tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54342090581888587942012-02-01T11:23:12.873+11:00Personal & health updates for Byron Smith, FAQs about living with cancer, prayer points & discussionbyron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-44896257800744984572012-01-05T09:17:00.002+11:002012-01-05T09:17:03.922+11:00

Today I had my final oncology check up, at the end of which, I was told "don't come back (unless your GP thinks you need to, of course)". It was quite a milestone and I've posted some reflections on it over on my main blog.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-89407117873785815252012-01-03T10:18:00.000+11:002012-01-03T10:18:01.545+11:00

Earlier today, I heard about Kristian Anderson, another Christian Sydneysider in his 30s with young children and a wife. He died today after more than two years of treatment for bowel cancer. I have just finished reading his blog. I am now out of tissues.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-89143762204576407812011-11-13T08:05:00.000+11:002011-11-13T08:05:12.107+11:00

Over on my main blog I have posted a reply I wrote to one of the many people who have asked for advice on how to care for a friend who has received a cancer diagnosis.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-78785233107455953672011-10-27T22:04:00.011+11:002011-10-27T22:04:00.248+11:00

The GP I saw last week (concerning my 'flu and chest infection) wasn't my usual one, so I had the same conversation I have with every medical professional who has read my history for the first time. First they don't believe that I'm not (or wasn't) a smoker and then they tell me how unusual I am. I've been meaning to ask someone who might have a clue just how unusual (statistically) this actually

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-19953915232978709802011-10-24T22:00:00.000+11:002011-10-24T22:00:33.879+11:00

Since I had a significant amount of radiation to my oesophagus and trachea, neither of these are quite what they once were. Radiation results in scarring and so the usual functions of these very important little tubes are somewhat impaired. In particular, I predictably get acid reflux if I bend over too quickly after eating (and at random other times), coughing often turns into small vomits, and

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-59192111435888854872011-07-24T21:55:00.001+10:002011-10-24T21:57:18.629+11:00

I have only one more oncology appointment left. In January, I will see a specialist for the last time, get the same string of questions and the same poking and prodding for the last time, and walk out of the oncology ward without a future appointment (providing all goes well, of course). I was going to call this post "X down, one more to go", where x is the total number of oncology appointments

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-79853528077582551732010-08-24T01:04:00.000+10:002010-08-24T01:04:51.926+10:00

In other news, it's been about three and a half years since I finished treatment and there has been no sign of any relapse, for which I praise God! I saw my oncologist a few days ago and am now only going to have appointments every six months, which will cease if I make it to five years. Jessica and I were reflecting again with some Australian friends who visited recently that coming to Scotland

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-78776416741047568392010-08-24T00:58:00.001+10:002010-08-24T00:59:40.762+10:00

Although the mole turned out to be innocuous, the wound they made getting it out hasn't been. Even though it's almost five weeks since the stitches were removed, it still hasn't healed properly and it starting to become more of a problem ("disintegrating" is the term they've used). So I'm in to see the nurses every couple of days at the moment for constant wound dressing and lots of poking and

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-60047395040847973602010-07-31T06:25:00.001+10:002010-07-31T06:25:17.636+10:00

I just received the report that my mole was entirely innocent and didn't deserve to be so rudely ripped off my back. Well, at least I get another scar to add to the collection.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-67151837143264900762010-07-09T19:09:00.000+10:002010-07-09T19:09:30.702+10:00

I now have nine stitches after being stabbed in the back earlier this week. The doctor who did the deed was not trying to kill me, just removing a mole that might have been slightly on the edge of suspicious. Both my GP and the dermatologist said that they would normally ignore a mole with those characteristics, but due to all my radiotherapy, they each decided to play it safe. This is great

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-25858434886916869682009-12-26T10:08:00.000+11:002009-12-28T10:09:06.612+11:00

"By the tender mercy of our God,&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160the dawn from on high will break upon us,&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160to give light to those who sit in darkness&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160and in the shadow of death,&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160to guide our feet

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-807532366404086172009-04-29T22:30:00.006+10:002009-04-29T22:52:48.613+10:00

