Hi James...really good to hear that you had such an encouraging meeting today.. in regards to the Pic line...you've got this  all part of the big plan and the beginning of better days ahead.. I think you are absolutely right,  once there is a plan, it provides focus..

One step at a time and the most important thing is: #positive thinking 

Stay strong,  sending gentle hugs x

James4000 hi James hope things are going ok for you  I have to have a test for my breathing which I think my surgeon said would be a exercise bike for 30 mins  just hope I can do as I have asthma  then I need my bloody doing again as there on the border line. Might need an iron infusion before the op  then maybe the op a couple of weeks after. Bowel prep again before the op  how lovely. lol  we got this James  always here if you need to vent. I have got eastendgirl as a amazing friend  she is there for every one who needs to talk and she is so caring xx

Hi tangoPotter and James4000...

Thanku tango for your kind words, care,support and understanding are vital for us all...a listening ear, a [virtual]  hand to hold...can help each of us..

Thinking of you both and everyone on this journey ️

Hi Tango

Hope all goes well with the breathing test for you. It's probably good that they're moving towards surgery for you soon. Hopefully a good sign in that they don't feel they need to do chemo first.

I'm doing OK. I have a lot happening very quickly now, which is a bit overwhelming. I have 3 appointments this week: another MRI as the radiologist at the 2nd hospital isn't satisfied with the scan (though the staff said it wasn't anything to worry about); then an ultrasound, as they want to check my throat (they said it's most likely nothing, but need to rule everything out - oh joy, please not any spread); then on Friday I have an appointment with the chemo team to do all the tests, prepare everything etc before starting treatment.

It has all been moving along well and rather reassuring, but this week already feels hugely daunting, as I'm worried they could now find complications. Can't get ahead of myself, but it is a lot happening very quickly, 3 appointments in 4 days on various different things, at 3 different locations.

Hi James4000... taking one day, one step at a time is essential for your wellbeing.. thinking about 3 appts, 3 locations within 4 days is overwhelming.. for anyone...

Be kind to yourself and concentrate on the fact that it's  'moving along well and rather reassuring '...your words xx

Hi James4000 and tangoPotter..

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.. hopefully this week has not been too overwhelming James4000 and that you will receive positive news from your tests  ️

Thank you. Thinking of you too. I'm grateful for having met such lovely people on here.

I'm doing OK. Yesterday went well and was very encouraging news. Today, objectively probably fine (and ultrasound and small samples on some nodes elsewhere (neck/throat), which they think are nothing but have to check) but I didn't cope well. Hopefully past that now, but will see what they come back with- really hoping for no further complications, though 2 Oncologists have said its almost certainly nothing.

Friday is the pre-treatment meeting for chemo. Will no doubt be info overload. I'm so lucky my wife is very involved and supportive. It helps to have someone else to absorb all the information (along with many other things).

I shared news of my diagnosis with a handful of other friends and colleagues, which I always find hard, as I'm quite a private person in a lot of ways. But it has helped.

How are things looking for your next steps, Tango?

And Eastend, any update on your appointment or still in the waiting game for now?

Hi @anon365 

Have you been given a date for your colonoscopy yet?

Hoping that they'll find another cause and quickly identify the right treatment for you. If the news is not as positive, please do know that many of us have gone through this and whilst it is of course scary and at times overwhelming, there is often a huge amount that the medical professionals can do.

Morning James4000...well done to you on getting thru  the additional hurdles.. the past few days, the additional biopsies, so much information from various sources ... so glad you have such great support from your Wife. Overwhelming for her too but giving her love, support and care to you makes such a difference.  Well done for sharing your diagnosis with those close to you, not only an added support for you but another layer of understanding for your Wife..

Friday will be info overload, I'm sure, but being able to absorb and discuss it,  will hopefully ease the burden...even if only a little..

Still the waiting game for me, I spoke to the Medical secretary to the Colorectal consultant a couple of weeks ago.  Report is back from pathology,  now waiting for it to be seen and a letter or [possibly] phone call.  I will be patient,  the secretary is so helpful and caring, I see no point in calling her again, the department is terribly overstretched and there will be many others seeking a diagnosis...

Be thinking of you tomorrow, sending support and care  x