Good Luck Jo. My thoughts are with you

Skye

Lovely forum buddies,

Thank you all for your good luck wishes. They boosted my morale no end

The X-ray went well. Thankfully the clinic was running on time and we were back home by 10.30! The consultant radiologist gave me a good indication that the surgery site was well sealed - no leaks!

I then had a call from the specialist liver nurse and she asked if I could attend an appointment this afternoon to get the CT scan results from last week.

So we hot footed it back across the city.

I was anticipating bad news (coping mode!) but this didn't help soften the blow of what I was told. The lung hotspots are cancer so I've now got to weigh up whether to have liver surgery or not as my life expectancy is 2 to 3 years and the surgery won't lengthen this time.

I can't write all the whys and wherefores at the moment as I'm struggling to take this in. My partner and I have some big decisions to make over the next few weeks. I know some of you may suggest a second opinion - and once I've got my head round it all, I'll probably do this!

Forgive me if I drop off the radar for a few days. I'll be thinking of you all though.

Much love to everyone, Jo xxxx

Jo

I'm so sorry to hear your latest news, what a dreadful blow for you and your family. I was so hoping for something better. You have supported me with just the right words when I needed help and I admire you greatly. I hope I can find the right words to support you too. Bless you my dear, take care.

Love Gina xx

Dear Jo,

I want to say something to help you but I just don't know how.  I am so sorry to read your latest blow, I'm wishing you strength and sending a virtual hug.  Your forum buddies will be here whenever you need us.  Hope xx

Oh Jo,

I am so sorry to read your latest news; you must be feeling devastated. As others have said, your friends will be thinking of you.

Take care Jo, sending you best wishes, Brian.

Jo,

I'm so sorry to hear this. This is such devastating news after all you've already had to cope with. You've been so strong and strong for me and others on this site too. Take your time to come to terms with this and we will all be waiting to support you in anyway that we can when you are ready to talk again.

Thinking of you always,

Nicola xx

Jo,

So sorry to hear your news.  Sending a bit cyber-hug your way.  Hope you hubby is giving you plenty of real ones.  Katielouie x

Hi lovely Forum Friends,

Wow! Thank you all so much for your wonderfully supportive messages. It's a real boost to read them and feel the support through cyber space.

Garf, I was thrilled to read news of your friend on your thread - great to hear some good news and thanks to you and the others who mentioned me on that thread too!

Well, I hope you all don't mind a group, semi-update.

I've kept a bit of a low profile over the past few days I've much to consider at the moment; this isn't helped by not having all the info and answers to my questions. Why do a hundred questions pour into your head the minute you step outside the consultation room?!

I've made another appt to see the specialist and it's come through for  Weds. I've also had an appt through for a pre-op assessment which is for tomorrow (Mon) so although I haven't made a concrete decision about the surgery, at least I'm 'in the system' and ready to go, if I decide to go ahead with the resection.

I also received a letter that I had been copied into, which informed my GP about my current situation. Seeing it in black and white seemed to clarify a few things (better that sitting in the doctor's room and hearing a load of jumbled words coming at me!)  so I have compiled my list of questions and I'm just waiting for Weds afternoon, when hopefully, more answers will be available and I will be able to decide which way I want to jump!

I spent a few days back in my hometown (Shrewsbury) and told my family where I'm upto! This has been something I've struggled with - telling those closest to me. I still haven't told my kids as they're both in the middle of exams - my son is sitting his finals, but he finishes next week, so a few more days of 'not knowing' isn't going to harm! Also, hopefully by then, I'll have the full picture on the health front, so I can tell them in one go.

Well, it's time to get up and take the pup out for a walk and then get ready for school next week - just hope I can remember where I left my pencil case and P.E. kit

Love and hugs to you all, and thanks again for your support - it really helps so much

And I will catch up with all your threads and respond individually asap!

Xxxxx

p.s. Gill, have I got it right that you're back to work tomorrow? If so, hope it all goes well and don't tire yourself out - little steps! Xx

Jo

Can't begin to imagine how you get your head around everything thats going on but suspect being a teacher you are good at planning.  Am sure you will be in a better position after Wednesday's appointment when you have your questions answered and can fully appreciate the need for you to time telling your kids what you need to.  As you know and can see the forum jumps in to save our 'emotional heads' and thanks for the update. Take care of 'you' and we are here to listen whenever you are ready to share.  Sending huge virtual hugs (but am sure the family are doing better) and hope the pup is helping the time pass - lovely day for a walk though I plan laziness in the back garden (free and not far to travel hah). Jules xx

Good morning Jo,

It was good to open the forum today and see your name at the top of the list. That puts you at the top of two lists today although since my list of stalkers has a total number of one you are always at the top of that one.  I understand what you mean about coming out of a meeting and then remembering all the questions you should have asked as I do it all the time at work.  As things come to my mind I write them down on a piece of paper so that I have them when the time comes.  Of course it's difficult to plan for things like losing said piece of paper!   My filing system at work is very simple! Anything I want or need is simply "in the office".

