It has been confirmed today that I do not have secondary cancer. The biopsy of the abdomen did not show anything malignant.
Just to re-iterate; secondary cancer is technically referred to as a Metastasis and refers to a cancer spreading from one organ to another. The transport happens via the body's lymph.
The key issue is that surgery was not an option had the biopsy shown evidence of secondary cancer. The outlook would have been bleak, but now that both of the doubtful sites (liver and abdomen) are clear it's likely to be no worse than a fortnight in the chalets at Butlins.
The route from here seems as follows:
I will have an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure at the Royal Marsden Fulham on 19th March (I was advised today). This procedure will confirm not just the length but the depth of the tumour - the length of the tumour has been known since the original endoscopy to test for ulcers and coeliac disease.
The following week (beginning the 22nd) I will meet with the team to discuss the results. The size of the tumour is important because it will determine the number of chemotherapy cycles I will have before the operation. The initial suggestion was 3 cycles, but this could be increased to as many as 6 cycles. The point is to reduce the tumour as much as possible to reduce the severity of the operation.
I have been advised that chemotherapy is likely to start at the end of the week commencing 22nd March or the beginning of the week commencing 29th March.
Naturally, I am happy that I don't have secondary cancer. I am, however, nervous about the length of time until the endoscopic ultrasound as I would rather we got on with the healing rather than the diagnostic process. When discussing the situation this morning with my case nurse she pointed out that if the cancer was able to metastasise in the meantime then they would probably not be able to contain the disease anyway.
Before today's news I was intending to post an article about the changes I am making and about getting the best out of the chemotherapy. I will post my thoughts this evening as this really is the next stage. There is research for me to do on the clinical trial but it is now time to focus on how I get my body to the operating table in the best possible frame. I feel that to be the primary factor in how my recovery shapes up.
Most importantly, assuming that I make it through this process I want to come out with the best opportunity of avoiding any future relapse. Right now I, and my close circle, are living in a shadow. I want there to be sunlight at the end of the journey.
I think I have finally managed to break through my technology phobia and am now leaving a comment. I read your blog daily and am pleased to read todays findings.
ReplyDeleteI now need to leave a message regarding the serious matter of televison screens ( you now know who I am I would imagine)The bigger the better - will measure my screen soon for us to compare and discuss your future and essential purchase.
Hi "Teach", yes I know who you are :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see that I am having a healing effect on peoples' technophobia. Even my mam has gone out and bought a laptop - apparently she's found the "on" switch too.
I think that you are right to put today's news into context when there are more important issues afoot.
Generally, I would agree with your "bigger the better" philosophy. Just so long as Kitten doesn't walk in the bedroom and say "Oh my god" then I will know that the aesthetics are right.
Sometimes it is better to opt for quality rather than size though i.e. perhaps a Sony rather than an LG. So many choices, such a small window of opportunity!
Did you have a view on the Budweiser mini-bar? The unfortunate thing there is that as Kitten and I both drink red, I couldn't convince her that it is for chilling white wine.
Regards and keep up the training.
Hi
ReplyDeleteThat is the best possible news, We are both pleased that there are no secondaries.