A routine Oncology review on 19th January, with ‘the man himself’, takes me on a change course in the sequel of this pesky rogue node story.
Dr Knight-In-Shinning-Armour, seemed a little frustrated that I left my last appointment with his registrar confused about the node and language used. Dr KISA, like his registrar was not worried about the changes noted in the last CT and explained that this minimal difference in size could be due to a matter of a breath taken in or out, which can stretch a lymphnode’ during the CT examination. He showed me the images of my initial CT PET scan and the latest CT, whist he was exploring his thoughts and confirmed to us both that the node of interest was the same one that showed up as a ‘hot spot’ on the PET/CT initially.
Dr KISA explained that the node it self will never disappear as it’s part of my own body’s defence lymphatic system, a kind of a ‘suck egg’s’ moment’ but nevertheless a very helpful perspective check to focus the mind on the key to the matter, which is what’s happening inside the rogue node.
He seemed confident that the treatment had done it’s thing, that there is ‘NED’ and that I have myself a ‘stable’ node, Yay! Though having felt the ‘node’ for himself and deciding it was very accessible, Dr KISA has made a referral to Dr Khan for the node to be removed and analysed to determine for sure what is going on at the core of the node.
I’m now waiting for an appointment to progress this and in the meantime life goes on around my treatment routines. It's been quite busy period for appointments. This has monopolised a lot of my time, but this should settle soon so I can reclaim some time for non cancer related mischief. There was an echo cardiogram on Monday 22nd January and I know already that this has raised no concerns.
I’m writing this post hooked up to my 10th Cycle of H&P combo and I am feeling some what pleased with myself that I remembered to apply the anaesthetic cream to my port area before I left home and also to take my chemo book. I usually forget both, and usually get told off ‘in a nice way’ by the chemo nurses. Remembering medications remains work in progress!
Lately, the sessions themselves usually start with difficulties in accessing my port and so delays in administering my treatment. Today I had three nurses have a go and six attempts at inserting the needle device (Yay for remembering the anaesthetic cream). This led to a two hour delay from my arrival at 9.30 before the start of my first treatment .
Christian was the last to try, and I congratulated him with a 'whoop whoop' and a promise of a reward sticker and a cup cake on my next cycle. He was also met with a round of applause from those around me alert to my situation.
Yay for Christian !
To be fair some of the delay today was about my infection makers being up and needing a Dr to check out my sore throat. It turns out I have a viral something or other that thankfully did not prevent me from having my treatment today.
I now come to the sessions alone and there are plenty of familiar and friendly faces to make the whole affair pleasant enough. The ‘tension’ I have previously experienced in the chemo suite, seems to have disappeared creating a more pleasant environment. I appreciate that a lot.
I was delighted with the ‘Lewis Foundation’ Care Pack given to me at the Oncology reception, especially as it included some ‘M&S Fruit Sherbert sweets’ Yum!. Just another little touch, a thought that brightens the day.
Dee, a lady I met 3 or 4 cycles ago, also came in with some rather cute knitted Cadbury’s easter egg covers for me to use for my fundraising efforts. Yet again I am amazed by the warmth and generosity that shines through the people I meet, during what is probably their most dark and challenging day’s. I have decided to use these for a #BFN fundraising event and I will blog more about this soon.
That’s all for now guy’s, but I’m working on another post, so keep a look out !
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