Today I finally saw an oncologist weeks after having my latest scan and he said that there were no problems to report. Next scan is likely to be another year or so away, though I will continue to have physical check-ups every three months. It helps if you are not ticklish for these!I've now been clear for over two years and I no longer regularly think of myself as a cancer patient (even when I

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-75540078038396619512009-03-27T08:53:00.004+11:002009-03-27T09:05:24.622+11:00

Today I had my first CT scan in the UK. I was back at the Western General Hospital and it would have all been very efficient except the person who was in the scanner before me had some kind of emergency (I never found out what the issue was. I hope s/he is ok) and so I was left sitting in my hospital gown with an IV in my arm for almost an hour.I won't get the result until I go back see the

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-90469214126836916402009-01-23T03:35:00.006+11:002009-01-23T03:55:25.483+11:00

Yesterday I went back to the Western General Hospital for another follow-up appointment. All was well. The doctor even checked my legs this time (with all the poking and prodding I receive each time, no one has thought to do that before).We talked about the possibility of another CT scan and three arguments were suggested as to why it wouldn't really be a good idea. First, it is more or less

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-35511180417304999292008-10-29T23:41:00.004+11:002008-10-30T01:43:46.017+11:00

...for my first oncology appointment. Today I went to Edinburgh's Western General Hospital for my first oncology appointment in Scotland. Having questioned and examined me, the doctor was very pleased with how I am going, again expressing amazement when shown the before and after scans.Although I have been having regular CT scans in Australia over the last twenty months or so, the oncologist said

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-6889887288989864562008-10-23T18:34:00.002+11:002008-10-23T18:41:31.531+11:00

Last night as Jessica and I were coming home we were discussing how I still hadn't received the letter I was promised when I visited the GP a few weeks ago. The letter was provide the details of an appointment with an oncologist. We had just decided that I would call the GP first thing in the morning when we arrived at the front door and found the letter! So no phone call for me. Instead, I'll be

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-44941414258611935462008-10-08T21:20:00.004+11:002008-10-08T21:22:36.087+11:00

One Australian dollar equals:

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-16858017711485485222008-10-08T06:17:00.000+11:002008-10-08T06:18:14.681+11:00

I've now been in the UK for just short of two months and finally managed to see a GP today to get a referral to see an oncologist to be sent off to have my next scan (don't hold your breath). I am exaggerating a little about the delay, however, since registering with my local doctor required the completion of my university matriculation (enrolment). Although people are quite willing to complain

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-87221018363475858112008-07-08T16:50:00.004+10:002008-07-08T16:59:03.510+10:00

"Stable CT with no significant change in the tracheo-oesophageal primary or the paramediastinal pulmonary fibrosis."That was the conclusion of the scan I had this morning, which was both excellent news and not particularly surprising since the recent PET scan was also clear. The residual mass currently measures 1.6 x 1.2 x 1.6cm. I have some scarring in my lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) from the

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-31372087072691828602008-07-04T23:30:00.001+10:002008-07-08T16:59:13.713+10:00

...until we go! We're in the middle of getting ready to ship things we won't be storing or taking with us. How do you decide which books should come and which should stay? It's not easy. Nevertheless, it's amazing how much you can fit into one cubic metre (which is how much we're going to be shipping).

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-65876446426890699772008-07-03T09:40:00.002+10:002008-07-03T09:46:56.418+10:00

Next Tuesday I am booked in to have one final CT scan before we head off to Scotland for the next three years. This will be my sixth CT scan. It is a little strange to be having this scan after just having had a clear PET scan last week (my 3rd), since I don't quite know what this could show that the PET would miss.In the last week, I've met up with two old friends (whom I rediscovered through

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-27507388316224832212008-06-26T16:36:00.003+10:002008-06-26T16:46:20.292+10:00

I forgot to mention that I was having another PET scan this morning. I have had PET scans at the initial diagnosis and at the first two check-up points (see here for a brief description). I haven't needed one since then, though asked my oncologist for one prior to leaving for Edinburgh (we depart on 4th August). I thought I wouldn't have it until mid or late July, but then I received a call just

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-22216462616015109752008-06-02T18:02:00.003+10:002008-06-02T18:27:35.353+10:00

