Just take everything one step at a time...and cherish every bit of positive progress.
We're all behind you, as always.....as long as you're not wearing that mankini !
Nooo! But I think we're safe, Fanny; he'd need a second pouch for the stoma!
Best wishes, @Redmidland. Sounds as though you've been having a rough time, but hopefully the 2nd round of chemo will be less taxing. Fingers crossed for you.
I'm gobsmacked and somewhat emotional right now! The postman has just been and delivered some wonderful cards from people, you know who you are, on this forum. My heartfelt thanks to you, and whoever organised it. Mrs RM couldn't believe that 1/2 dozen cards all turned up together. I'm genuinely touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you so much.....what a lift to my spirits. God bless you all, and as the late Dave Allen used to say "May your god go with you" Kind regards Malc x
Just an update from me. I had a slight delay in starting chemo as I have a rare 'gene' that reacts with the chemo drugs. However I started my first of 8 sessions on 6th September, this was an 'infusion' into my hand for 2 hours. Things started well but towards the end my left hand was in excruciating pain; the chemo had built up in my vein and didn't disperse. The chemo was stopped a few minutes early and the canula etc was removed, I've never felt pain like it, and the nurses had to put a warm compress on my hand to help disperse the drug. I lost 90% of the use of my left arm for about 72 hours. I came home and then started chemo tablets on 7th September, 8 everyday for 14 days. The chronic fatigue then set in and I've been mainly bedridden since, I also lost my appetite and suffered from terrible nausea for the first 10 days. My tablets stopped yesterday and I now have 6 days off before I go back to hospital for session 2 to begin on 4th October. The oncologist and I had a chat yesterday and he says I'm doing well, he is hopeful the treatment WILL be successful once this is finished and radiotherapy begins early next year. I have a battle on my hands and I now know, I more than likely, wont be at The Valley this season. Depression is now my biggest battle as I have been very very low these last few weeks, but I'm hoping these next 6 days will help me. My thanks must go to @TCE, who, with is lovely wife, sent Mrs RM and myself some chocs and flowers 2 days ago - thanks mate! I don't post on here very often now, but read it avidly to keep up to date with things, and I'm thankful for its existence. Until another time. #fxxkcancer
For anyone who pays attention to my posts (I am not sure why you would). You may have noticed I have been a little bit quieter over the last 6 months or so, and recently referred to some mental health issues on the Conor Mcgrandles thread.
Well finally I have a diagnoses for what has been likely causing most of my physical symptoms which is a Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Disorder - which essentially is a rare type of blood cancer where you bone marrow over produces certain blood cells.
I still have to undergo more tests to see exactly where I set under the umbrella. Fingers crossed in the 'watch and wait' for a very long time category and not the 'bone marrow turning into concrete' one.
Firstly was wondering if any other lifers have been diagnosed with anything similar? And if so, what their experience is.
Secondly if anyone fancies chucking me a tenner. To try and motivate myself to get back on the bike and raise some awareness I am fundraising for MPN Voice by doing the 'Kentish Killer' bike ride in March.
I pressed like for this as you’re doing something positive & for that you have to be commended. Good luck & keep us posted with updates. Sending positive energy your way xxx
My best wishes to you @FishCostaFortune, I hope you are in the 'watch and wait' category and you get the results soon. Take care x I will donate to your bike ride.
thought an update on the Lass might be appropriate
5 weeks ago she had a failed attempt at stem cell harvesting and they are having another attempt in a week's time, if this is successful she then goes forward for a stem cell transplant, if not they say donor transplant is not effective due to her type of lymphoma so not sure where we go from there. The encouragement and messages that Lifers give us and I'm sure others who have this dreadful disease is a great help. Maybe when it is all over and their cancers are beaten we should have a special meet up at the Valley to celebrate life after cancer - you have to hope
As the Lass's carer may I just add that I wish my fellow carers strength and hope.
Thanks for your kind words and donations. Not been on the bike really since June when things first started going downhill - so looking forward to get back in to.
Good luck to anyone having to face or support someone facing this disease, my thoughts are with you.
Sending very best wishes to the Lass, Lancs, and to you @FishCostaFortune. My wee cousin works as Head of Research & Advocacy for Myeloma UK but not sure if that’s related - if it is, then let me know and I could put you in touch.
