Thank you.

I try to stay positive, and generally manage that. The last couple of days since the weekend though, I've been pretty low. Maybe I've moved to through the phase of getting used to treatment to being fed up with it, and also apprehensive about what's next, and the extent to which the treatment is working.

One day at a time, I guess.

How  have you been getting on with your scans? I hope all going OK and they've managed to find a way to make it all work for you. 

Thanku James, had my CT last week,  GP 2moro and Ultrasound next week... hoping for some answers either from the colorectal [CT following colonoscopy/biopsies]  or the mass at the top of my arm [ Ultrasound]... seeing GP to update him on my symptoms   pain is overwhelming...

I can only imagine your emotions at this time, it is part of the journey I understand from my cousin who is beginning radiotherapy in a couple of weeks.. 6 months of chemo followed by surgery and preparing for the next stage..

I'm sending positive vibes and very gentle hugs   to you and your family x

Hi Kate

Thinking of you too.

I'm doing really well, touch wood. I think the cumulative effect of chemo was evident for me in round 5 of 6. I've seen others mention this can happen. But to reassure anyone reading this, in my case at least, it still hasn't been too bad. I work full time and whilst I've had ti more of it from home, and im running at maybe 85% of my normal hours across any given fortnight, im still working. Main thin for me has been chemo side effects, roughly in order: fatigue and lethargy, headache, queasiness (but never actually feeling like id actually be sick), cold sensitivity. So, all in all, it's been a different kind of feeling unwell but not as bad as, say, flu.

One more round to go. Oncologists are confident. I have scans booked in a week or so, then on to next steps. Daunting but also quietly optimistic.

How are you doing, Kate? I hope they have some encouraging news for you from the CT, Ultrasound and biopsies, and soon come up with a treatment plan.

Morning James   so good to hear you are maintaining your positive mindset, invaluable ( in my opinion)  for anyone undergoing and experiencing health issues.. I'm a great believer in ' mind over matter' .. digging deep, finding our mental strength to take control and cope with the physical impact on our body...has stood me in great stead throughout my life, well done to you James

My CT scan results showed cysts on liver and kidney...watch and wait will be seen by my colorectal consultant, meanwhile symptoms remain the same...

Had my ultrasound on Tues now the referral will be implemented to Orthopedic consultant in regards to the mass at the top of my arm..

Saw GP 10 days ago as a follow up to my appt in March re bone pain. FBC and specific bloods taken along with urine protein test for light chains, he is concerned about ( possible) Myeloma... 

Bloods returned Vit D deficiency, so 4 month scrip Cholecalciferol then repeat unsurprised as I've been homebound since 2019 my ME causes severe light/heat sensitivity along with the physical imp t.. I had hoped the lack of daylight and sunshine would be supplemented by the past 40 years of from Aus and the Caribbean Islands but obviously not  I've used it all up

So, we soldier on my friend it is so good to hear from you and I hope that others reading your positive comments will take heart and strength 

Take care James, sending very best wishes xx

Thinking of you and sending

Hi Eastendgirl . I hope you've had more updates after your appointments a couple of weeks back and they have a plan coming together? How is it going.

 tangoPotter  how is your recovery going?

So, I've just finished various appointments. Whilst I am of course very daunted by next steps, I've had broadly encouraging news, so thank you all for your support.

After speaking to various medical professionals, I eventually got a clear picture. The 6 rounds of chemo I had have had a decent impact and reduced the tumour size, cleared it away from the resection margin, cleared out a bit of Emvi (where the tumour had just started getting into/through the bowel wall, and reduced the size of a nearby lymph node (which nobody can say for sure is affected or just reactive). So after initially being told id go on a standard path of radiotherapy, I'm now being advised to go straight to surgery in a bit under 3 weeks.

So, I understand it's good news, and maybe in a month they could confirm the tumour etc all gone. But I'm really nervous about the surgery, even though the surgeon has said thr various risks are all quite low percentages and usually treatable.

Im just hoping the surgery goes smoothly and I don't get any life changing adverse effects from it. Wish me luck!

Hi James, really good to hear from you and I am taking the positives from the advice and information you have been given from your Team.

The chemo ( although difficult) has achieved the results they hoped for..

It's natural to be concerned about any surgery and I always put my trust in those caring for me...

No life changing adverse effects for you, only positive and the road to recovery and healing is my wish for you  

Trust in those caring for you, be kind to yourself and concentrate on the better days ahead xx

Hi James. So good to hear from you. I was wondering how you was getting on  every thing you have been told sounds so positive to me   I can understand you feeling nervous about the surgery but you will be in good hands you just have to leave yourself in there care   Every thing sounds so positive James and I’m so happy for you things are all going in the right direction   I’m doing really well after my operation things really getting back to normal having the tumour out and having a resection to me was the best thing to happen I’m feeling really well and b m are nearly back to normal  I feel so happy to have this second chance of life and to feel normal again  I see my surgeon next Tuesday just a follow up and maybe a run down on what type of tumour this was  I’m under this five year thing where they keep an eye on you have blood tests every six month and a c t scan every eighteen month for the next five year  just hope no colonoscopy but if I have to then so be it. My thoughts James are constantly with you. Keep strong your nearly there   Lots of love to you x

Thanks Kate.

Trying to stay positive.

And rooting for you! Hope you have your plan soon.