Some goodish news, but more tests needed.

Hi forum buddies,

I hope you don't mind if I have a bit of a rambling rant, but I'm just  back from the appointment to discuss the results of my last lung CT scan.

I only had the scan last Friday and was pleased that the requesting doctor (liver surgeon) was 'on the ball' and had sent a clinic appointment for today. (Turns out it was the specialist nurse who was actually on the ball with the appointment.)

Unfortunately, the doctor hadn't been able to meet with the radiographer before today's appointment so although he was 'reading' the report to me, he didn't seem as up to speed with information as he usually does!

The upshot was, there is still only one lung lesion, but it has doubled in size since the last scan back in May (still very small at 6mm.)

So next steps are an MRI of my liver to rule out any recurrence of cancer, another PET scan to see if the lung lesion is still 'hot' and that it is the only hotspot in my body and then an MDT meeting to discuss results and treatment options.

The liver doctor was talking chemotherapy again, but as I reminded him, I was intolerant to the mildest form I had last year!

He also said that the lung surgeons in this health authority region, are notoriously reluctant to do metastasised lung resections from primary colorectal cancer, but given my age he would argue my case and advise me to have it done. This of course, is all dependent on a clear liver scan and no other hotspots!

The specialist nurse was unavailable today, but she is going to ring me tomorrow, hopefully having arranged these two scans. (Hope she's on the ball there!)

As we left, the doctor did reassure me that the timescales involved wouldn't make any difference to my lung and to "try not to worry" and to "go and get on with your life."  I know what he meant, but once again, it's the age old 'waiting game' scenario!

I'm focussing on the positives that it's still only one lesion, but I think I'd stressed myself out so much before the appointment (worst case scenario mode!) I felt deflated rather than uplifted as I left the hospital.

(Apologies for any insensitivity in my rant, as I know many of you would do anything for this result!)

Rant over! Thank you for reading.

Love Jo xx

  • Hi Jo,

    I was so sorry to read that you are facing another op, however on a positive note sounds like you have a good consultant who will continue to operate to ensure the cancer continues to behave.  You have faced so much and remain so upbeat, you are truly inspirational.  Wishing you lots of luck and best wishes for your next treatment and please keep in touch.  Hope x

  • Oh Jo,

    I am sorry to hear about your latest problem. I love what you said about Beechers Brook and it just proves to me me that you still have that wonderful sense of humour even when you have just had bad news. Good for you Jo for I'm sure it helps. You know your forum buddies are wishing you well and are here for you just as you have been here for us

    Sending big hugs, Brian.

  • Morning Jo,

    Sorry I hadn't seen this thread earlier.

    Dissappointed, with you, that you have to have further unexpected surgery.

    As you say we advocate one step at a time but when new items are pushed into the agenda it seems rather unfair.

    So it's just a little hop over a hedge for you this time. Not anything too grand like Beeches brook. !!!! LOL.

    Your head sounds a very thoughtful person like yourself.

    I am glad she is there for you and obviously keeping an eye on you.

    Well I hope you get the op soon (and obviously half term would be convenient) and that it is easy to recover from.

    How's that lovely man of yours?

    And how's your little pup who no doubt is no longer little but no doubt still puppyish.

    Will be here for you whenever you need.

    Love and hugs

    Annabel. xx

  • Hey Jo

    Thanks for pointing me in the direction of this post  

    I am so sorry that you have new worries, i have to say that certainly for me, your positive attitude and humour has been an inspirationand i really hope that the current situation you find yourself in will be resolved in the shortest possible time.

    I also "ditto" the comments about your HT.  It is one less thing to stress about, knowing that work will tick along (although not as well as with you being there i'm sure   )

    Being a "coper" myself i can totally relate to you wanting a plan that you can work to, it helps to get your head around things doesnt it, but by the same token, take heed of the advice you have given to others and be kind to yourself, taking rest when you can. 