It's been awhile since I've given an update, but briefly, my weight continues to improve, I went from 13st 8lbs down to just under 9st in 4 months. Since stopping chemo (6 weeks ago due to a very bad reaction) my appetite has come back and the chronic fatigue has subsided, I now weigh 10st 11lbs! I still have cancer but radiotherapy starts on 6th December, that will be everyday for 5 weeks, except weekends and Christmas/Boxing day. We are hopeful that by 11th January, when the treatment will finish, I will then have 2 months treatment free and the tumour has shrunk. The next decision will then be whether I will need surgery or not to remove any of the tumour that may be left. My aim, God willing, is to be free of this disease by my 69th birthday at the end of March. #fxxkcancer #DarkerTheShadowBrighterTheLight
Well as I'm in good company, I'll declare that after the PSA blood test at The Valley on February 11th, I got a red text the following day. Hmm, I wasn't expecting that. Long story short, after months of tests, scans, biopsies, I had a prostatectomy last Thursday 6th July. Just recovering now and hoping to be fit for the start of the season. Hopefully it hasn't spread and early indicators are it hasn't, will find out more in the coming weeks/months. I've had a better 5 months.
I'm pleased to say that I've just had my 2nd PSA blood test result since my prostatectomy and it's <0.01 ie normal.
I was a bit reluctant to update with so many other good people still suffering. But thought it may perhaps give some a boost. Best wishes to all.
Well as I'm in good company, I'll declare that after the PSA blood test at The Valley on February 11th, I got a red text the following day. Hmm, I wasn't expecting that. Long story short, after months of tests, scans, biopsies, I had a prostatectomy last Thursday 6th July. Just recovering now and hoping to be fit for the start of the season. Hopefully it hasn't spread and early indicators are it hasn't, will find out more in the coming weeks/months. I've had a better 5 months.
I'm pleased to say that I've just had my 2nd PSA blood test result since my prostatectomy and it's <0.01 ie normal.
I was a bit reluctant to update with so many other good people still suffering. But thought it may perhaps give some a boost. Best wishes to all.
Comments
Best wishes, @Redmidland. Sounds as though you've been having a rough time, but hopefully the 2nd round of chemo will be less taxing. Fingers crossed for you.
Good wishes , and hope you come out on top
My heartfelt thanks to you, and whoever organised it. Mrs RM couldn't believe that 1/2 dozen cards all turned up together.
I'm genuinely touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Thank you so much.....what a lift to my spirits.
God bless you all, and as the late Dave Allen used to say "May your god go with you"
Kind regards
Malc x
For anyone who pays attention to my posts (I am not sure why you would). You may have noticed I have been a little bit quieter over the last 6 months or so, and recently referred to some mental health issues on the Conor Mcgrandles thread.
Well finally I have a diagnoses for what has been likely causing most of my physical symptoms which is a Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Disorder - which essentially is a rare type of blood cancer where you bone marrow over produces certain blood cells.
I still have to undergo more tests to see exactly where I set under the umbrella. Fingers crossed in the 'watch and wait' for a very long time category and not the 'bone marrow turning into concrete' one.
Firstly was wondering if any other lifers have been diagnosed with anything similar? And if so, what their experience is.
Secondly if anyone fancies chucking me a tenner. To try and motivate myself to get back on the bike and raise some awareness I am fundraising for MPN Voice by doing the 'Kentish Killer' bike ride in March.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-lipington-kentishkiller?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page/david-lipington-kentishkiller&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
Good luck & keep us posted with updates.
Sending positive energy your way xxx
Please keep us updated x
5 weeks ago she had a failed attempt at stem cell harvesting and they are having another attempt in a week's time, if this is successful she then goes forward for a stem cell transplant, if not they say donor transplant is not effective due to her type of lymphoma so not sure where we go from there.
The encouragement and messages that Lifers give us and I'm sure others who have this dreadful disease is a great help.
Maybe when it is all over and their cancers are beaten we should have a special meet up at the Valley to celebrate life after cancer - you have to hope
As the Lass's carer may I just add that I wish my fellow carers strength and hope.
I would love to buy you & you Lass a glass of your favourite tipple in the future x
Hope all goes well for your Lass xx
Good luck to anyone having to face or support someone facing this disease, my thoughts are with you.
Good luck with your tests.
We are hopeful that by 11th January, when the treatment will finish, I will then have 2 months treatment free and the tumour has shrunk. The next decision will then be whether I will need surgery or not to remove any of the tumour that may be left. My aim, God willing, is to be free of this disease by my 69th birthday at the end of March.
#fxxkcancer
#DarkerTheShadowBrighterTheLight
I was a bit reluctant to update with so many other good people still suffering.
But thought it may perhaps give some a boost.
Best wishes to all.
6 monthly in year 2.
Annually in years 3 -10.