Well guys didn't get much TV time in last night after all. By 7.00 I felt realy tired and a bit sick so headed to bed and slept till 7.00 this morning - lazy bones Redfern!
Not too many side effect so far just an extreme sensitivity to cold. Like a plonker I went to put the bins out frst thing and ended up will terrible pins and needles in my fingers and face and my throat closed up. They did warn me - typical, if there's a 'wet paint' sign I'll always touch it to make sure. I'm OK now - just tired.
Had some great encouraging phone calls again today from my mum and dad, Ellen from Church and Liz Owen whose husband is not well either at the moment. I've been blown away by how kind everyone is. Also got 5 more cards today from churches and friends. Thanks everyone!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Pink Wee!
So off to the Primrose Unit for my first intravenous chemo today. I had to go at 9.00for blood tests which were fine. This is good news; my body has taken the first week of chemo tablets (Capecitabine) without any real side effects apart from the squits and feeling tired.
They mix the chemo up separately for each patient so I couldn't start till about 11.30.
First of all they give you the anti sickness drug which, for some bizarre totally inexplicable reason makes your balls itch for a few minutes. Why? I have no idea! Descried to me as a 'warm feeling' sadly felt more like having crabs (not that I'd know you understand).
I then received two types of chemo. The first was Oxaliplatin which comes through a drip over a couple of hours. The second is Epirubicin which is an injection of raspberry jam coloured stuff. The staff at Primrose are brill, they explain all the side effects some of which start straight away. As the stuff is going in your arm really aches. They give you a hot wheat bag which helps. So far I've noticed pink wee - like eating too much beetroot, tingling in my fingers and lips, and an extreme sensitivity to cold;touching anything even vaguely cold gives you what feels like a small electric shock. I've been told to expect cracked hands and feet and hair loss.
What is really odd is that I still don't feel ill. Strange: yes (nothing new there), tired: certainly (I'm 42 after all) but not ill. Keep praying it stays that way.
Next visit to the unit is on Feb 19th to have a PICC line inserted. This stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. This is a long, thin, flexible tube which goes into one of the large veins in my arm near your elbow bend. It is pushed into the vein until the tip sits in a large vein near your heart. Because I've got so much chemo coming and need so many blood tests my veins could begin to really suffer. This is a permanent drip line and makes life much easier. Also very handy for direct gin & tonic hook-ups.
Well, I'm under strict instructions to take it easy tonight so off to watch trashy TV now. God bless and thanks for your support!
They mix the chemo up separately for each patient so I couldn't start till about 11.30.
First of all they give you the anti sickness drug which, for some bizarre totally inexplicable reason makes your balls itch for a few minutes. Why? I have no idea! Descried to me as a 'warm feeling' sadly felt more like having crabs (not that I'd know you understand).
I then received two types of chemo. The first was Oxaliplatin which comes through a drip over a couple of hours. The second is Epirubicin which is an injection of raspberry jam coloured stuff. The staff at Primrose are brill, they explain all the side effects some of which start straight away. As the stuff is going in your arm really aches. They give you a hot wheat bag which helps. So far I've noticed pink wee - like eating too much beetroot, tingling in my fingers and lips, and an extreme sensitivity to cold;touching anything even vaguely cold gives you what feels like a small electric shock. I've been told to expect cracked hands and feet and hair loss.
What is really odd is that I still don't feel ill. Strange: yes (nothing new there), tired: certainly (I'm 42 after all) but not ill. Keep praying it stays that way.
Next visit to the unit is on Feb 19th to have a PICC line inserted. This stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. This is a long, thin, flexible tube which goes into one of the large veins in my arm near your elbow bend. It is pushed into the vein until the tip sits in a large vein near your heart. Because I've got so much chemo coming and need so many blood tests my veins could begin to really suffer. This is a permanent drip line and makes life much easier. Also very handy for direct gin & tonic hook-ups.
Well, I'm under strict instructions to take it easy tonight so off to watch trashy TV now. God bless and thanks for your support!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Heavy Stuff
We saw the solicitors today to set up new wills and a Power of Attorney. The conversation with her brought it all home, bit depressing really but we need to get the practicalities sorted. Actually I think with my financial background I knew more about it than she did!
I met with my mate Sue from Cliff College, had a coffee and a 90 minute chat, she's not well too, so she understands. We drank coffee, ate cake (slowly in my case) and put the world to rights. Great therapy - thanks Sue! Followed this by a sharp hair-cut just in case it starts to fall out.
