A full diagnosis at last
By Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
Manchester, England
July 6, 2017 9:22am CST
Since my CT scan and resultant biopsy, the samples taken have been analysed to decide precisely what the tumours consist of. Today was my appointment to see a consultant and be informed of the results and potential prognosis.
The tumours turned out to be Single Cell Cancer, which I am told is a virulent form and therefore spreads rapidly. This explains why I have such a widespread and abundant number of tumours. Amusingly, at this point the consultant asked whether I had understood what she said. She seemed rather bemused by the nonchalant way in which my brother and I accepted the news. As I explained it was already apparent that I had a serious problem, so the news did not constitute a surprise in any way.
The plus side is that this particular strain of cancer can be quite responsive to chemotherapy, so I have been referred to the local cancer hospital Christie. The chemotherapy procedure is quite different to what I expected. It seems that I shall be there for almost a complete day undergoing chemotherapy for 3 days in a row, followed by a weekly visit for checks etcetera. This will run on a 3 week cycle for as long as is deemed necessary.
I was told that the chemotherapy can be rather harsh and leave me in a fair amount of discomfort, but since there is no actual invasive treatment I shall tolerate this. However, I shall be provided a emergency number in case of serious side effects.
All in all this was really the best news that I could have anticipated.
41 people like this
38 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
6 Jul 17
Yes it is good news very good
.
The chemo treatments are a breeze for some but affect others in some ways with side effects such as nausea, but as I said my 89 yr old Mom went thru the treatments(Stage 4 ovarian cancer) and had no ill side effects..she is very fortunate to be free of the cancer now after 4 mos of chemo. She lost her hair and that was the only thing but now she has a full head of hair once again. She would watch movies on the little tablet I would bring for her to keep her occupied. She had nice snacks while she was there and chatted with other chemo recipients.
I hope you will proceed with the treatments and have very few side effects.
I know this new information will be a relief to you.
.
The chemo treatments are a breeze for some but affect others in some ways with side effects such as nausea, but as I said my 89 yr old Mom went thru the treatments(Stage 4 ovarian cancer) and had no ill side effects..she is very fortunate to be free of the cancer now after 4 mos of chemo. She lost her hair and that was the only thing but now she has a full head of hair once again. She would watch movies on the little tablet I would bring for her to keep her occupied. She had nice snacks while she was there and chatted with other chemo recipients.
I hope you will proceed with the treatments and have very few side effects.
I know this new information will be a relief to you.9 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
6 Jul 17
Yes, it was excellent news. The consultant is probably accustomed to people being horrified by the diagnosis, but for me it was wonderful.
I shall find out in due course whether I react well to chemotherapy, but I have nothing to lose.
9 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
6 Jul 17
@Asylum You certainly don't! It is only good news you got today! 
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
6 Jul 17
@TiarasOceanView Exactly my opinion.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (41686)
• United States
6 Jul 17
Wow. I'm glad to hear that it's curable. You are in my prayers and God's hands.
6 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
7 Jul 17
Barry, thanks for keeping us posted. I will pray for the chemo to not be too uncomfortable. Please do keep us posted when you feel well enough. It can be draining, I have taken care of people who have had chemo of various kinds.
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Jul 17
According to the consultant, chemotherapy is administered in amounts to suit the patient, which often means having to adjust the quantity on a trial and error basis. This means that the first week will probably be the worst, but it should become easier afterwards.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
6 Jul 17
Chemotherapy is not invasive, it let you tired and can give some discomfort, but it seems a great chance to get rid, or at least keep under control, your kind of cancer. I suppose you were prepared to the worst, this sounds almost like not so bad news after all.
5 people like this
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
6 Jul 17
@Asylum I agree with you. When my husband goes to the hospital to see his neurologist, I usually wait for him in the chemotherapy section. I see people joining their quiet single room for the treatment. I's not something invasive and it's not something that hurts. I am glad you have this opportunity.
2 people like this
@Mike197602 (15512)
• United Kingdom
6 Jul 17
Bring a book or a laptop to your treatments...best advice I can offer
Also it may be an idea to meet with a dietitian as chemo can impact your diet and you need to keep putting nutrients into your body.
I'm not a doctor or nurse but have worked on oncology wards/outpatients and have worked in home care for a number of years.
Also it may be an idea to meet with a dietitian as chemo can impact your diet and you need to keep putting nutrients into your body.
I'm not a doctor or nurse but have worked on oncology wards/outpatients and have worked in home care for a number of years.6 people like this
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Jul 17
I bet you are relieved to know for sure what the issue is and what the plan of attack will be.
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Jul 17
@celticeagle I was already aware of the problem because previous appointments made the outcome obvious.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Jul 17
@Asylum .....If it were me I would so relieved just to finally know what is wrong.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137553)
• India
7 Jul 17
Panic worsens a disease but you have taken this in your stride. Believe me it helps.
3 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
6 Jul 17
i'm glad your brother was there. will he be driving you also to your 3-day chemo appointments?
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
6 Jul 17
@hereandthere No, mainly because they anticipate that the cancer treatment hospital will impress such information on me.
4 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
6 Jul 17
@Asylum did they tell you about any preparations you need to do before each session and any do's and don'ts after?
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
6 Jul 17
At least know you have more information and a plan. My father had colon cancer and after surgery he had chemo at the doc's office once a week. He did loose some hair and what was left turned grey. They took him off of it after 9 months.
Hopefully what you learned will help you get thru it emotionally and mentally.
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
6 Jul 17
@Asylum Then you are three steps ahead in the process.....
2 people like this
@andriaperry (117130)
• Anniston, Alabama
7 Jul 17
Tony just finished up chemo, the worst side effects he had was joint and leg pain, I used biofreeze roll on pain reliever and he said it stopped that pain. He was on meds to stop the throwing up so that did not happen, as far as eating and that stomach pain I gave him blackberry juice.
I am glad there is treatment. Tony is a stage 4 but in remission at the moment.
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
23 Jul 17
@marguicha Worrying does not help much, whereas knowing the facts does make it a little easier to deal with.
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
23 Jul 17
@Asylum I did not worry much either when I had my diagnosis. I just wanted to know what it was.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
6 Jul 17
I admire your bravery to be honest, I can only wish you the best
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26762)
• Singapore
7 Jul 17
I too fall in your category - look for a ray of light even in complete darkness, not everything is lost.
I have seen chemo affects people differently. I do hope and pray the side effects are mild for you.
You seem to be in good hands and, hopefully, the recovery is fast to enjoy many healthy years of life - siva
2 people like this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
7 Jul 17
That is good news indeed. My sister in law was 54 three years ago when diagnosed. She has responded well to chemo. The first time in many small doses and she had no ill effects except losing her hair. The second time two years later was a little more troublesome for her as they used a different kind (or mix?) but no loss of hair. It's been a year now since the second treatment and she is still cancer free. I was hoping that a treatment was available for you. She had wide spread cancer as well, in her lungs, liver, abdomen, colon, etc. She is feeling marvelous right now and travels quite a bit. You will hear about everyone else's experience but yours will be unique to you. Praying it will all go well.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Jul 17
@Jeanniemaries That is now a possibility.
2 people like this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
7 Jul 17
@Asylum Yes, but still praying for a positive outcome.
2 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
7 Jul 17
@eniscinari Yes, giving up serves no real purpose.
1 person likes this
@eniscinari (128)
•
7 Jul 17
@Asylum That's the spirit! Only fighting back you can have a chance!
1 person likes this
