I wasn't sure when I went to have my recent CT scan last Friday whether I would also need to have a PET scan (the second paragraph of this post explains what a PET scan is). I thought this would only be necessary if there was bad news, but having seen Professor Tattersal (my oncologist) on Tuesday, I found that he was planing a PET scan in any case. So I've just arranged to have it first thing Monday morning. I presume I will continue to have both scans every few months for the next couple of years.
Speaking of Professor Tattersal, I've really appreciated my times with him. He is always understated, has a sharp wit and a strong desire to make it into the Guiness Book of Records. He is also very geneous with his time and has made himself very easy to contact when needed.
At my Tuesday appointment, I asked how to minimise the chances of a relapse and he made three suggestions: (a) don't lose lots of weight, (b) exercise well (Jessica and I started a new exercise program a couple of weeks ago and are - amazingly - being quite consistent with it. We're starting slowly since I've lost a lot of stamina and strength) and (c) think positively.
As I was leaving, he also asked me to have a blood test "because you're here". It was disconcerting to go back into the chemo suite, even for a few minutes. There is so much pain and anxiety in that space. Even just sitting in a chair, I began to feel a little queasy in memory of past experiences. The nurses are very caring and competent, though the one taking my blood had trouble finding a vein (which didn't help my queasiness). Unfortunately, yesterday I received a call to ask me to come back in, since my blood had been misplaced. I'm just heading off there now. Another day, another needle.
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5 comments:
Fantastic to hear that things are going well with your health. My love to you and Jessica.
Thanks L. Are you still away? When do/did you get back?
Good news! I hope your health continues to improve. I would say your growth is due to a genetic error. It might have been inherited. There is no other explanation for it. This makes it even more saddening that we still do not have explanations for why many cancers arise in seemingly otherwise healthy individuals. Good luck.
I would say your growth is due to a genetic error. It might have been inherited. There is no other explanation for it.
Isn't there enough to blame my parents for already? :-)
What about living in a modern city? I have no particular family history of cancer.
Good point, but why you? You seem like a very special person, offering much insight to many people. Well maybe there is an answer. Perhaps on a spiritual level, you are fulfilling your purpose to educate others, to act as a messenger and educator about this disease among other things? This life is transient and illness and pain are not who we really are. Imagine the insufferable pain Jesus went through physically and mentally before his death. He is the greatest example for us all. Anyway, I do wish you all the best and hope your health continues to improve. Best!
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