Tonight is XLR8 the church youth group I help lead - these are great kids. They are praying for me and really keen to know what's happening. We've been looking at pacifism and war and tonight we look at what the Bible says about 'just war'.
Teresa has had some screening tests just to make sure she's OK. Unfortunately the GP has asked to see her regarding the blood test.It sounds like she's anemic. She was a bit freaked by this. The GP agreed to see her at 9.10 tomorrow morning. Doesn't sound too serious.
So I have to report to Bedford Primrose Unit at 9.00 tomorrow for a pre-chemo blood test. I'll let you know how it goes... 'yo heave ho ', 'Hughie Green' etc.....
I met with my mate Sue from Cliff College, had a coffee and a 90 minute chat, she's not well too, so she understands. We drank coffee, ate cake (slowly in my case) and put the world to rights. Great therapy - thanks Sue! Followed this by a sharp hair-cut just in case it starts to fall out.
Tonight is XLR8 the church youth group I help lead - these are great kids. They are praying for me and really keen to know what's happening. We've been looking at pacifism and war and tonight we look at what the Bible says about 'just war'.
Teresa has had some screening tests just to make sure she's OK. Unfortunately the GP has asked to see her regarding the blood test.It sounds like she's anemic. She was a bit freaked by this. The GP agreed to see her at 9.10 tomorrow morning. Doesn't sound too serious.
So I have to report to Bedford Primrose Unit at 9.00 tomorrow for a pre-chemo blood test. I'll let you know how it goes... 'yo heave ho ', 'Hughie Green' etc.....
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Great Weekend
I can't believe that all you mad people are reading this stuff, it's great to think that we've got so many friends. Alternatively of course you could just have too little to do! Seriously, you'll never know how much your support, prayers and thoughts mean to us. You are all BRILL!
Center Parcs was fantastic; we had a great villa with its own sauna, 4 bathrooms, 6 flat screen teles and a games room with a pool table and PS3. James thought he was in heaven. Sarah Hearn even made us a wonderful chocolate cake to take.
We did all the Center Parc stuff like swimming, ping-pong, ten pin bowling, roller skating. James and Chloe did laser shooting and quad bikes, Carys went to something called 'fabric fun' or 'fabric frenzy' or something! Either way she is now resplendently adorned with matching tee-shirt and bag. The grown-ups had a great afternoon in the 'Aqua Sauna' being steamed, bubbled and pummeled into submission. What was great was to have a few days where the big 'C' wasn't the only thing we were thinking about.
Health wise my swallowing is still OK but I am getting increasingly tired. I went to bed on Saturday at 7.00 p.m. and slept for 13 hours. I'm starting to get pain in the evenings, nothing that a hot water bottle and a couple of Ibuprofen doesn't get rid off but still uncomfortable. Other than that I've still got all my hair and last time I checked my toe nails were all in place. I'll let you know if things start to drop off and fall out!
I'm meeting a friend from Cliff College in Bedford tomorrow for coffee. Sue and I are both doing our Masters with Cliff and Manchester University in 'Leadership, Renewal & Mission'. Our dissertations have to be in by March 31st. Graduation is June 28th. Pray I make both dates!
In the afternoon we have to go and sort out wills and a power of attorney. If the worse should happen everything will be in order. It's a sobering thought but must be done. This is such a strange journey. You have to hold hope for a miracle alongside the most depressing of practicalities. I don't feel a conflict, the Kingdom of God was always full of paradoxes! We have a responsibility to prepare for the worse and believe for the best all at the same time.
For those who are praying please continue to give God an ear bashing on the cancer not spreading, the chemo side effects being copeable with and me being healed. I'd even settle for longer than the 18 months they seem to be giving me.
The intravenous chemo(Oxaliplatin)starts (on top of the tablets) on Wednesday. I'm worried about this one (I must admit).
Center Parcs was fantastic; we had a great villa with its own sauna, 4 bathrooms, 6 flat screen teles and a games room with a pool table and PS3. James thought he was in heaven. Sarah Hearn even made us a wonderful chocolate cake to take.
We did all the Center Parc stuff like swimming, ping-pong, ten pin bowling, roller skating. James and Chloe did laser shooting and quad bikes, Carys went to something called 'fabric fun' or 'fabric frenzy' or something! Either way she is now resplendently adorned with matching tee-shirt and bag. The grown-ups had a great afternoon in the 'Aqua Sauna' being steamed, bubbled and pummeled into submission. What was great was to have a few days where the big 'C' wasn't the only thing we were thinking about.
