Well it feels a little strange - just waiting for the start of chemo. I am walking for over an hour each day and keeping very busy doing social stuff with friends and enjoying a spell of summer weather and watching Wimbledon.
On Wednesday 1 July it will be 6 weeks after the operation and I will be able to lift heavy weights (like a golf bag) and start high impact exercise (keep fit classes with a room full of young women in leotards - well some-one has to do it!).
I will have a week to start playing golf and keeping fit before Wednesday 8 July when I am due back in the hospital to have a "central venous catheta" inserted in my chest near my shoulder bone. This is a small pipe that runs into a vein and is inserted under a local anesthetic. This will stay in for 6 months and will be the pipe through which the chemicals are pumped and (I think) all the blood samples are taken - so not many too many needles!!
Then on Thursday 9 July I go back into hospital and they will connect up a pump with a reservoir of drugs and send me home for 2 days while the drugs drip feed into my body. I then return to the hospital on the Saturday to have the pump removed.
This will be the first of 12 cycles of treatment and we will have to see how we go with any side-effects.
I will post more news after the 8 July.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Saturday, 20 June 2009
6 months of chemo to start in July
Yesterday we went to see Charles Wilson, the oncologist, to discuss my chemo treatment.
He offered a choice of two programmes: one involving a 3 week cycle comprising tablets and injections and the other was for a 2 week cycle which involved the fitting of a permanent line in my chest connected to a vein through which a drug is pumped for 2 days every 2 weeks.
He said that the side-effects vary but most people had about 5 consecutive days of feeling yuck every 3 weeks compared with 2 days of yuck every 2 weeks. So we decided to go for the 2 week programme which we thought would less disruptive and easier to plan my golf!!
The start has to be delayed for 2 weeks to allow my wound to heal up. The good news is that it has stopped leaking and so the wound just needs to seal up (granulate). Then in early July I will have the "central line" (a small plastic pipe) inserted into a vein near my collarbone which will stay in for the 6 month treatment.
I will then be rigged up with a small electric pump (on a belt/holster) which will have the drugs in it which is connected to the line. I can then go home and the pump drip feeds the drug over the next 48 hours. I then go back to the hospital to have the pump removed. This is then repeated every 2 weeks. The doctor said that I will be trained to remove the pump myself so eventually I will only have to visit the hospital once every 2 weeks. So with some clever diary planning I should be able to put together a reasonable social life, keep fit and golf!
The side effects when listed look scary - but most people have very few or none of them.
The most common side-effects are: lower resistance to infection (from within - not from others), tingling in the hands, tiredness, hair becoming thinner (hair loss is very rare), sore mouth, taste changes (red wine could taste like mud), diarrhoea , itchy skin.
For those who want to the know the treatment in more detail I will be having the OxMdG treatment as detailed on the web-site page on the link below:
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Combinationregimen/Oxaliplatin5FU
Yesterday we went to a wedding service at St Mary's Church at 3 pm - then drove to Cambridge for the appointment with the doctor - then drove back to Mepal for the reception - we just missed out on the soup - but had mains and dessert. It was a lovely wedding in a tent (no I did not loiter). There was plenty of food, dancing and wine. And yes I had a few glasses! We left about midnight - we had a great time.
He offered a choice of two programmes: one involving a 3 week cycle comprising tablets and injections and the other was for a 2 week cycle which involved the fitting of a permanent line in my chest connected to a vein through which a drug is pumped for 2 days every 2 weeks.
He said that the side-effects vary but most people had about 5 consecutive days of feeling yuck every 3 weeks compared with 2 days of yuck every 2 weeks. So we decided to go for the 2 week programme which we thought would less disruptive and easier to plan my golf!!
The start has to be delayed for 2 weeks to allow my wound to heal up. The good news is that it has stopped leaking and so the wound just needs to seal up (granulate). Then in early July I will have the "central line" (a small plastic pipe) inserted into a vein near my collarbone which will stay in for the 6 month treatment.
