Easter week

We went to Devon over Easter and due to the weather, which was a bit blustery and wet, it turned into a gastronomic few days. We ate very well in the local hostelries, did a bit of star spotting of people on the telly, no-one really exciting though. We took the small van, didn't use the awning due to the conditions, it may be her last trip before her makeover due very soon. She's great for the narrow lanes in Devon.

Went to see the lymph nurse last week, leg is only 6% larger and has good shape. However she did recommend Physio because of the limp I've developed. The referral was quick so on Friday we went to St Peters to see the physio. I was surprised how weak my leg has become because of the nerve compression by the tumour. So I have lots of exercises to do to build up the muscles in my leg and ankle to compensate. I also have a stick to help me walk properly and it's making a difference. One thing I learned is that I have been using the stick in the past in the wrong hand, it should be the opposite side to the problem leg, so that hasn't helped either. It's going to take a while to build up the strength again and the gym is vital for my general fitness too, she was pleased I was going so regularly.

Going backwards, on Thursday we went to the Marsden, had the usual blood tests, the extra blood I'd had hasn't made a huge amount of difference to my HB count, but I could have guessed that, as it hadn't given me a lot of energy. They spotted my vitamin B12 count was low so they ran some more tests, I'm waiting for the results. Also had a CT scan which was planned, so next week we will find out the latest position and whether I will stay on the trial.

Going backwards again, on Wednesday a friend of mine Rosie (who works there) arranged a walk round the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre in Pill followed by lunch for Frank and I. It was really good to see it and I think I will use some of the facilities over the coming months, so thanks for that Rosie. They have a website, if anyone reading this wants more info.

So it's been a busy old week, having a couple of days at home getting over it, not really, went to the gym this morning and started my new exercises too.

Speak soon
Sheila x

Another week or two gone

I should have updated this last week but obviously didn't. We are having a week off the hospital this week which is good and looking forward to an Easter break in the van down in Devon. Hope we don't freeze to death.......have to find a nice pub with a log burning fire, what a shame!

Last week I had two bags of blood, my HB was unchanged but we thought it might do me some good. Can't say I've noticed a marked change energy-wise, but my leg has been a bit of a pain (literally). I saw the lymph nurse on Friday and my right leg is 6% bigger than my left, not bad. She is referring me to Physio though because I've developed a limp, which is in danger of becoming permanent, if I don't learn to walk properly again asap. So I'm waiting for an appointment for that, hopefully in a week or two.

That's it for now, have a great Easter and enjoy the time off work.

Sheila x

Quick Update

We went to the hospital again on Thursday, blood check and to discuss the pain in my leg. My HB is down and I may need a blood transfusion next week, this will take several hours so I hope it will bounce back during the week and it can be avoided. I think the pain management is better, so we have decided not to make any changes this week and see how it is next week. The pain has changed again, which probably means the tumour is up to something ( hopefully shrinking!), there has definitely been some easing and less instances of intense pain, so fingers crossed.

My dad is 84 today, good age isn't it? Still dancing 4 times a week, that's the secret, keep up the exercise. Went to another 50th party last night, everyone is turning 50 this year, so plenty more to come, including Frank!

Just been to the gym, so need to get a shower and go and see my dad.

Speak soon
Sheila x

Calm is restored

We went to the hospital again on Thursday and they apologised profusely for the error made. What can you do, at least it was spotted and we only lost 4 days. All the scans are held on computer so it was a question of clicking on the wrong line. Still we are all older and wiser. We had another look at the scans, side by side on the computer, different doctor this week, so he spent some time going through each of the "slices", pointing out the various organs as we went down from my chest to the pelvis. The tumour is not changing in a uniform way, some bits have shrunk and other bits have grown, overall it is classed as stable. Also a lymph node which was showing signs of growth a bit away from the main growth has shrunk, so that's good news. If you ever have a CT scan, ask to see it, it's fascinating.

Frank has bought himself a new car, he hopes to pick it up next week. Spending his AXA pension already. I won't steal his thunder but just to say hope it's a good summer or we will get very wet :-(

Anyway must go, Mothers Day, out to lunch.

Sheila x