When it comes to cancer, it seems everyone is an expert. Once my diagnosis became public, scores of people wanted to make their suggestions about how to cure it. I received numerous books, talks, websites and pieces of well-meaning advice from concerned friends and acquaintances about various diets, miracle-working healers and the psycho-somatic effects of a positive attitude. While it was lovely

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-91963056998040828852008-05-07T20:05:00.004+10:002008-05-07T20:31:21.825+10:00

Personal updateI have been offered a place and a partial scholarship to research a theology PhD at Edinburgh University starting in September and supervised by Oliver O'Donovan. We haven't yet set a departure date as this depends upon Jessica's work situation. My initial project proposal is to consider the role of the church in a society in crisis (more to come on this in due course).Jessica and

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-25806707176554395202008-04-15T16:52:00.004+10:002008-04-15T16:56:45.590+10:00

I've just received the results of my scan earlier today and it looks like there has been no significant change in the primary mass since last time - excellent news! I still have the better part of a second year to go before they'll say I'm cured, but so far so good. I thank God for more of this wonderful gift called life.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-79406166347722358302008-04-15T12:56:00.003+10:002008-04-15T13:16:46.429+10:00

I've just arrived back from my CT scan. I won't get the results until later this afternoon. While I'm waiting, I thought I'd post about another appointment I recently had.Back here I talked a little about post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, often called "chemofog" or "chemobrain". A week or two ago, I had a chance to see one of Australia's leading specialists into the field. Formal study of

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-55657697022113391522008-04-01T14:00:00.003+11:002008-04-15T12:57:38.592+10:00

...is booked for Tuesday 15th April, which is a day before the first anniversary of getting the first clear result (we missed the anniversary of the first encouraging result, which was a week and a half ago). The upcoming scan will be the fifth CT scan after treatment.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-84810417029003862002008-03-27T09:10:00.002+11:002008-03-27T09:15:12.624+11:00

...in which I don't think of cancer. Of course, I'm still within the two year period during which relapse is most likely and I signed forms acknowledging that I accepted the risks of chemo and radiotherapy, included in both is (ironically) an increased risk of cancer. Nonetheless, being sick no longer dominates my existence as much as it once did and for that I am thankful. I never wanted to let

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-27607540894393870702008-02-01T09:13:00.000+11:002008-02-01T09:28:12.832+11:00

After my last speech therapy session, my speech pathologist was so impressed at the improvement of my voice over the last twelve months that she suggested I have another nasal endoscopy (camera on the end of a flexible stick stuck up my nose and through to the back my throat) to have a look at my vocal cords in action (or inaction, as the case may be).Yesterday, I had just that. It was less

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-1658966997345677622008-01-23T11:31:00.000+11:002008-01-23T11:43:12.688+11:00

After my fourth good scan last week, I saw my oncologist this morning, who was also happy with the result. He didn't think a PET scan was necessary and said my next CT scan could be in three months, rather than two. This is all good news. As for ongoing side-effects of the treatment, we discussed two things. First, I mentioned chemofog and he referred me to one of his colleagues, whom he said is

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-12708375532921892782008-01-22T15:08:00.000+11:002008-01-23T11:31:39.854+11:00

One lovely gift I received around Christmas was the discovery that I can again use a falsetto voice. Once more, I can now join Bono in the upper registers (which, incidentally, was how I stumbled upon my renewed capacity).My voice is still usually croaky in the morning or after much use, but the overall trend continues to be good. My speech pathologist is so pleased with the developments that I

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-47859755693034658262008-01-17T19:18:00.000+11:002008-01-17T19:21:35.148+11:00

My CT scan today went well. There is no evidence of any regrowth or new tumours. The residual tissue mass was slightly smaller again (1.5 by 1 cm). Praise God! I hadn't been particularly anxious until the last couple of days but this is another big relief. The only downside was a little more scarring in my left lung from the radiotherapy.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-10983514919544547712008-01-14T08:54:00.000+11:002008-01-14T08:58:48.588+11:00

Having been away for a few weeks, I have now returned and am able to have my fourth post-treatment CT scan this Thursday in Newtown. The gap has been slightly larger this time (more like three than two months) because of Christmas and holidays. I hadn't been thinking about it at all until we returned on Friday night, but since then it started to grow again in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully,