Health wise my swallowing is still OK but I am getting increasingly tired. I went to bed on Saturday at 7.00 p.m. and slept for 13 hours. I'm starting to get pain in the evenings, nothing that a hot water bottle and a couple of Ibuprofen doesn't get rid off but still uncomfortable. Other than that I've still got all my hair and last time I checked my toe nails were all in place. I'll let you know if things start to drop off and fall out!
I'm meeting a friend from Cliff College in Bedford tomorrow for coffee. Sue and I are both doing our Masters with Cliff and Manchester University in 'Leadership, Renewal & Mission'. Our dissertations have to be in by March 31st. Graduation is June 28th. Pray I make both dates!
In the afternoon we have to go and sort out wills and a power of attorney. If the worse should happen everything will be in order. It's a sobering thought but must be done. This is such a strange journey. You have to hold hope for a miracle alongside the most depressing of practicalities. I don't feel a conflict, the Kingdom of God was always full of paradoxes! We have a responsibility to prepare for the worse and believe for the best all at the same time.
For those who are praying please continue to give God an ear bashing on the cancer not spreading, the chemo side effects being copeable with and me being healed. I'd even settle for longer than the 18 months they seem to be giving me.
The intravenous chemo(Oxaliplatin)starts (on top of the tablets) on Wednesday. I'm worried about this one (I must admit).
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Ouch!
Tummy really hurt last night - first time I've had any real pain from the blighter. Took some painkillers and it eased. Slept OK. Off to Center Parcs for the weekend today so no more posts until Monday. We're all really excited!!
Mum & Dad and Chloe are all coming, Rosie the dog is off to the kennels.
Dr Slaghuis (my GP) called yesterday just to see how I was - the NHS IS AMAZING!. I've been blown away by how much these people care - what heroes.
Getting a bit worried about the first intravenous chemo on Wednesday. Everyone seems to think I'll feel sick and knackered. Zero side effects from the drugs so far and my swallowing remains much easier
See you after Center Parcs!
Mum & Dad and Chloe are all coming, Rosie the dog is off to the kennels.
Dr Slaghuis (my GP) called yesterday just to see how I was - the NHS IS AMAZING!. I've been blown away by how much these people care - what heroes.
Getting a bit worried about the first intravenous chemo on Wednesday. Everyone seems to think I'll feel sick and knackered. Zero side effects from the drugs so far and my swallowing remains much easier
See you after Center Parcs!
Thought Provoking E Mail
Had a really thought provking e mail from our early mentors in the faith Jon & Jan Tormey. They raise some issues we had just not thought about. need to pray these things through. Please use this blog to coment on what you think.
How are you and Theresa coping right now?
If there is anything we can do practically, please say!
Dave, to be practical and hopefully helpful, if you have a lot of people
praying for you; it might be useful to you guys if they would share with
you specifically what they are sensing for you!
You then can pick out any threads/themes that God is obviously saying,
and thus filter out the well meaning, but unhelpful stuff!!
Then get people to pray in the common themes and thus agree with heaven!!
What do you sense God is saying about this to you guys? - I know that
it's difficult given the situation, but i will let you know what i hear
from Father for you!
We do love you lots, and time has not diminished that in any way!!
How are you and Theresa coping right now?
If there is anything we can do practically, please say!
Dave, to be practical and hopefully helpful, if you have a lot of people
praying for you; it might be useful to you guys if they would share with
you specifically what they are sensing for you!
You then can pick out any threads/themes that God is obviously saying,
and thus filter out the well meaning, but unhelpful stuff!!
Then get people to pray in the common themes and thus agree with heaven!!
What do you sense God is saying about this to you guys? - I know that
it's difficult given the situation, but i will let you know what i hear
from Father for you!
We do love you lots, and time has not diminished that in any way!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Swallowing Again
I had toast this morning! It went down - WOW! The steroids have really helped. Let's hope and pray that the chemo kicks in soon. If you are praying for me thanks so much - you are all heroes! So many people to thank but especially Nick & Sarah Hearn, David & Suzy Goodsoon, our mad au pair Chloe (mad as a badger), Ken & Mu Chambers, Tony & Rachel Chiou, my wonderful business partners Nick and Lynne Hall down in Devon and Teresa's staff at Kip McGrath.
