tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post1291416472013205220..comments2023-10-11T21:57:23.614+01:00Comments on What a Pain in the Bum !: April and Easter comes around again......Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-15866832826216670372011-05-04T20:42:18.855+01:002011-05-04T20:42:18.855+01:00Carole, You got your diagnosis on the 28th and I r...Carole, You got your diagnosis on the 28th and I received mine on the 29th. No wonder we no longer care much for April! The trouble is, the fun didn't stop there did it? It's hard to think back and remember. There are still a lot of dates on the horizon this spring and summer for me and for you, too, I'm sure. (For example, I had my bilateral on June 2nd). We'll just keep muddling our way on through I guess. Thanks for a great post!! And I hate cancer too!nancyspointhttp://www.nancyspoint.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-90754779211441539672011-05-02T18:49:28.777+01:002011-05-02T18:49:28.777+01:00a year passed! you are doing great Carole, and eve...a year passed! you are doing great Carole, and everyone else has much better advice than I ever could, but I'm still here still reading your blog and still wishing you well, I hope you have a better April next year and hope that when your back at work normality returns somewhat much love always xxSarahmumof3https://www.blogger.com/profile/03928332640674423684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-89341715450401580362011-04-26T23:12:07.573+01:002011-04-26T23:12:07.573+01:00Hi Sis, I know you won't let them off so ligh...Hi Sis, I know you won't let them off so lightly in June and will give them the full picture of your symptoms so they can make a decision based on that. Keep a short separate daily note/diary of your health, its too easy to get used to that tired feeling and forget to mention something at the right time. <br /><br />I'm sending you some positive thoughts from the Greek Islands, love you lots xxxxxSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05562406249909611358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-18138882755312242972011-04-26T10:06:04.782+01:002011-04-26T10:06:04.782+01:00Def check with Tony as he seems so clued up. Also...Def check with Tony as he seems so clued up. Also what about Graham on cancerchat - he opted out of adjuvent I think? Although he has been quiet for a while.<br /><br />I didnt opt out of adjuvent, the medics decided I didnt warrant it - though I was listed to be added to a chemo trial if post surgery the decision had been it would have been wise.<br /><br />Yet I still have 6 monthly CT scans and 6 monthly tumour marker blood tests (well 3 months for the latter by choice). Is it something to do with the aggressiveness of the tumour, or is it a postcode thing? <br /><br />Thing with these tumour markers, as I'm finding out with the HCC ones. The number being out of range doesnt always set a scan in motion. For example, my AFP range is 0-10 but there are HCC survivors pottering along with a level in the 20s or 30s with no tumour. For me, a level that high would warrant investigation. For them, its 'normal'. What you need in your armoury is a SERIES of CEA blood tests so you get a pattern - are they stable or rising or falling.Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04875135033312240905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-65003128851039022011-04-25T20:54:26.326+01:002011-04-25T20:54:26.326+01:00Hi Fiona,
If I'd had the adjuvant Chemo then ...Hi Fiona,<br /><br />If I'd had the adjuvant Chemo then they WOULD have scanned me around June/July time - but as I didn't it seems this is now not a part of my care plan. <br />What I'll be discussing with them during my chat time, is 'why'..why scan me after Chemo but not scan me as a precautionary act anyway.<br /> <br />Personally I think it'll all depend on my CEA levels which I will be insisting that they do.<br /><br />I need to check with Tony as well what path his care plan followed, problem is there is no 'national after-care plan' for colorectal cancer and it differs from region to region. <br /><br />I don't hate 26th April (now that I know it's your birthday) :-)) <br />xxxxCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-40469219332343445382011-04-25T16:06:41.415+01:002011-04-25T16:06:41.415+01:00I cant BELIEVE there is no thorough follow up for ...I cant BELIEVE there is no thorough follow up for you until December. Is this standard procedure for everyone or are you falling through the net into some kind of abyss?<br /><br />How come I get 6 monthly cancer checks without having been under an oncologist or needing chemo?<br />It doesnt make sense.<br /><br />Please dont hate 26th April too much. Its my birthday!Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04875135033312240905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-62764087437778579942011-04-24T22:57:29.786+01:002011-04-24T22:57:29.786+01:00Carol,