Anyway enough pointless rambling from me for one day I am just happy you didn't stay away too long which is further testament to your strength which really does help a lot of us here so, as Jules has already said, we are always here whenever you feel that strength waning.  In the meantime I will again keep my fingers crossed for you on Wednesday, just don't lose that piece of paper.

Sending best wishes as always.

Garf. xx

Hi Jo

So good to see your post.

We have all done it.  Walked out of the office and as you say thought of all the questions you should have asked.  Like most I made the mistake of not writing them down the first time but now if I have any I always write them down even if it is only one.  Hopefully you will get all the replies you need on Wednesday.

I can understand your reluctance to tell your children at present.  Given the pressure on them with exams I think you are vey wise to hold of telling them until these are out of the way and as you say things should be a bit clearer by then.  My daughter does not cope well with exams at the best of times and something like this would have wrecked her chances.  She has just done her first year exams at Uni and even though I am at the end of my treatment the Uni wanted all dates and everything of my diagnosis and treatment as they have said this will be taken into account in marking her exams - according to her they have to be nice to her!  It must have been difficult telling your family but it is something that has to be done.  I think there is nothing worse  for families that not knowing.

It is so sweet of you to remember that I am back to work tomorrow.  Given all that is going on it is something that I would expect to be in your mind at all.

Very best wishes.

Gill

P.S.  The pencil case and PE Kit are always in the last place you look!

Jo

Like Garf I was so pleased to see your thread appear, it's good to hear from you again. I can only echo the sentiments of Jules. Garf and Gill, who have said exactly the things that I was thinking as I read your post.

You sound so composed Jo, and it's lovely to see your cheeky sense of humour still shining through! You seem to be dealing with things in such a considered way, and as you say, you will be better informed again when you see the specialist this week.

I'd like to wish you good luck for this week too Gill, if I may. I'm also back to work on Tuesday after six months off - part time as I am juggling my return with the radiotherapy appointments through June. I hope it goes well for you, go steady.

I hope this good weather keeps up! lovely to see a bit of sunshine here in the Midlands today.

Love Gina xx

Jo

Like Garf I was so pleased to see your thread appear, it's good to hear from you again. I can only echo the sentiments of Jules. Garf and Gill, who have said exactly the things that I was thinking as I read your post.

You sound so composed Jo, and it's lovely to see your cheeky sense of humour still shining through! You seem to be dealing with things in such a considered way, and as you say, you will be better informed again when you see the specialist this week.

I'd like to wish you good luck for this week too Gill, if I may. I'm also back to work on Tuesday after six months off - part time as I am juggling my return with the radiotherapy appointments through June. I hope it goes well for you, go steady.

I hope this good weather keeps up! lovely to see a bit of sunshine here in the Midlands today.

Love Gina xx

Hi Gina

Many thanks for your good wishes.  Back at work this morning but not much actual work done as most of it was spent going through over 3,000 emails and deleting most of them and with people coming up and asking me if I am ok.

Like you I am just doing part time to begin with and will gradually build up.

Good luck for tomorrow.

Gill

Hi Jules, Garf, Gill and Gina,

As always, riding to the rescue with supportive words!

Jules, the virtual, supportive hugs are most welcome, thank you! I hope your day of laziness in the garden was all you wished for! Your book reading prowess puts me to shame! I don't think I've read a book since my post surgical recovery last September!

(Will be thinking about you tomorrow)

Garf, your 'filing system' made me chuckle! I'm quite organised on that front, but I'm a bit of a hopeless case when it comes to keys!

Gill, I took your advice and looked in the last place and you were right, there was my PE kit! glad your first day back was ok, though a bit of an email fest by all accounts!

Gina, good luck with your return to work. Hope you and Gill remember to pace yourselves and not try to run before you can walk!