I will then be rigged up with a small electric pump (on a belt/holster) which will have the drugs in it which is connected to the line. I can then go home and the pump drip feeds the drug over the next 48 hours. I then go back to the hospital to have the pump removed. This is then repeated every 2 weeks. The doctor said that I will be trained to remove the pump myself so eventually I will only have to visit the hospital once every 2 weeks. So with some clever diary planning I should be able to put together a reasonable social life, keep fit and golf!
The side effects when listed look scary - but most people have very few or none of them.
The most common side-effects are: lower resistance to infection (from within - not from others), tingling in the hands, tiredness, hair becoming thinner (hair loss is very rare), sore mouth, taste changes (red wine could taste like mud), diarrhoea , itchy skin.
For those who want to the know the treatment in more detail I will be having the OxMdG treatment as detailed on the web-site page on the link below:
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Combinationregimen/Oxaliplatin5FU
Yesterday we went to a wedding service at St Mary's Church at 3 pm - then drove to Cambridge for the appointment with the doctor - then drove back to Mepal for the reception - we just missed out on the soup - but had mains and dessert. It was a lovely wedding in a tent (no I did not loiter). There was plenty of food, dancing and wine. And yes I had a few glasses! We left about midnight - we had a great time.
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Race for Life - my girls do me Proud!
On a glorious sunny day in Cambridge, Jane, Anna and Charlotte completed the 5 km (3.3 miles) and raised over £600 for Cancer Research UK. Over 4,000 ladies took part - it was quite a spectacle!
Charlotte and Anna walked and ran the event but fit Jane ran it all (despite the heat) and completed the route in a 30 minutes and 30 seconds - a record!
To see more photos taken today just click the link below and then click on "Slide Show" button.
Thursday, 11 June 2009
I Can Drive!!
We went to see Mr Miller today - the surgeon who did my operation. He gave me the all clear to drive immediately and he also said that I can start doing normal exercise in another 3 weeks - (6 weeks after the operation.)
This is great news! - Getting my life back together.
On Friday 19 June I will see Charlie Wilson, the oncologist, who will plan my chemotherapy. Mr Miller said that he may well offer me some choices - for example - pills or intravenus - also strength of dose versus duration - eg higher dose over 3 months or lower dose over 6 months. We will have to see.
In the mean time - I can drive and then in 3 weeks time I can do some REAL DRIVING - yes you've guessed - hitting a little white ball until it disappears down a hole!
This is great news! - Getting my life back together.
On Friday 19 June I will see Charlie Wilson, the oncologist, who will plan my chemotherapy. Mr Miller said that he may well offer me some choices - for example - pills or intravenus - also strength of dose versus duration - eg higher dose over 3 months or lower dose over 6 months. We will have to see.
In the mean time - I can drive and then in 3 weeks time I can do some REAL DRIVING - yes you've guessed - hitting a little white ball until it disappears down a hole!
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Monday, 8 June 2009
Jane Runs Race for Life
On Sunday 14 June, Jane will be running in the Tesco 5 km "Race for Life" to raise money for Cancer Research UK. This will be the 4th year running that she has entered and on most occasions she has just managed to run it without stopping! Anna is also running - it is her 3rd year.
Jane would be grateful for any sponsership donations that you might wish to give. It is very easy to do - just follow the instructions on her sponsership website:
www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/janewilliams14
Many thanks
Jane would be grateful for any sponsership donations that you might wish to give. It is very easy to do - just follow the instructions on her sponsership website:
www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/janewilliams14
Many thanks
Doctors Appointments
This morning we heard that my first appointment with Charles Wilson, the oncologist (chemo wizard) is to be on Friday 19 June at 5 pm. We should then learn the type and duration of my chemo.
Also I have a follow up appointment with Richard Miller (the cancer colon specialist who operated on me) this Thursday 11 June at 5.15 pm. This will be an opportunity to find out when I am allowed to drive again and lift weights (eg a set of golf clubs).
The District Nurse came today to massage my tummy. I am still leaking but the "hole" has now transformed into a 30 mm long gorge about 4 mm wide and 7 mm deep - much easier to tend and treat. There is no infection - just a slow healing process.