RE the information we are given...big sig...Carol, <br /><br />RE the information we are given...big sigh at times eh :-(<br /><br />And yes, I totally get the 'had/have/have but in remission' thing..<br />I've been asked so many times 'but you're okay now though?'..and I have NO idea how I'm supposed to answer this except to say 'Yes, maybe'<br /> <br />I was hesitant initially to tell you how badly I'd burned but also felt you did need to know because I wished so much that someone had warned me in advance.<br /> <br />"You may feel slightly sore as the sessions go on".... LOL (except it was hysterial pain filled laughter *not* funny 'haha' laughing) :-(Carolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-71919059746437617562011-04-24T22:51:27.751+01:002011-04-24T22:51:27.751+01:00Dear Chez,
So so lovely to hear from you. I'v...Dear Chez,<br /><br />So so lovely to hear from you. I've been getting more and more worried as the weeks went past. Will reply to your email tomorrow - in the meantime, big hugs to you xxxx<br /><br /><br />Hi Kev,<br />Thank you - I know you understand where I'm coming from and hope sincerely that you too were able to let off steam when you needed to.<br />xxxxCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-34864441379127252632011-04-24T13:42:56.862+01:002011-04-24T13:42:56.862+01:00Carole, I have 'popped' in simply to say &...Carole, I have 'popped' in simply to say 'I understand.' I hear you loud and clear my friend!<br />Hugs from Oz xoCherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01334065619837967170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-8777010311219005982011-04-24T09:16:04.332+01:002011-04-24T09:16:04.332+01:00Hi Carole,
I spoke with my Oncologist on Thursday....Hi Carole,<br />I spoke with my Oncologist on Thursday......apparently, after all the treatment, it will be considered that the cancer is in remission, it doesn't look like I will be getting scans etc either......very strange!!!<br />I feel that cancer patients should be given more info after the treatment is finished...I mean, what would you put on a job application or any other enquiring form for that matter....<br />'I have cancer?'<br />'I had cancer?'<br />'I have cancer, but it is in remission?'<br />You are quite right, we should no more about our own situation.<br />Even before radiotherapy..the Doctors talk of 'discomfort....unpleasant effects of...they don't tell you that you are going to be burnt to b*ggery!!!!!'<br />More hugs<br />CarolCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11886631425972262152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-44186026031795791232011-04-24T03:54:33.619+01:002011-04-24T03:54:33.619+01:00Carole,
letting off a bit of steam is OK too. Thi...Carole,<br /><br />letting off a bit of steam is OK too. Thinking of you,<br /><br />KevinKevinhttp://lockfamilyramblings.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-37437418720364706752011-04-23T22:44:39.886+01:002011-04-23T22:44:39.886+01:00Hey Lou :-)
GP won't re-refer me coz I'm ...Hey Lou :-)<br /><br />GP won't re-refer me coz I'm already under the care of the colorectal team..however I'll be having a long chat with them in June and seeing if I can get something more concrete done before Christmas. It may all change once they do the CEA levels again because if they've risen then the scan/s would be brought forward I suspect. <br /><br />Re; return to work - yes, it will be confusing I'm having trouble remembering what I used to do before all this :-) <br />Haze has been great though and really has put my mind at rest about going back. <br />I know they will look after me and it's 'that' knowledge that has given me the courage to go back. <br />Scary stuff though after so long :-) <br />I'm a big wuss ehCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-6640432006844256592011-04-23T20:11:42.181+01:002011-04-23T20:11:42.181+01:00F**k 'just a chat with the nurses': get ba...F**k 'just a chat with the nurses': get back to your GP and DEMAND a bloody scan! It's your RIGHT to KNOW, not be left hanging in the air until, when?, next December??? Not good enough!!<br /><br />And yes, as each April comes around it will get easier. The first one has got to be the hardest to get over.<br /><br />Hope the return to work goes ok. Don't try and push yourself to do too much too soon. It'll be a bit like starting a new job again, and the first few weeks of that are always confusing and knackering - but they'll look after you!