Thanks again for your continued support - will let you know more after Wednesday's appointment - think I'll put that list of questions by the front door with my keys

Hugs to all and have a good week xxxx

Hi Jo

We are all here on this forum to support each other and its good to give (as well as take) when the need arises.  Have just 'written a small book' on updating my own thread (no wonder hubby thinks I talk too much).  Wishing you all the best for your next appointment and do update us when you have the energy.  In the meantime sending more hugs virtually and here to listen whenever you want to share. Jules x

Hi Jo

Like you I tend to be quite organised and usually know where most things are.  I always keep my keys in the same place so I do not lose them.

Having worked for someone many years ago who operated the same filing system as Garf I can attest that it is a pain in the butt.  Every few weeks we would have to move him out of his office and sort through everything file a lot of stuff, deal with other stuff and finally get rid of what was just rubbish (and yes there was a lot of it).  Wasted so much time.

Have been taking it fairly easy today and will do so tomorrow at work.  Do not think I will have much choice with all my colleagues checking up on me every few minutes.  Did not feel particularly tired yesterday afternoon nor so far today but am being sensible about this.

Virtual hugs coming your way.

Gill

Jo, Thanks for your Pm,

Will be thinking of you tomorrow and will chat afterwards.

Love and hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Jo

Hope the appointment went ok today and that you got all your questions answered.

Best wishes.

Gill

Hi everyone,

Well, yesterday's appointment with the liver specialist went really well.

I was armed with questions, the first being what having the surgery would mean to my life expectancy.

He assured me that although he couldn't give any firm timescales, by having the op, my chances of surviving longer than 2 to 3 years would be increased.

So, how come both my partner and I had come out of the last consultation only having heard the worst case scenario??

Anyway, with everything clarified, I immediately felt more confident about going ahead with the liver resection.

He explained that I would be re-scanned in 4 months time and the lesion in my lung would also be scanned at this time and a decision made about having that resected too!

We talked about ablation and he agreed that this was also an option, but he felt that a resection was the better choice for me.

I asked when the operation could happen (I've already had the pre-op assessment!) and he rang his secretary to find out - and guess what, I'm down for Friday 13th June! Am I superstitious? Mmmm!

He told me that as he is a Muslim, Friday is his Holy Day. 13 is also his lucky number!

So, that gives me a week to leave my desk sorted and tie up a few loose ends and I'll be slipping into the glamorous gown and sexy surgical stockings once again! I need to arrive at the hospital at 7am and hope there is a HDU bed available, otherwise surgery will be postponed or cancelled!

I've told my kids that I'm due to have the op and will explain the 'finer points' of it all in due course!

The phrase "I'm looking forward to it" isn't quite accurate, but I do feel an element of relief that things are moving again!

Thanks everyone for your kind wishes - I feel that it's been 'all about me' and I've not been very attentive of late, to your problems! Sorry - 'Could try harder' springs to mind hehe! No gold stars for me!

Much love to all, Jo xx

Hi Jo

Pleased to read that your appointment went well and that you got answers to all of your questions.

The news certainly sounds fairly good although I can understand why you only remember to the worst case scenario.  I am not superstitious but would have to think about an operation on Friday 13 June but since your consultant is a Muslim and his holy day is Friday and his lucky number is 13 you cant really go wrong.

The gowns and surgical stockings are just so glamourous I am suprised there is no fashion show just for these.  Perhaps that fact that no-one wants to wear them and the audience would fall about laughing might have something to do with it.  It is definitely a case of one size does not fit all.

It is so wonderful that your sense of humour has not deserted you.

Gold stars are definitely due to you.  With what you are going through it would not be surprising if it were all about you but you have given so much that once in a while you are entitled.

Fingers crossed for Friday 13 and virtual hugs.

Gill

Hi Gill,

Hey, top marks should be coming to you for all the support you offer on here!!

Your comments about the gowns and stockings made me laugh!

Definitely the one size does not fit all! I'm a short, skinny thing and yet I'm offered the same garb that would be offered to my hulking great partner!

Maxi on me, mini on him!

I hope you're not too weary from work this week. The weekend weather forecast looks hopeful, so I hope you've got some plans to recharge the batteries and pamper yourself!

Forgive my numpty brain, but has your chemo finished now, or are you coping with work and the last few sessions of chemo too?

(I need to do some serious, forum friend, catch up reading this weekend!!!)

Thanks for the virtual hugs, sending you some back

Jo xx

Hi Jo,

Please don't feel it's been all about you recently. In the past you have been so supportive of everyone else well now it's our turn to help support you. Glad you now have been given information regarding treatment options. I wish you good luck for Friday 13th.

Take care ,hugs, Brian.