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 saw me). Emotionally, I'm also still recovering, trying to rediscover the dreams and passions I had before getting sick took over too much of my world.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thymus: why do I get sick more often?
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 flu a number of times, and they have hung around longer than usual. This has reduced the regularity of my exercise. Of course, by 'exercise', I mean nothing more strenuous than a 30 minute walk! In any case, I found out today that there may be three reasons for the frequency and duration of these illnesses: (a) already being somewhat run down/still recovering in my overall level of health; (b) radiotherapy scarring probably means that my trachea is less effective at thwarting airborne pathogens; and (c) my thymus was also in the field of radiation. The thymus is a gland in the centre of your chest that plays an important role in your immune system. I didn't ask him directly, but it sounds like the latter two effects may be long term.
Although it is months since my first good scan, I have been acknowledging again to myself in recent weeks that I am very much still in recovery mode, physically and emotionally.
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 flu a number of times, and they have hung around longer than usual. This has reduced the regularity of my exercise. Of course, by 'exercise', I mean nothing more strenuous than a 30 minute walk! In any case, I found out today that there may be three reasons for the frequency and duration of these illnesses: (a) already being somewhat run down/still recovering in my overall level of health; (b) radiotherapy scarring probably means that my trachea is less effective at thwarting airborne pathogens; and (c) my thymus was also in the field of radiation. The thymus is a gland in the centre of your chest that plays an important role in your immune system. I didn't ask him directly, but it sounds like the latter two effects may be long term.
Although it is months since my first good scan, I have been acknowledging again to myself in recent weeks that I am very much still in recovery mode, physically and emotionally.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Still all clear
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!
Third follow-up scan
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, only to find the site closed up, the interior stripped bare and no signs or indication if this was a move, renovation or permanent closure.
So yesterday I organised to have my next scan closer to home, indeed just down the road at a medical centre associated with RPAH. And I managed to get an appointment for later today. So as of one minute ago, I've started fasting for the required four hours before my next scan.
Although I've had no physical reasons to think this one might be any different, the extra weeks of delay have added to my feelings of anxiety. I trust that God will be with me whether I am sick or well, but it's also natural to get a few butterflies. I'm glad that it will soon be over.
So yesterday I organised to have my next scan closer to home, indeed just down the road at a medical centre associated with RPAH. And I managed to get an appointment for later today. So as of one minute ago, I've started fasting for the required four hours before my next scan.
Although I've had no physical reasons to think this one might be any different, the extra weeks of delay have added to my feelings of anxiety. I trust that God will be with me whether I am sick or well, but it's also natural to get a few butterflies. I'm glad that it will soon be over.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Crash
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 front left side. Thankfully, he hit our front wheel rather than the passenger door a metre or so further back. Jess and I were both able to get out straight away. After we had checked that the three of us were OK, he apologised.
The next vehicle to appear around the corner five seconds later was a police car containing two constables, who immediately took charge of the situation. Jessica was complaining of neck pain, so was taken to RPA in an ambulance and a neck brace while I stayed with the police and taxi driver to give a statement. The police investigation quickly decided that the taxi driver was at fault for failing to give way. His defence was that he was not at fault because he hadn't seen us. On the one hand, I'm sad that this will probably have implications for his job, but on the other, if this was more than an isolated error of judgement, it may be best for him to do something else.
RPA again
The police gave me a lift to RPA, where I found that Jess was waiting for an x-ray of her spine. By this time, my neck was also sore, so I joined the queue in emergency (it was a busy night). After I'd seen a doctor a few hours later (who had cleared me of anything more than muscle pain), I found that Jessica's x-rays had also cleared her. They kept her under observation until about 2 am when we could finally walk the few hundred metres home.
We slept in this morning (thankfully, Jess didn't have to work. She has accepted a new job a few days ago and is winding down in her old position) and woke up bruised and stiff, but better than we'd expected to feel.