Family; you are fantastic - so much care and love I'm blown away. Let's fight this thing together!
Teresa and I keep saying 'Let's beat the bitch!' in certain circles we 'beat the blighter!'.
God Bless! Keep praying!
Family; you are fantastic - so much care and love I'm blown away. Let's fight this thing together!
Teresa and I keep saying 'Let's beat the bitch!' in certain circles we 'beat the blighter!'.
God Bless! Keep praying!
Drug Day - Rattle Redfern!
Saw my Oncologist this morning - no nasty surprises this week!
I've finally started chemo after the talk about all the side effects. I'm on a mixture of tablets and drip. The tablets started today.
This is what I'm taking:
Capecitabine - the chemo drug
Motilium - to speed up digestion
Cyclizine - to stop the chemo drug making me sick
Dexamethasone - a steroid to reduce inflammation around the tumour
Lansoprazole - to stop acid reflux
Co-Diovan - for blood pressure
From this point onwards call me Mr Rattle!
First chemo on the drip is next Wednesday (30th Jan).
I've finally started chemo after the talk about all the side effects. I'm on a mixture of tablets and drip. The tablets started today.
This is what I'm taking:
Capecitabine - the chemo drug
Motilium - to speed up digestion
Cyclizine - to stop the chemo drug making me sick
Dexamethasone - a steroid to reduce inflammation around the tumour
Lansoprazole - to stop acid reflux
Co-Diovan - for blood pressure
From this point onwards call me Mr Rattle!
First chemo on the drip is next Wednesday (30th Jan).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chemo Starts?
We go to see the Oncologist today and hopefully will start chemo and hear about any trials they can find me. Hope it's all good news. Eating is getting very difficult now, so painful that I'd rather not bother. Dr Bulusi (Oncologist) says that the chemo should help and if not they'll fit me a stent in my throat (lovely!).
We've booked a weekend away with the kids (we go this Friday), mum and dad and Chloe - luxury villa at Center Parcs - should be great fun. My parents are finding all this really hard.
We've booked a weekend away with the kids (we go this Friday), mum and dad and Chloe - luxury villa at Center Parcs - should be great fun. My parents are finding all this really hard.
Dreams
I've been having the most vivid dreams.
Two stand out, in one I'm canoeing down a shallow stream. I'm on my own. The stream is so shallow that the canoe 'bottoms out' nearly sometimes but I keep going. There are all sorts of creature swimming along with me. A few lay dead on the bank - a deer comes to mind.
In another someone I know leaves their partner. I counsel the partner, they are bereft. If you are a Christian and want a stab at interpretation then fire away and post me a comment! My long suffering wife gets really fed up of having every dream recounted in detail very morning so I thought I'd subject you to them instead.
Two stand out, in one I'm canoeing down a shallow stream. I'm on my own. The stream is so shallow that the canoe 'bottoms out' nearly sometimes but I keep going. There are all sorts of creature swimming along with me. A few lay dead on the bank - a deer comes to mind.
In another someone I know leaves their partner. I counsel the partner, they are bereft. If you are a Christian and want a stab at interpretation then fire away and post me a comment! My long suffering wife gets really fed up of having every dream recounted in detail very morning so I thought I'd subject you to them instead.
Amy Goes Home
We saw Amy and James off at Heathrow on Sunday. We had a great day; went ice skating to Milton Keynes and then had lunch out before heading to the M25. They didn't want to go!
I had to collect my pee in a bottle on Sunday which was a bit awkward as we were out and about all day. Carried it round in a little rucksack, a little difficult as I never could pee with any sense of direction (typical bloke!).
Since our meeting with the Oncologist Teresa has gone mad on the Internet looking up all sort alternative remedies and things I can run alongside the chemo. She's come up with loads, an organic diet, avoiding dairy (which it is thought can block the impact of chemo), B17 from Apricot kernels. If you are going through this too I've got two bits of advice:
1) Get into God
2) Get into the Internet - there is so much stuff out there
Our amazing Church met to pray for us on Sunday and have committed to pray once a month on a Sunday afternoon - we're blown away by their love - what a fantastic bunch of people.
Yesterday saw me visiting the Primose Unit for pre chemo bloods and urine checks. The bloods were done straight away and were great - I 'qualify' for chemo with such good blood. Just as well really as that's the only medical solution.
I had to collect my pee in a bottle on Sunday which was a bit awkward as we were out and about all day. Carried it round in a little rucksack, a little difficult as I never could pee with any sense of direction (typical bloke!).
