2 years post treatment

 Hello friends!

I thought I'd give an update for any who are interested. Whether you're a friend or family member, or just come across this blog.

Today I had my follow up appointment having an MRI scan. The scan was a routine scan for two years post treatment. They looked into my pelvic area as well as where I have two insufficiency fractures, caused by radiotherapy. 

Unfortunately for me, these tiny fractures are causing me a bit of trouble. During the build up to Christmas 2021, from around late November / early December, I was experiencing some intense pain in my back. After having an MRI and DEXA scan to check my bone density, it looks like my tiny fractures are causing my pain. Some people have these and have no trouble whatsoever. Some experience small discomfort. I like to be a bit different and I experience pain that does effect me.

My recent MRI had a look at these and is starting to show they are slowly healing. This is great news, as I'm currently classed as Osteopenia (stage before osteoporosis). I've also been referred to the "late effects" clinic and the lovely consultant there has been getting me to try things out to improve my quality of life, including a couple of hydrotherapy sessions. I've also got a set of crutches, which I mainly use around the house. This helps relive some of the pressure and I can move myself about on them. I don't mind using them, but they're not really practical for work and the job I do.

I also still have a bit of trouble with my bowels. So she's got me on Bio-kult (sold in Boots, Sainsbury's and online) so help improve my guts, which should in turn help my bowels. The first week on them was good, then the really hot weather started and it all went a bit... funny. Speaking of which, I was also given this little card, to help me hopefully get access to a bog, in case I desperately need it, because it still sometimes happens. When I gotta go, I gotta go. If you see a brown trail, you know where to find me! Don't worry, it's not got that bad, yet!

I'm also still on HRT, which also helps with the bones. She's prescribed me liquid loperamide (think Imodium) in case I need it and also taking calcium and vitamin d. Not quite the rattling concoction I was having 2 years ago, but getting close.

I'm also pleased to say that after 2 years, I'm still cancer free! How could I almost forget to post that! There's still work to be done with the late effects of treatment, but I'm hopeful over time, things will improve and I won't have to think about where the nearest loo is, or if I can do that long walk without too much pain. I know I'm incredibly lucky that the treatment I received, the support I had and the glorious NHS saved my life. 

Please, please, please, if something doesn't seem quite right with any part of your body, get it checked out. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.