RIP XOU219
Our faithful old '84 Corolla had to be towed away and is almost certainly written off. With only months of registration left, it had been unlikely to survive another year anyway. I tried to take some photos on my phone but there wasn't much light and they didn't work. The police took a number of shots, but I'm not sure whether I'll get to see them. Jess has to go down to the Glebe station tonight to give a statement (they decided not to interview her in emergency). This is the only image of the car I could find, from a holiday about a year ago.
We thank God for his protection. When one of the constables found that I work for a church, he asked whether 'the big fella' had let me down. I thought not. Things could have been much, much worse.
Map from Where Is. The crosshairs show where the accident occurred. We live down and to the right, on the corner of Parramatta and Missenden Rds. RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) is a few hundred metres down Missenden Rd, just off the bottom of the map.
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 front left side. Thankfully, he hit our front wheel rather than the passenger door a metre or so further back. Jess and I were both able to get out straight away. After we had checked that the three of us were OK, he apologised.The next vehicle to appear around the corner five seconds later was a police car containing two constables, who immediately took charge of the situation. Jessica was complaining of neck pain, so was taken to RPA in an ambulance and a neck brace while I stayed with the police and taxi driver to give a statement. The police investigation quickly decided that the taxi driver was at fault for failing to give way. His defence was that he was not at fault because he hadn't seen us. On the one hand, I'm sad that this will probably have implications for his job, but on the other, if this was more than an isolated error of judgement, it may be best for him to do something else.
RPA again
The police gave me a lift to RPA, where I found that Jess was waiting for an x-ray of her spine. By this time, my neck was also sore, so I joined the queue in emergency (it was a busy night). After I'd seen a doctor a few hours later (who had cleared me of anything more than muscle pain), I found that Jessica's x-rays had also cleared her. They kept her under observation until about 2 am when we could finally walk the few hundred metres home.
We slept in this morning (thankfully, Jess didn't have to work. She has accepted a new job a few days ago and is winding down in her old position) and woke up bruised and stiff, but better than we'd expected to feel.
RIP XOU219
Our faithful old '84 Corolla had to be towed away and is almost certainly written off. With only months of registration left, it had been unlikely to survive another year anyway. I tried to take some photos on my phone but there wasn't much light and they didn't work. The police took a number of shots, but I'm not sure whether I'll get to see them. Jess has to go down to the Glebe station tonight to give a statement (they decided not to interview her in emergency). This is the only image of the car I could find, from a holiday about a year ago.We thank God for his protection. When one of the constables found that I work for a church, he asked whether 'the big fella' had let me down. I thought not. Things could have been much, much worse.
Map from Where Is. The crosshairs show where the accident occurred. We live down and to the right, on the corner of Parramatta and Missenden Rds. RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) is a few hundred metres down Missenden Rd, just off the bottom of the map.
Monday, July 16, 2007
PET scan clear
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 it could be quite distressing. I don't mind it (apart from getting an itchy nose) - an extra chance for a nap.
I discovered just a minute ago that contrary to what I said in my previous post, Prof Tattersal had not been planning on my having this PET scan until he noted a tenderness in a lymph node near my clavicle. I think I had just forgotten how uncomfortable a lymph node palpitation can be and flinched when he stuck his fingers into my neck. This also happened the first time he did it, but on subsequent times I was ready for it.
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 it could be quite distressing. I don't mind it (apart from getting an itchy nose) - an extra chance for a nap.
I discovered just a minute ago that contrary to what I said in my previous post, Prof Tattersal had not been planning on my having this PET scan until he noted a tenderness in a lymph node near my clavicle. I think I had just forgotten how uncomfortable a lymph node palpitation can be and flinched when he stuck his fingers into my neck. This also happened the first time he did it, but on subsequent times I was ready for it.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Yet another scan
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.
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.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Good scan!