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-17813328819526471062007-12-27T14:33:00.000+11:002008-01-23T11:40:46.595+11:00

Today a year ago I started chemotherapy. Although I've written a little more about the long term effects of radiotherapy, I've been realising that I don't think I have entirely recovered from chemo yet either.In particular, I recently read a little about 'chemobrain' also known as 'chemofog', or more technically, post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. In particular, as I read this article, I

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-47094622261259190522007-12-15T22:38:00.000+11:002007-12-15T22:54:56.243+11:00

When my oncologist first told me I would be having radiotherapy of my oesophagus, one of the pieces of advice he gave me was to eat as much as possible in the weeks beforehand. My dietician said I ought to maximise my intake of protein, carbohydrates and fat (when was the last time your doctor told you to do that?). They were concerned that the damage to my oesophagus would make it difficult for

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-2205389419479617912007-12-04T18:16:00.000+11:002007-12-04T19:01:09.617+11:00

On this day last year (at about this time), I was diagnosed with cancer. I thank God for many things: that I'm still alive (it really wasn't looking good for the first few weeks); for the love and support (and generosity) of so many people over the last year, particularly my wife Jessica; for a wonderful (basically) free public medical system in Australia; for the chance to reflect with a little

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-56626856855798784552007-11-21T12:16:00.001+11:002007-11-21T12:25:35.391+11:00

Just a reminder to those who check this page that I post far more regularly (nearly every day) over at my main blog: nothing new under the sun.No major health updates at the moment. I continue to regain strength slowly. I've taken up tennis and am trying to do more walking. I won't see the speech therapist again until December (though she was very happy with how my voice my going last time she

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-15611227466333083282007-10-09T20:52:00.000+10:002007-10-09T21:10:28.912+10:00

Had my regular post-scan oncology appointment today and the professor was happy with the lack of change in my most recent scan. He did his usual poking and prodding and this time I was careful to not overreact and score an extra PET scan.After steadily improving since April or May, my energy levels seem to have reached a plateau over the last couple of months. I have been sick with colds and the

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-60007415652270013702007-09-26T22:26:00.000+10:002007-09-26T22:29:00.433+10:00

After the delays mentioned in the previous post, when it actually happened the scan today was quick and uncomplicated. Apart from some more scarring on my left lung from radiotherapy, there was no significant change from my last CT scan. This is excellent news and a weight off my mind. Praise God!

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-35013763583791479252007-09-26T09:23:00.000+10:002007-09-26T09:34:19.069+10:00

I was due to have my third follow-up CT scan a couple of weeks ago. My oncologist has been away and the imaging place where I've had all four CT scans had been engaged anytime I rang and wasn't returning emails. It's good to go back to the same place so that all the scans are done on one machine, so I persevered in calling them. Eventually, I made a trip in to the city to see what the story was,

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-43813502893485146692007-09-05T12:12:00.000+10:002007-09-05T12:21:36.638+10:00

Here are some pics of how our car ended up after our recent crash. The insurance payout has covered it well. Still sad to say goodbye, even if it was going to die of old age fairly soon.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-68465561918151951242007-07-30T13:21:00.000+10:002007-07-30T15:45:07.036+10:00

Last night Jessica and I had another life-experience and another chance to enjoy the hospitality of RPA.While driving home from church around 9.30 pm, we were coming down Booth St in Annandale towards the intersection with Wigram Rd at the bottom of the hill where Booth curves around to the right. A taxi was turning right out of Wigram and obviously didn't see us but proceeded to coast into our

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-73594395996932921142007-07-16T18:41:00.000+10:002007-07-16T19:19:41.026+10:00

My PET scan at RPA today confirmed the CT scan from a week or so ago in showing no new cancerous activity.Some people really don't like PET scans because you get strapped in place and can't move at all for about twenty minutes while you lie encased within a cylindrical machine that measures your radioactivity (after you've been injected with radioactive sugar). If you're claustrophobic, I imagine

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-83546375552284393052007-07-12T10:22:00.001+10:002007-07-12T10:48:36.383+10:00

