Busy Two Weeks

I've just had to read the last entry to see what I had been doing.

OK the last couple of weeks have been about getting scans and colonoscopy results to the Marsden, so that they are able to make an informed decision on next steps. I'm still off the trial drug.

We managed to get a CT and MRI scan done at the Marsden and the Colonoscopy done at Southmead. All the results got to the Marsden and yesterday I had my review.

The reason for the drop in blood count has been attributed to an internal bleed of a blood vessel near the site of the tumour, which has now stopped of it's own accord. This is backed up by the fact that my HB is now 10.5 and rising. So nothing to do there.

The CT scan showed that although the tumour was shrinking in places as we knew, the shrinkage was not uniform and part of the tumour is continuing to press hard on my nerve at the top of the leg. This is almost certainly causing the foot drop which has been diagnosed since the last update and is causing me to limp as if one leg (the bad one) is shorter than the other. The limp has become quite pronounced and walking without a stick is no longer possible due to balance problems. I have new exercises and aids to try to correct the problem, but it may remain with me now, it's a question of what can be done to ease the pressing of the tumour.

The Marsden have recommended a course of Radiotherapy directed at that area of the tumour. This is now being discussed with Bristol as they have to check on previous radiotherapy, I may have already had the maximum in the pelvic area. It will probably take a week to get a decision. After the radiotherapy I can go on a new trial at the Marsden, they have several new ones opening in the summer, so I will not have to wait to find one I can go on. The Marsden will decide what trial and discuss consent with me. If I have Radiotherapy I will have to wait a further 4 weeks after to begin a trial, that's the rules they need the body to flush out old treatments. If I have already had the max Radiotherapy we will go straight to another trial and hope that it can hit the tumour against the nerve, but obviously chemo is not targeted like Radiotherapy.

So we are waiting...........sorry there is so much info in this, but nobody said it was ever simple!

Meanwhile we have also managed to grap 3 days in Cornwall. Some friends took us to 15 at Watergate Bay near Newquay for lunch. It was a 50th present for Frank and a Birthday meal for me from last August! Lovely, Jamie Oliver wasn't there, but the food was excellent, and the Antipasti starter was to die for. Beautiful views over the bay and on a good day the windows open. We will definitely nip in for lunch again in the future. They do dinner as well but you won't get the view in the dark :-) Great to be back in Cornwall after about 4 years away, we will aim to get down there more if we can get a window.

We've also been to Ross and Rosie's wedding in the Cotswolds, beautiful setting and very happy fun day, Scottish dancing, kilts, plenty of grog and the Swan Hotel in Bibury was a wonderful setting. Really enjoyed it and Rosie was a picture.

Had two Birthday parties to go to on Saturday, one was an 80th and then two friends shared a 50th, both parties were in Bristol, but it was a bit hectic and a shame to have to leave one as it was getting into full swing.

So all in all, we have been very busy as you can see.

Speak soon
Sheila x