Jo,

Goodish news is far better than the alternative - so two cheers at least :-)

Good luck with the rest of your results :-)

Dave

x

HiJo

Sorry I missed the rant (we all feel better once its out) - been a bit slow on checking round the forum - big hugs with apologies.  Am pleased that you  now have dates to take things forward and think we all cope a little better when a plan is in place.  Take time out for yourself forum buddy as you give so much support to us all here. Jules x

Hi Jo,

Just letting you know I've been thinking about you and hope the scan went well last night.

Will be keeping things crossed for you to have positive results.

love and hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi everyone,

As always, a huge thank you for your supportive posts!

Annabel, last night's scan was fine - an hour later than scheduled, but fine!

I had only been saying to colleagues how this particular hospital always manages to keep to the appointment times given! Famous last words! A glitch with the computer system meant that the radiographers didn't know the types of scans each patient should be having (unless the patients had brought their letters with them!) Ah, technology   My partner had to shoot off home as he'd left a joint in the oven, supposedly to be enjoyed when we got home! Thankfully, he saved it in time and it was very welcome when we finally got in at 9.00

I asked when the results would be available and was advised it would be 10 to 14 days. I know the PET results from last week are already available (2 days after the scan) so it's a bit frustrating to know half the info is there!

Hey ho, there's plenty of things to sort out at work to keep me distracted!

Will keep you posted when I hear the results,

Love and hugs to you all, Jo xx

Good to hear you finally got your scan and dinner!!  Ahh  technology- amazing when it works, pain when it fails.  Glad work will keep you occupied pending results - such is the waiting game grr.

Having said that make sure you 'rest' as well.

I was amazed when went to hubby's GP this morning. We got there with a few minutes before due time (hubby not one for sitting around in waiting rooms and I laughingly said 'you never get seen on time anyway') and I had just planted my bot on seat (he had not even sat down) when doc appeared and called us in. First time for everything ha ha.

Thanks for your continuing support Jo, especially when you have so much going on yourself.  Chat again soon.Jules xx

Hi everyone,

Just back from the hospital for the latest scan results.

It would seem that the PET scan showed a new 'hotspot' in my abdomen. I had been experiencing some abdominal discomfort just recently, and when I discussed this with the surgeon today, that's where this new lesion is.

He wants to operate soon, but whatever he 'finds' when he operates, will determine whether he refers me on to the lung specialists. He explained that the PET scan only shows resolution of hotspots larger than 1cm so he can't be certain that he won't find further, smaller lesions. Once he's operated and determined whether the cancer is, in his words, 'behaving' or 'not behaving' he can decide about referral.

This op is relatively small compared to the last two I've had, so he doesn't anticipate a long hospital stay or even being on HDU this time

I hope to get a date through in a few days.

I feel remarkably calm about it all, but a bit dismayed that it's another hurdle to overcome before either the lung surgery or stoma reversal ops can go ahead!

But, as so many of you advocate, one step at a time!

Hugs to all you forum buddies,  Jo xx

Hi Jo

Thanks for your update though a shame you have to face another mini op before proceeding with other planned treatments.  How do you keep that wonderful sense of humour?  Sounds like your consultant is well on the ball and hopefully you will have a date through sooner rather than later so he can deal with the hotspot blighter. Did you ask for them to fit you in during half term break, I wonder?  Sorry you  have a small 'hedge' to jump before your next 'hurdles' but am sure you can win the race.  Sending load of virtual hugs.Jules x

Hi Jules,

Thanks for your kind words. I will confess to the sense of humour not always being apparent, but on the whole, I try to be upbeat . . .  I know how much this helps my nearest and dearest! It tends to be my partner who sees my melt downs though!

I hold on to the fact that today, the doctor said he would continue to offer (or refer me for)  any appropriate surgery as long as he is able to. (And as long as the biology of my cancers support surgery.) He says I'm not curable, but treatable.

It's fair to say I'm anxious about the next op because of the 'unknowns' that may be lurking, but fingers crossed it's just another little hedge and not Beecher's Brook!

As for dates, it would be great if it tied in with half term, but already, the Head has reduced my teaching commitments and allowed me to concentrate on the special needs aspects of my job (just as well as there have been recent amendments to the SEN guidelines and it means a few changes to get my head around!) I think the Head rightly anticipated that my head may be full of other things over the past few weeks. I'm so lucky in my workplace!

Thanks for your continued support and all those hugs, Jules.

Hugs returned to you, Jo xx

Morning Jo

It so helps when the workplace can be adaptive to your needs (I have been offered 6mths unpaid leave if I need it at anytime) and lovely that you have a sensible 'head' who reacts to your changing situation.  Keep hold of your 'treatable' status and.of course, anxiety is tobe expected (meltdowns too) but continuing love and support of family and friends (virtual buddies too) are alongside your journey (as is your ongoing support for people including myself on this forum).  Hope your medical team are able to keep you feeling comfortable with pain control  and I am happy to listen to any necessary 'offloading rant/ramble' to keep you company.

As you know our family situation is a little different so I rarely have a meltdown with the other half (though I wish he would release some of his feelings so I could offer comfort) but I too am lucky in having supportive children (we help each other), workmates (they have been the tissue providers on occasions) and a couple of really good mates (plus this unbelievable forum) to keep me 'on the level'.   We all know that there is nothing easy about dealing with illness but having others beside you helps with the coping mechanisms.  Take care and have a good day. hugs Jules x