Week 29-31 - Friday 30th October
Hello dear reader. Last Thursday was the 3 month, post treatment appointment to discuss the MRI scan I had 12 days previously. The MRI scan itself was fine. I wasn't nervous about it, as I had plenty of them before. The doctor performing the scan was the brother of someone I used to go to school and college with. So that was a fun conversation. However, patient confidentiality means he won't mention anything to his sister.
I had my appointment letter come through to see my oncologist, for a telephone appointment. Part of me hoped that meant good news, as all other appointments, apart from my diagnosis, were all calls. I didn't have the feeling of dread, like I was expecting, although my brain was going into overdrive.
However, the day before the appointment, I had another letter come through with a change from telephone to a face to face appointment. I had been preparing myself for the possibility of Round 2, but having a last minute change to the appointment really hit me hard. My heart rate instantly increased, and my already busy mind went into over drive. I messaged a really good friend of mine for support, and she helped calm my brain down a bit.
I've been struggling with my brain for almost a week, due to SAD. My eating habits took a plunge from the previous weekend, although habits are getting better now. That being said, my strength is continuing to grow, as well as the reduction in chemo brain. I still really struggle with anything taxing in the evening. The nights I do get to sleep at a reasonable time, I get a pretty solid sleep. Now I've been on HRT for about 3 weeks, the hot flushes appear to be reducing (that or the "northerner" in me doesn't like putting the heating on).
So the Wednesday night, you can imagine, I didn't get the best sleep. That's perfectly normal and didn't worry me. I went to the hospital early to wait for the appointment. It was nice seeing the same faces at reception. The two ladies are professional and warm, and really sets you at ease when you arrive. The usual Covid protocols are in place, santising, mask up and distanced seating with no one with you.
This was the first time I've seen my oncologist. I've spoken to her on the phone several times, but due to Covid, never seen her. She firstly apologised that the MRI results hadn't come through. They go through a process (the same process as when I got diagnosed), where my notes with the scan go to a meeting, which is held every Thursday morning, with all the relevant departments. A multi disciplinary meeting, I think it's called. This is then discussed and actions implemented. This then has a further stage of verification by a senior bod (I think she said a senior radiologist), but this part hadn't been done. My oncologist had chased in the morning, but hadn't had that through by the time I got to my appointment. I agreed that I was happy to have a phone call when she got the results, however, she's on annual leave for half term, so had to leave it with her colleague. Despite that she ran through everything she would've done. There was also an external and internal examination, which explained the last minute change to the appointment. She couldn't find anything of concern with her examination, so it's just a waiting game.
Today, I had the call about the results. Her colleague got the results of the MRI, which showed there is an abnormality in the cervix. However, this could be due to post surgical changes. They have already requested an appointment to be made for me to have a PET-CT scan (remember back to when I posted me being a radioactive Homer Simpson?). For those that aren't sure, I have an injection of a radiotracer which will show up any cells of concern in the CT scan they perform. The only part that worries me, is if the person jabbing me, messes it up and can't get the vein, like last time.
So, how am I feeling? OK, at the moment. My oncologist ran through the possibilities of the results;
- No cancer and see you in 3 months for the check up MRI scan,
- We're not sure so we'll put this action in place, or
- There's cancerous cells and we need to take a biopsy.
It's been a tough year for us all and I would like to, if I'm able, end it on a positive. On Saturday 14th November, I'm going to be streaming for 24 hours, playing a variety of computer games, to raise money for the place where I've been having my treatments. More details in that link. I will stress right now, appointments and treatments will take priority over this event. If that happens, I will re-arrange my fundraising event for another date and keep you all updated. I've set a very ambitious target of £2020, but any money raised will be worthwhile.
As always, stay safe and look after each other x x
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