Anna found a website called www.cancerbuddiesnetwork.org which I have now signed up for. An online support group for cancer sufferers and carers - it looks a really good site,
Also I have a follow up appointment with Richard Miller (the cancer colon specialist who operated on me) this Thursday 11 June at 5.15 pm. This will be an opportunity to find out when I am allowed to drive again and lift weights (eg a set of golf clubs).
The District Nurse came today to massage my tummy. I am still leaking but the "hole" has now transformed into a 30 mm long gorge about 4 mm wide and 7 mm deep - much easier to tend and treat. There is no infection - just a slow healing process.
Anna found a website called www.cancerbuddiesnetwork.org which I have now signed up for. An online support group for cancer sufferers and carers - it looks a really good site,
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Waiting for Chemo - a quiet period
Not a lot to report - so my postings will be more sporadic - only to report the newsworthy stuff.
Yesterday, Jane and I went for a walk - I managed 30 minutes of brisk exercise - and then we went for tea and a cherry scone at a garden centre. I have lost some weight - so I am in the delightful position of being able to succomb to my gluttony!
The District Nurse came yesterday and today to change my bandage. Today she got her special probing stick which had measures on it. Seemingly by "hole" is 1.5 cm deep and then runs horizontally towards my belly button for about 4 cm. So seemingly quite a large cavity to heal up - it could take one or two weeks. She shoved in some more seaweed and put a fresh bandage on.
It is now planned for a District Nurse to visit every day for the forseeable future until my hole mends.
I would expect that we should receive a letter for an appointment with the oncologist in the next few days. I will do a new posting then.
Best wishes to all my followers.
Yesterday, Jane and I went for a walk - I managed 30 minutes of brisk exercise - and then we went for tea and a cherry scone at a garden centre. I have lost some weight - so I am in the delightful position of being able to succomb to my gluttony!
The District Nurse came yesterday and today to change my bandage. Today she got her special probing stick which had measures on it. Seemingly by "hole" is 1.5 cm deep and then runs horizontally towards my belly button for about 4 cm. So seemingly quite a large cavity to heal up - it could take one or two weeks. She shoved in some more seaweed and put a fresh bandage on.
It is now planned for a District Nurse to visit every day for the forseeable future until my hole mends.
I would expect that we should receive a letter for an appointment with the oncologist in the next few days. I will do a new posting then.
Best wishes to all my followers.
Friday, 5 June 2009
Getting Stronger
Today I found that I was walking at normal speed and my stamina is returning faster than I thought. I am eating well and feeling so much better.
My stupid wound is still leaking and it is now arranged for a District Nurse to visit Saturday and Sunday to change the dressing. The lengths I go to arrange for pretty nurses to massage my tummy!
Jane and I went into Ely today and Cambridge this afternoon. I still cannot drive. I will have to seek advice as to exactly when I can resume driving as it is annoying having to rely on others.
My stupid wound is still leaking and it is now arranged for a District Nurse to visit Saturday and Sunday to change the dressing. The lengths I go to arrange for pretty nurses to massage my tummy!
Jane and I went into Ely today and Cambridge this afternoon. I still cannot drive. I will have to seek advice as to exactly when I can resume driving as it is annoying having to rely on others.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Chemo - another challenge
The consultant rang at 6 pm to say that the histology report confirmed that I have Dukes C cancer. This means that the cancer has spread into some lymph glands in the section of colon that was cut out. So there is a risk of cancer cells being spread elsewhere in my body and therefore chemotherapy is required to kill off these rogue cells.
I have to wait until my wound heals before I can start the chemo programme - perhaps 2 to 3 weeks. The chemo could last up to 12 months but 3 to 6 months may be more the norm. My consultant has referred me on to Charles Wilson, the oncologist, who is the chemo expert. He will call me in for my first appointment to discuss the way forward presumably in a week or so.
All a bit of shock, but it is just a matter of getting used to the new challenge ahead.
For those who wish to learn more there is a web site which is very good and easy to read.