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 so secretly) - and once again, an even bigger thanks to God!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Scan and voice
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 few more things. First, I found that my left vocal cord is paralysed in a paramedial position (partially 'on', rather than fully 'off' as I had thought) and this is why my voice has returned to the level that it has (i.e. more than nothing, less than it was). Second, she very kindly invited me to a workshop she is organising for speech therapists to watch a world-famous voice teacher work with some of her patiences (one of whom will be me!). So I get a free consultation with a lady who normally charges over $200. The only price is that I'll have twenty therapists watching me as I do so. And third, I found that if I do end up having surgery on my larynx, this would involve the insertion of a bioplastic wedge to jam my left chord more fully on (rather than a collagen injection as I had previously thought). Compared to the injection, this sounds like a more uncomfortable procedure (a local anathestic while they cut your neck open; they need you awake so you can be testing your voice as they do it!); however, the injection needs to be repeated every few months, while this procedure would be permanent. Either option might only have a marginal effect on my voice (or none at all), though if I'm going to use my voice for a living, this could be worth it.
I also saw the speech therapist again yesterday and learned a few more things. First, I found that my left vocal cord is paralysed in a paramedial position (partially 'on', rather than fully 'off' as I had thought) and this is why my voice has returned to the level that it has (i.e. more than nothing, less than it was). Second, she very kindly invited me to a workshop she is organising for speech therapists to watch a world-famous voice teacher work with some of her patiences (one of whom will be me!). So I get a free consultation with a lady who normally charges over $200. The only price is that I'll have twenty therapists watching me as I do so. And third, I found that if I do end up having surgery on my larynx, this would involve the insertion of a bioplastic wedge to jam my left chord more fully on (rather than a collagen injection as I had previously thought). Compared to the injection, this sounds like a more uncomfortable procedure (a local anathestic while they cut your neck open; they need you awake so you can be testing your voice as they do it!); however, the injection needs to be repeated every few months, while this procedure would be permanent. Either option might only have a marginal effect on my voice (or none at all), though if I'm going to use my voice for a living, this could be worth it.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Cancer (hasn't) killed the radio star
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 sick, then this is another chance.
UPDATE: For those out of Sydney, you can listen online. H/T Jason Goroncy.
UPDATE: For those out of Sydney, you can listen online. H/T Jason Goroncy.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Recently
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!
Next scan soon
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.
UPDATE: Just found out he is away and will be back in early July.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Before and after
A tale of two scans
I'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 entirely blocking my left bronchial tube (though this is on the right of the image, since you are looking at my chest front on). This is why I was having difficulty breathing! In fact, I only really started having noticable trouble with my breathing a week or two later than this scan, when the growth must have been bigger. By the end of December, just before treatment started, this left tube was completely blocked at times (esp when I lay down).
Breathing easy
The second pair of images are from my most recent CT scan. This is the same region as the first scan. Notice the smooth sides of the windpipe and bronchial tubes. There is still a residual mass visible, but it is much smaller.
Cured?
This is wonderful - however, it doesn't mean a definitive 'cure', as I have mentioned before. I will continue to have regular scans every few months (another one is coming up in a few weeks). It is not until two years without any regrowth that they are happy to say that this growth has been beaten.
I'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 entirely blocking my left bronchial tube (though this is on the right of the image, since you are looking at my chest front on). This is why I was having difficulty breathing! In fact, I only really started having noticable trouble with my breathing a week or two later than this scan, when the growth must have been bigger. By the end of December, just before treatment started, this left tube was completely blocked at times (esp when I lay down).
Breathing easyThe second pair of images are from my most recent CT scan. This is the same region as the first scan. Notice the smooth sides of the windpipe and bronchial tubes. There is still a residual mass visible, but it is much smaller.
Cured?This is wonderful - however, it doesn't mean a definitive 'cure', as I have mentioned before. I will continue to have regular scans every few months (another one is coming up in a few weeks). It is not until two years without any regrowth that they are happy to say that this growth has been beaten.
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