    Take care lovely lady

    Jayne x 

  • Hi Jo,

    Apologies, I've only just come across this thread. I was saddened to learn of your latest news and that you face another operation but as the others have said, you sound upbeat which goes a long way. I hope the operation goes as well as it can do and that you will pop on here when you can to let us know how you are doing. Glad to hear that your employers are supportive, however you sound like a saint for continuing with your work whilst you have other things on your mind but I suppose it's a good distraction too.

    Hope to hear from you soon Jo,

    Nicola xx

  • Hi Hope,

    Thank you for your continued support and kind words. Things are beginning to move as I've received an appointment for my pre-op assessment - the usual routine of swabs for MRSA, bloods, height, weight, many questions etc etc!

    I always seem to be able to answer 'No' to so many of the questions they ask  (do you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems? etc etc) and I'm always amused at the irony of how healthy I appear to be . . . on paper at least!

    I hope you and your family are well? Presumably, you and both your boys are well into the new academic term now?

    We've just one more week to go before half term - it's been a long 8 weeks, but as I mentioned in another post, my Head has really lightened my work load by relieving me of teaching. Though I really miss the children!

    Take care and we'll chat soon,

    Jo xx

  • Hi Brian,

    Thank you for the big hugs! I've been enjoying your Amazing Quotes each day. I don't always comment though, as these days, with being back at work, I seem to spend less time on the forum! Thankfully, half term is just a week away, so I will endeavour to 'catch up' with everyone!

    Wishing you and Mrs B a lovely weekend,

    hugs to you both, Jo xx

  • Hi Annabel,

    So lovely to see your post.

    My lovely man is being as lovely as ever! We went out for lunch today (my treat, giving him a day off from the kitchen, haha! )

    We worked out it was nearly a year since we'd been out for a meal - mainly due to my 'stoma anxieties' but I'm much more confident about it these days - good job, as I get to keep it for at least a few months more!

    Paddy the pup is pretty big now. I really hope he's stopped growing as he's certainly big enough as he is! He's still a very bad traveller and gets car sick when we take him anywhere! Not ideal as our families live 90 miles away!

    I hope you're ok and not overdoing things at the cottages!

    I'll PM you soon, but in the meantime, I'm off for a canter to get some training in for this next hurdle!

    Love and hugs to you, Jo xx

  • Hi Jayne,

    Thank you for seeking my thread out!

    I've just had the appointment through for the pre-op assessment (next Friday) so things are beginning to move. I feel more up to date at work now and I've tweaked all my lesson planning in readiness for the next supply teacher who is in for me after the holiday! It's actually been more of a headache than actually doing the teaching myself! Maybe I do tend to add too much detail for someone else to follow!

    I hope you're still getting stronger with each day. How are your fitness / fatigue levels now?

    Take care, Jo xx

  • Hi Nicola,

    No apology needed, it's lovely to hear from you. I had meant to respond on your thread. I see you've been back at work today! Hope it went well and didn't leave you too worn out or overwhelmed! That's how I remember feeling in the early days . . . tired and overwhelmed by the pace that others seemed to be working at while I was still taking baby steps!

    You'll soon find your natural rhythm again, but as always, take it steady and listen to that body of yours!

    I have found work a good distraction, but this latest round of health news has begun to fill my thoughts - good job half term is just a week away!

    My pre-op assessment is next Friday, so I'm hoping they may have an idea of when the op will be (if I haven't heard before then.)

    Once I get a date, I'm planning to be signed off from work for the week before so that I can ensure I'm germ and infection free - even though I'm not in the classroom these days, it's amazing how many children still love to share their coughs and sneezes with me! Haha!

    So many of my colleagues have already succumbed to the tummy bugs and colds that are doing the rounds - thankfully, I seem to have missed out. Maybe I shouldn't have said that!

    Have a good weekend, Nicola, and I'll follow your thread to see how things are going.

    Hugs to you, Jo xx