I list below a number of links:
General introduction: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2786
Top Menu: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/menuforthistopic.asp?page=2786
What is Dukes C: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=5912
Chemo for Dukes C: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2930
A Chemo Success Story: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=42780
In the short term my stupid wound is still leaking serous fluid. I went to the nurse yet again today to have the hole plugged and a new dressing put on. I have an appointment tomorrow and arrangements are in hand for the District Nurse to visit me on Saturday and Sunday to change the dressing. I have made further daily appointments for all of next week.
On a plus note I have felt even stronger today and this afternoon Jane and I drove down to the river in Ely and we went for a short walk and then had tea at The Maltings. I coped well and wasn't very tired at all.
I have to wait until my wound heals before I can start the chemo programme - perhaps 2 to 3 weeks. The chemo could last up to 12 months but 3 to 6 months may be more the norm. My consultant has referred me on to Charles Wilson, the oncologist, who is the chemo expert. He will call me in for my first appointment to discuss the way forward presumably in a week or so.
All a bit of shock, but it is just a matter of getting used to the new challenge ahead.
For those who wish to learn more there is a web site which is very good and easy to read.
I list below a number of links:
General introduction: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2786
Top Menu: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/menuforthistopic.asp?page=2786
What is Dukes C: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=5912
Chemo for Dukes C: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2930
A Chemo Success Story: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=42780
In the short term my stupid wound is still leaking serous fluid. I went to the nurse yet again today to have the hole plugged and a new dressing put on. I have an appointment tomorrow and arrangements are in hand for the District Nurse to visit me on Saturday and Sunday to change the dressing. I have made further daily appointments for all of next week.
On a plus note I have felt even stronger today and this afternoon Jane and I drove down to the river in Ely and we went for a short walk and then had tea at The Maltings. I coped well and wasn't very tired at all.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
An even better day
Because the good news:
- I finished a crossword without cheating.
- Jane was working and Don came round and entertained me.
- We went into Ely and I walked (without getting too tired) into Argos to buy a new wireless router
- I went to the surgery and the nurse changed the dressing - the infection looks as though it has gone. She clogged up the hole with seaweed (no joke) and put a smaller dressing on
- Lorna came around to deliver my missing dressing gown and slippers from the hospital (a long story)
- I stopped taking my painkillers (paracetamol) with no problems (so far)
- The window cleaner is coming tomorrow (so??). Well a bulb went in the eave floodlight and I am in no state to climb ladders - but (cunning plan) get the window cleaner to do it!
Marginally bad news:
- I tried to rig up the new router but it didn't work - I will take it back
- Still await news about the histology report about whether or not I will need chemo.
- The sunshine has gone - cloudier and cooler - was that the summer over?
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
You cannot be serious
It has been a quiet day and I have felt stronger. Jane was called in to teach and so this morning my good friend Chris, drove me to the local surgery to have my wound redressed - it is was still leaking a little.
The nurse said that the fluid was only serous and not nasty stuff like before.
I said, you cannot be serious, when you called it serous.
But she was right: "In physiology, the term serous fluid is used for the various bodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and transparent, and of a benign nature, that fill the inside of body cavities."
Of course it would be so predictable of me to make some further humerus (bone in the arm) comment just for cheap laughs - or just to mention the funny bone (a point on the elbow near the ulnar nerve) - so I won't!
Don joined me for lunch and we played sequence - a good day.
The nurse said that the fluid was only serous and not nasty stuff like before.
I said, you cannot be serious, when you called it serous.
But she was right: "In physiology, the term serous fluid is used for the various bodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and transparent, and of a benign nature, that fill the inside of body cavities."
Of course it would be so predictable of me to make some further humerus (bone in the arm) comment just for cheap laughs - or just to mention the funny bone (a point on the elbow near the ulnar nerve) - so I won't!
Don joined me for lunch and we played sequence - a good day.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Movements Galore!!
I am relieved to report that action took place down stairs at 8 pm last night and again this morning.
I appreciate that some of you maybe totally browned off with the whole sordid detail of this aspect of my recovery.
I now promise not to refer to this matter again.
I appreciate that some of you maybe totally browned off with the whole sordid detail of this aspect of my recovery.
I now promise not to refer to this matter again.
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