Since our meeting with the Oncologist Teresa has gone mad on the Internet looking up all sort alternative remedies and things I can run alongside the chemo. She's come up with loads, an organic diet, avoiding dairy (which it is thought can block the impact of chemo), B17 from Apricot kernels. If you are going through this too I've got two bits of advice:
1) Get into God
2) Get into the Internet - there is so much stuff out there
Our amazing Church met to pray for us on Sunday and have committed to pray once a month on a Sunday afternoon - we're blown away by their love - what a fantastic bunch of people.
Yesterday saw me visiting the Primose Unit for pre chemo bloods and urine checks. The bloods were done straight away and were great - I 'qualify' for chemo with such good blood. Just as well really as that's the only medical solution.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Old Friends
We went to see Tony & Rachel Chiou this afternoon. They were our great mates years ago and we sort of drifted apart. It was great to see them - as though there had been no gap. Another good thing coming out of this mess!
This evening Dave, Suzy and Ben came round to collect Katy. This was a real tonic, we had a laugh, some wine and they brought donuts! I managed to get down in small bites. There's hope for the world whilst they still make Krispy Kreme donuts!
Amy and James are packing to go home to Aussie on Sunday. Can't believe this they've only just arrived.
Spoke to Mu yesterday and the church are meeting after the united service to pray for me - what a great church. We won't be there - we promise totake the family iceskating, then to lunch, then to Heathrow!
This evening Dave, Suzy and Ben came round to collect Katy. This was a real tonic, we had a laugh, some wine and they brought donuts! I managed to get down in small bites. There's hope for the world whilst they still make Krispy Kreme donuts!
Amy and James are packing to go home to Aussie on Sunday. Can't believe this they've only just arrived.
Spoke to Mu yesterday and the church are meeting after the united service to pray for me - what a great church. We won't be there - we promise totake the family iceskating, then to lunch, then to Heathrow!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Shock Result!
Went to see the oncologist today. Couldn't believe it! He says it's spread and I can't have the surgery. No surgery = no cure in human terms. 100% relying on God now - just as well he's a miracle expert.
They're going to blast me with chemo for as long as I can stand it and try and stop it spreading to other organs such as my liver etc.
Phoned Ken & Mu (Church leaders) first they were great; as always kind and practical at the same time. Went round to see Nick & Sarah for tea and cuddles.
They're going to blast me with chemo for as long as I can stand it and try and stop it spreading to other organs such as my liver etc.
Phoned Ken & Mu (Church leaders) first they were great; as always kind and practical at the same time. Went round to see Nick & Sarah for tea and cuddles.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Paranoid?
I had a call early from Eleanor Church (Macmillan nurse) to say that they'd had a conference call earlier that morning about my case. Looks as though I'll be having the chemo after all.
I asked her about staging. She was a little non - committal - thought perhaps she didn't want to tell me something or perhaps just didn't know. Am I getting paranoid? I have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow at Bedford by which point the biopsy results from the 'white flakes' should be through. Have to wait till then.
I asked her about staging. She was a little non - committal - thought perhaps she didn't want to tell me something or perhaps just didn't know. Am I getting paranoid? I have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow at Bedford by which point the biopsy results from the 'white flakes' should be through. Have to wait till then.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Bessie Mates
I didn't sleep too well, bit of pain from yesterday.
This morning the most wonderful thing happened when Sarah Hearn turned up on our doorstep (in the rain) with an evening meal for us. This was just so thoughtful - what amazing bessie mates these guys are!
This morning the most wonderful thing happened when Sarah Hearn turned up on our doorstep (in the rain) with an evening meal for us. This was just so thoughtful - what amazing bessie mates these guys are!
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy today!
Had a general anesthetic. They put a camera in your belly button and three smaller holes in your tummy. Woke up with my beloved next to me - she is such a wonderful strength to me. Surgeon said that he had taken some biopsies of 'small white flakes' but wasn't 'too worried'. Good news! I was able to go home later that evening. Tummy is a bit sore and bled a little but I'm OK if not a little tired!
Had a general anesthetic. They put a camera in your belly button and three smaller holes in your tummy. Woke up with my beloved next to me - she is such a wonderful strength to me. Surgeon said that he had taken some biopsies of 'small white flakes' but wasn't 'too worried'. Good news! I was able to go home later that evening. Tummy is a bit sore and bled a little but I'm OK if not a little tired!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Addenbrookes Tomorrow
Heard today that I have to go for a laparoscopy to Addenbrookes tomorrow! Boy things move quickly once you are in the system.