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

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-41054134201508757472007-07-07T13:03:00.000+10:002007-07-07T13:09:37.132+10:00

My CT scan yesterday was fairly painless (no fiddling round to find a vein only to give up after too many attempts like last time) and even better, there was 'no suggestion of tumour recurrence seen'! In fact, the remaining mass has continued to shrink (they didn't give any measurements). So that was all good news. Thanks to those whom I know were praying (and to those who might have been doing

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-78073504793762040422007-07-05T10:05:00.001+10:002007-07-12T10:26:43.764+10:00

Tomorrow I will have my next CT scan to see whether anything has happened since the last one. If it is different, I assume I get the privilege of another PET scan. I'm not sure whether I will get the results tomorrow or Monday. Please pray that Jessica and I will continue to trust God as we await the outcome - and that it's a good one!I also saw the speech therapist again yesterday and learned a

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-45418920472499001192007-06-29T14:26:00.001+10:002007-07-01T08:36:56.059+10:00

Sorry for the title, but Jessica and I will be interviewed by Bishop Robert Forsyth on 2CH (1170 on the AM dial) at 10 pm Sunday night (after the news). We'll be talking about our experiences of sickness and hope over the last six months or so. Can't say I've ever listened to that station myself (I rarely listen to any radio), but in case you're not already sick of hearing me talk about being

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-37254483427731473642007-06-27T22:23:00.000+10:002007-06-27T22:26:46.204+10:00

Over the last few weeks, three friends have been diagnosed with different forms of cancer: lymphoma, leukemia and breast cancer. Two of them are younger than I am!

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-52493546815884576432007-06-27T10:31:00.000+10:002007-07-12T10:48:59.121+10:00

It's been over two months since I received the all-clear from a PET scan and so about time to be scanned again. I've been trying to contact my oncologist this last week, but he must be on holidays. He's usually very good at returning calls quickly. It's been over two months since my last cannula, but my wrists are still tender...UPDATE: Just found out he is away and will be back in early July.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-27978307819921715212007-06-05T11:29:00.000+10:002007-06-05T11:43:17.025+10:00

A tale of two scansI've just realised that I never posted these amazing images. The first is part of my CT scan from 1st December last year and is two vertical slices of my body. The black path down the middle of each picture is my windpipe. Towards the bottom it divides into two (one bronchial tube to each lung). You can clearly see the growth (which measurements of its height and width) almost

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-21736029852093615872007-05-21T16:57:00.001+10:002010-02-12T21:49:59.481+11:00

Saturday morning was a service of thanksgiving. It was a wonderful time, with around 150 friends and family members joining together at All Souls to thank God for all his goodness. I'll write more about the service at some stage, but for now, I thought I would post the text from my reflection. A number of people asked for a copy and so I thought I'd make it generally available. Many of the ideas

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-4045526704336880782007-05-12T11:21:00.000+10:002007-05-12T11:24:20.774+10:00

My story (with quotes and pics from this blog and my other one) has made it onto the sydneyanglicans.net website: here.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-3292806344946503092007-04-27T14:12:00.000+10:002007-04-27T14:35:39.542+10:00

Give thanks to the LORD for he is good;His steadfast love endures forever!- Psalm 136.1Personal update and an invitationWe've now had a week or so for the good news of the latest scan to sink in. After initially finding ourselves exhausted and relieved, we're now starting to look ahead to a life of new and renewed possibilities. Before we get there, however, it is appropriate to mark this point

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-43416704770689107202007-04-16T23:40:00.000+10:002007-04-17T00:00:53.794+10:00

The breath of God has made me,&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.- Job 33.4Good news!It has been a month since I had a CT scan that revealed the growth in my chest had shrunk to about a quarter of the size it had been in early December.This morning, I had a PET scan at RPA Hospital. This involved being injected with radioactive glucose* and then being scanned to

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-1569415805632206832007-04-13T13:56:00.000+10:002007-07-12T10:49:08.614+10:00

PET scan next weekJust got a call to say that my PET scan will be on Monday morning 9 am. I fast for five hours beforehand (so that I'm ready to go really slow for a few hours...). This scan is to determine whether the residual mass revealed in my most recent CT scan is still active or is merely scar tissue. I get an injection of radioactive glucose (sugar) and sit very still for an hour. Sugar

