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.