<br /><br />Still love ya like stupid. xxxxxxxxxCandidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06188362435668971626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-80137157127472112082011-04-23T18:58:32.631+01:002011-04-23T18:58:32.631+01:00I just wanted to add that it's not that I'...I just wanted to add that it's not that I'm *trying* to be all doom and gloom - I'm not sitting around constantly thinking about 'c' coming back because I still don't know if it's even gone.<br /> <br />I've had no check-ups since my op, my post op care has been pretty naff to be frank - maybe once I finally have a check-up THEN I'll be able to start feeling a little more confident that 'c' is no longer a huge issue in my life. <br /><br />Shents, I agree that as each April comes around it WILL get easier - next year I'll do something great to replace the foul memory with a good one instead :-)<br /><br />Katherine & Carol thanks for the hugs :-)<br /><br />Eric, I think my main problem is that no-one *has* said yet that I'm done, my CEA level was still too high a few months ago and I'm now informed that my 'check-up' in June will be no more than a 'chat' with the colorectal nurses - no scans etc so yet more wondering until around Christmas time - BUT it's not on my mind always, it's just this lingering doubt thing that seems worse this month (because it's April I guess)<br /><br />Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts, it means a lot especially knowing how much you've still got going on xxxxCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11470170206537639792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-29435025735407406102011-04-23T18:07:59.230+01:002011-04-23T18:07:59.230+01:00Yes, I understand too..........
March is my hated ...Yes, I understand too..........<br />March is my hated month, although I was diagnosed in November after expressing health concerns to my GP in October.....the bloody radiotherapy was in March....Urghhhhh, I hate March!<br />Anyway, glad that you are able to return to some form of normality...wishing all the luck and good will in the world.<br />Keep posting, I love reading your blog!<br />Hugs CarolCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11886631425972262152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-50299803062908252512011-04-23T17:01:16.620+01:002011-04-23T17:01:16.620+01:00Hey Carole
December was my 'month of doom,'...Hey Carole<br />December was my 'month of doom,' and I know just what you mean. That's why I was so keen to try and replace the horrid cancer anniversary memories with our lovely family holiday memories. I do hope that one Christmas we might just totally forget...cancer? what cancer?...<br /><br />This is just your first April since everything kicked off so its understandable that you'll be feeling this way - hopefully the next one won't be quite so pants - and the next one even less pants etc...these things take time...and anyway, its nearly May, so only a week to get through!<br /><br />Oh, and Crabbymonty is so right - don't dwell on things that haven't happened! Come on girl - get that positive head on again - you're doing REALLY WELL!<br /><br />Much love as always<br /><br />Shents xxxxshentshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320300863521778944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-66495390694598232252011-04-23T12:05:43.451+01:002011-04-23T12:05:43.451+01:00I understand totally.
Biggest hugs and much love....I understand totally.<br /><br />Biggest hugs and much love. xxxKatherinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044339197163784788.post-68875577593059306942011-04-23T04:27:52.829+01:002011-04-23T04:27:52.829+01:00I do understand. September will always be my hate...I do understand. September will always be my hated month. <br /><br />I did step out of the "cancer" mode when we were done the first time. The doctor said we were done and cancer free. It was a pretty good feeling. <br /><br />Knowing now what I did not know then, I would not change how we treated May 2010. That was the "end" of dealing with Cancer. We removed the port and it gave us a summer to not worry; a fall to enjoy; a winter to travel. January was when the follow-up scans told us we needed to start fighting again. <br /><br />I guess my point is that after all the fighting you have done, you should be yelling from the rooftops that you are cancer free. <br /><br />Don't dwell on the recurrence that has not happened. I may never.<br /><br />I am always thinking of you and Positive thoughts sent your way Carole!!Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02803947634609575213noreply@blogger.com