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-6668836713699494632007-03-29T15:24:00.000+10:002007-03-29T15:30:44.939+10:00

Nasal endoscopyI've just returned home from having a second nasal endoscopy. Not the most pleasant experience (although there are worse places to stick an endoscope, I assume), but second time round the results were not quite so surprising. It was a similar procedure back towards the end of November that first discovered my paralysed left vocal cord and which led to my first CT scan that found

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-78061830563948590992007-03-22T16:33:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:49:20.811+10:00

Taste and see that the LORD is good;blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."- Psalm 34.8God is faithful in times of prosperity and adversity. We continue to be so thankful for all the good things we receive from his hand.CT scanYesterday I had my first post-treatment scan (a CT scan) to begin to determine the effectiveness of all the chemotherapy and radiotherapy I received in January and

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-5408128462139721652007-03-19T14:23:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:49:30.102+10:00

It has now been about a month since I finished treatment. This Wednesday I have my first post-treatment scan. It will be a CT scan to determine the size of the remaining growth (if any). In another month I will have a second scan (a PET scan) which will give the other half of the picture: whether what is left is still active. Thus, while there may be something left, this could just be scar tissue

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-16911363910407303122007-03-14T23:22:00.000+11:002007-03-14T23:24:32.564+11:00

Although for the last month or so I have been eating only liquids, over the last three or four days I have started also having some soft solids, which is very exciting, since it means my oesophagus is healing from the radiotherapy burns. Grace before meals is said with particular emphasis these days.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-16401377406555196972007-03-01T18:23:00.000+11:002007-05-08T13:03:03.472+10:00

Turned the corner?After getting gradually worse for each of the last eight weeks, it feels like things might have finally turned a corner, since I feel a little better than I did at this stage last week (when I was just coming home from hospital). I am still only consuming liquids, but they are going down a little easier and faster than they were. Similarity, the burn mark on my back is healing

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-66408980644378980302007-02-22T21:53:00.000+11:002007-02-22T22:30:13.571+11:00

Needle-free Wednesday failureYesterday should have been my first needle-free Wednesday since I finished chemotherapy last week. However, as the day progressed, I grew more stiff and tired and developed a headache. During the afternoon, my temperature started to rise.Nevertheless, we decided to go to the second meeting of our new Bible study group for 20-30 somethings at All Souls, which turned

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-11629476531839994422007-02-19T12:15:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:49:43.332+10:00

End of radiotherapyPraise God - I have reached the end of this treatment cycle! I have just returned home from my final day of radiotherapy (#33) and last Wednesday received my 7th and final doses of chemotherapy. I am exhausted and in many ways at the lowest point I have reached physically, but remain filled with hope and feel great relief, since the next few weeks should involve gradual

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-32910408225139407212007-02-14T17:36:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:49:53.889+10:00

Final ChemoAfter waiting for three hours for blood results that usually take 30 minutes, we ended up back in the pack today rather than being one of the first. This made for a long day: 8 am start and just got home at 5.30 pm. But it's over - at least the chemo part (3 more days of radiotherapy). I've really enjoyed getting to know some of the nurses and their quirky sense of humour. Don't think

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-84363349477018537672007-02-08T08:59:00.000+11:002007-02-08T09:25:34.446+11:00

Second Last ChemoWe can see the light at the end of the tunnel, at least for this cycle of treatment. After six weeks of chemotherapy, there is only one more to go (and about ten more weekdays of radiotherapy). Yesterday's treatment went smoothly. I had an earlier appointment than usual and so managed to beat some of the usual rush and be home by 2 pm. I also felt more able to concentrate and so

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-22716780120031190582007-02-06T09:46:00.000+11:002007-02-06T18:21:14.194+11:00

TirednessThe main development in the last week or so is that I've been feeling more and more tired. This is partially the chemotherapy taking a lot of energy as my body destroys and replaces cells quickly, partially the cumulative effects of the radiotherapy as the weeks progress, and partially the effect of coming off steroids after being on them for the last six weeks or so. Also contributing

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-80517832028677006102007-01-31T18:15:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:50:04.095+10:00