I have to report to Addenbrookes at 7.30 in the morning.
I have to report to Addenbrookes at 7.30 in the morning.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Upper GI Consultant
Saw the Upper GI consultant at Bedford South Wing today. He confirmed diagnosis and also stated that there was no evidence from the CT Scan of spread but that I would need a laparoscopy (camera in the tummy) to be sure.
Great news that it hasn't spread - this means I can have surgery which improves the chances of recovery greatly (25% survive with surgery).
Met with the Macmillan nurse this women is a hero! She send nearly an hour with us explaining everything. She acts as a central point of contact and info. I'll be treated by a team of folks made up between Bedford South Wing and the Addenbrookes Cambridge University Teaching Hospital.
Went to lead our church youth group tonight (XLR8). I told them what was happening and they prayed for me. Mu & Ken Chambers, David & Susie and the gang at WNL (Wootton New Life) are just being amazing, so lovely and kind.
Great news that it hasn't spread - this means I can have surgery which improves the chances of recovery greatly (25% survive with surgery).
Met with the Macmillan nurse this women is a hero! She send nearly an hour with us explaining everything. She acts as a central point of contact and info. I'll be treated by a team of folks made up between Bedford South Wing and the Addenbrookes Cambridge University Teaching Hospital.
Went to lead our church youth group tonight (XLR8). I told them what was happening and they prayed for me. Mu & Ken Chambers, David & Susie and the gang at WNL (Wootton New Life) are just being amazing, so lovely and kind.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Surreal
Spent the whole morning dealing with work issues, telling clients and re-arranging things. Seems surreal - this happens to others surely?
Fortunately we had some critical illness cover so at least we won't be worrying too much about money.
Fortunately we had some critical illness cover so at least we won't be worrying too much about money.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Diagnosis
Went to the doctors at 4.20. He'd still not heard anything. I headed home.
Then, at about 6.00 p.m. he turned up at the door in person. As soon as I opened the door I knew it was bad news. He was ashen and said 'it's bad news I'm afraid'. We went into the front room and sat down. He simply said that the biopsy result had shown it was malignant. Great shock, Teresa cried. We tried to ask questions but were just too numb really to ask anything sensible. Thankfully the younger children were out with James F and Amy at the pictures so weren't around.
We were due to share a meal with our best friends Nick & Sarah Hearn which we did anyway. This was the best thing to do, they are fantastic mates. Nick took the younger kids out so we could tell Amy & James F on their own. We ate, had a glass of wine and tried to forget what we had just heard.
I phoned close family and friends from Nick & Sarah's garage. Mum and Dad were together with Adrian & Ann and were really upset, lots of tears. I can't seem to cry yet.
Still no results from the scan so we don't know how far this has spread.
Then, at about 6.00 p.m. he turned up at the door in person. As soon as I opened the door I knew it was bad news. He was ashen and said 'it's bad news I'm afraid'. We went into the front room and sat down. He simply said that the biopsy result had shown it was malignant. Great shock, Teresa cried. We tried to ask questions but were just too numb really to ask anything sensible. Thankfully the younger children were out with James F and Amy at the pictures so weren't around.
We were due to share a meal with our best friends Nick & Sarah Hearn which we did anyway. This was the best thing to do, they are fantastic mates. Nick took the younger kids out so we could tell Amy & James F on their own. We ate, had a glass of wine and tried to forget what we had just heard.
I phoned close family and friends from Nick & Sarah's garage. Mum and Dad were together with Adrian & Ann and were really upset, lots of tears. I can't seem to cry yet.
Still no results from the scan so we don't know how far this has spread.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
CT Scan
Back to Bedford overnight and today is scan day!
Went to Bedford South Wing this afternoon. They injected some kind of tracer dye into my arm which gave me an intense hot pain up my arse - bizarre really!! I was then rolled in and out of the scanner with my arms in the air a few times.
Still no biopsy results; though I chased by phone today. I made an appointment with the GP for Friday by which point he should have heard something surely??
Went to Bedford South Wing this afternoon. They injected some kind of tracer dye into my arm which gave me an intense hot pain up my arse - bizarre really!! I was then rolled in and out of the scanner with my arms in the air a few times.
Still no biopsy results; though I chased by phone today. I made an appointment with the GP for Friday by which point he should have heard something surely??
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