomy bags (nice Christmas present!). This turned out to be a rather fantastic Christmas Hamper from all the personnel at Tooting Fire station this utterly changed our mood, what a wonderful thing to do. I intend to pop into the station this week to touch base with everyone and say thanks.
Needless to say we are hoping for a quieter couple of weeks.
In the early hours of Saturday morning a taxi driver, attempting the land speed record for a Skoda, ploughed into Stella's VW Polo pushing it from the kerb side where it was parked, up our drive and into my car. He then proceeded to use two of the neighbour's cars as emergency crash barriers before coming to rest. Obviously his 'chute' failed to deploy! Unbelievably neither the taxi driver or anyone else were injured in this pile up which totalled seven cars.
It's funny I can't recall breaking any mirrors at the beginning of the year but I am not sure we can withstand a further six years bad luck.
Whilst sorting out the torturous labyrinthine insurance process later that morning we received a parcel which Stella thought was a bumper pack of colostomy bags (nice Christmas present!). This turned out to be a rather fantastic Christmas Hamper from all the personnel at Tooting Fire station this utterly changed our mood, what a wonderful thing to do. I intend to pop into the station this week to touch base with everyone and say thanks.
Needless to say we are hoping for a quieter couple of weeks.
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