Just a brief post to say that chemotherapy today was not affected by my food poisoning episode yesterday. I still received both the usual drugs (I will soon continue to extend the FAQs to discuss my treatment), and again had no reaction, thanks to the 20 mg of Dexmethsone that will probably keep me up tonight! Finding good veins for the canula is getting more difficult as some of the ones they

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-29463075782959015212007-01-30T20:21:00.000+11:002007-01-31T19:07:04.204+11:00

The cost of cheap ThaiToday I had a bad afternoon. After eating cheap Thai on King St for lunch, I had food poisoning and needed to go into RPAH (my local hospital: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) for a few hours to get checked out and have some fluids replaced. I've been told that during chemo, if I start to feel sick, I ought to go in and get checked out, because if my immune system is too low to

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-43420534975691243062007-01-24T19:09:00.000+11:002007-07-01T21:25:25.379+10:00

&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160The Psalms end with this invitation:Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.- Psalm 150.6&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160&#160I have plenty of reasons to praise God at the moment, since I am now halfway into my treatment cycle and my breathing is basically back to normal. Although it will be a number of weeks before we have any more scans, at this stage, it seems

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-90472222539686388392007-01-19T09:40:00.000+11:002007-01-22T11:59:28.294+11:00

What effects does the cancer have? How does it feel?The direct effects of the cancer are sometimes a little difficult to distinguish from side-effects of the treatment, however, there are a few clear symptoms of the cancer itself.VoiceThe first one to appear and which ultimately led me to getting the scan that discovered the growth was that I lost my voice back in October. At first, I had put

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-67539925896829289582007-01-18T18:16:00.000+11:002007-01-22T11:59:15.803+11:00

Is it terminal? How long do they expect you to live?Again, no idea. Because of the rarity of this kind of growth in a person my age, there are very few statistics to give a guide as to average life expectancy or likely progression of the cancer and its responsiveness to treatment. Even if there were a larger body of statistics, all they can tell you are averages and likelihoods based on those

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-76097197801235755212007-01-18T15:08:00.000+11:002007-01-22T11:59:09.018+11:00

How did you get it?No idea. I am not a smoker; I have not spent significant amounts of time in mining towns or around asbestos; I am only 28 years old. They are not even sure whether it started in my oesophagus or my trachea. I am a very unusual case and there are few parallels. All this makes prognosis very difficult because there are just not enough other similar cases to make statistical

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-18360933674347986762007-01-18T00:33:00.000+11:002007-07-12T10:50:20.967+10:00

What do you have? What's the story? How big is it?I have a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract. For those less medically inclined, let me explain each part. It is a carcinoma, generally known as cancer - a malignant tumour measuring 3.5 by 3.0 by 2.5 cm in size (or at least it did on 4th December. Hopefully it has already begun to shrink with treatment).How many

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-82833162549085420702007-01-18T00:06:00.000+11:002007-01-22T11:58:56.116+11:00

What does it mean?My title is borrowed from a phrase by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4.8. Here it is in context:&#160&#160&#160For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-46222777397725989052007-01-17T16:48:00.000+11:002007-04-13T14:13:37.147+10:00

Here are links to various topics I am often asked about:Blog title: what does it mean?Breaking news: what's the latest update?Diagnosis: What's the story? What do you have?Cause: How did you get it?Prognosis: Is it terminal? How long do they expect you to live?Symptoms: What effects does the cancer have? How does it feel?This list is still under construction - I will be adding more content over

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-1559693636293800702007-01-16T15:40:00.000+11:002007-05-04T16:16:02.892+10:00

Welcome & blog introductionWelcome to my second blog. My main blog, nothing new under the sun, is for general personal and theological reflections, links, commentary and discussion. Please come over, check it out and join in sometime. This new blog is specifically for personal and health updates, frequently asked questions about my life with cancer, prayer points and discussion. Feel free to

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5434209058188858794.post-69130074377536305572007-01-10T19:38:00.000+11:002007-01-17T23:40:56.483+11:00

Watch this space. I will be creating a blog for health updates and answering FAQs about my cancer and treatment.

byron smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17938334606675769903noreply@blogger.com0