Swine Flu Jab

Had my swine flu jab yesterday, arm a bit heavy, and generally feeling a bit achy.

DECIDED IN ANGER TO WRITE A LETTER TO MY OLD ONCOLOGY DEPT.

Dear Mr B**

Ref: ***

As I was discharged from Mr Steve ****’ clinic back in 2006, I thought I should keep you informed of my ‘cancer’ history since then. As it may be of some interest to you.

As you know I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease in 1981 at the age of 16. I was treated with mantle radiotherapy, and surgery. Thankfully making a full recovery.

In 2005, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ was diagnosed in my left breast, which through my choice, I had a double mastectomy.

In 2008, Mr Merrick (Maxillo Facial) diagnosed Mucoepideroid Carcinoma inside my mouth, this was treated with surgery. I am currently on 3 monthly checks.

Yesterday, my GP diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma on the right hand side of my neck, which was removed under local anesthetic in his surgery

I am positive that all these subsequent carcinomas are due to the radiation I received in 1981. Would it be possible to tell me what stage my Hodgkins was and what dose of radiation I received?

I was also wondering if, given my seemingly ongoing medical conditions, it would be possible to have a periodical scan, if only for my own peace of mind. If that is possible who would I need to arrange that with?

I look forward to hearing from you

Results back eventually today, by letter. It was a Basal Cell Carcinoma. So yet another cancer to add to my list. Feeling very pleased that its all gone, but upset at the result

Stitches out

Stitches out today, the nurse said i healed very well. The line is quite red, but only about an inch long. No results back yet!

Mole Gone

Gosh that was a bit sore, I have 3 external stitches and a couple inside. The actual surgery wasnt too bad, but the huge dressing on it is irritating my neck and making the sore area even bigger.

Went and bought some different dressings and trying to leave them off when possible. Not allowed to get it wet - fun washing hair!

Stitches out next Friday

Went to see Gp on Tuesday

I have an odd mole on my right hand side of my neck which has only probably been there for 18 months or so. It dries up, cracks and then bits fall off, it then bleeds and regrows.

GP thinks its sun damage, I am not sun worshipper, and never been on a sunbed. So I believe its from the radiotherapy I had when I was 16 for Hodgkins Disease.

Having it removed under local anaesthetic next Wednesday at the Surgery

November Appointment

Once again Mr Merrick is happy with me. Pointed out about the potassium levels in my last blood test, but put it down to the medication I am on. Not back to see him now until 10th Feb 2010

August Check Up

Went to see Mr Merrick, all very happy with my progress, no obvious lumps or bumps to be seen or felt.

Back again 4th November

Julys posting

I almost forgot to update you all.

We spent a lovely holiday in Spain during this month, temperatures reached 46 degrees in the sunshine. It was a good week to unwind, relax and to remind my hubby who I was.

Health is fab, apart from not being able to loose any more weight. I know I let it slip whilst away, but been good since I been back. If it doesnt get shifting, the doctor will take me off of the Orlistat.

So back to the Gym tonight, to pump those machines,and get my body burning fat - well I can hope, cant I?

Back to see Mr Merrick on 5th August, for my 3 monthly check up. He has said previously, that he would be happy for me to transfer to my local hospital under a different consultant after this visit if I wanted. But think I am happier with the person who operated on me, and with whom knows my history and makes me feel comfortable. So I will stick with Mr Merrick, after all he did save me from this tumour last year!

June General Update

Thought it was about time, I posted here. Health wise everything is fine. I phoned my GP to get results regarding thyroid. No abnormal results ... so that was good. Will just request that Mr Merrick monitors the nodes that were picked up on my MRI fairly frequently.

Since posting last time, I have joined a local gym. Attended two fitness classes so far. One is just women, doing areobics, and the other is Circuits, where we alternate between exercise machine and cardio workout every 45 seconds. I really enjoyed it and hope it will boost my weight loss!

Working quite a few extra hours, as some of the girls are on holiday and we have to cover the hours.

Not much happening, between work, exercise and sleep at this end.

Will update you all again during July

Race For Life 2009

I took part in the Race for Life on Weston Super Mare sea front on Sunday. It was pouring with rain. A very emotional day, with lots and lots of people taking part.

I did attempt to run, but running on sand in rain, when you havent done any training is pretty hard going, and I probably lasted 20 seconds (at the most). But walked a very brisk walk and completed the 5km distance in 52 minutes, running across the finishing line.

I do have two very sore areas the back on my heels, from my trainers rubbing, but I am so pleased I took part.

Well Done to every who has or will be taking part this year - Keep Up The Good Work
x

PS. No news from hospital with reference to thyroid - so I am assuming no news is good news!

Thyroid .....

Had to go to musgrove park hospital myself yesterday for my check up. My consultant is happy with me, except nodules on my thyroid have been detected (via MRI). The majority of nodules found generally are benign. But as I have 6 he is a little concerned. There is no swelling in my neck, and I do not have any symptoms that my thyroid is not working correctly. Sent me for a thyroid blood test and full blood count - fingers crossed - I dont want to go through anymore of this shite.

The funny thing is - I had reflexology a few months ago, and that was the one thing that was picked up - but I didnt really think reflexology worked .... I do now!

Also havent lost any weight this month, and I have been so good. Time to up my exercise I think.

I am taking part in the Race For Life on the 17th May, on Weston sea front

Before and After photos

At the age of 12, I chipped both my front teeth. After 30 years, I was brave enough to get them fixed, and this was the result

MRI on Sunday 9th March

Had my first MRI on my head and neck area last Sunday. Quite a daunting machine. Strapped down to a table, whilst listening to Phil Collins. Took about 30 minutes I guess.

Still not had any results back, which I am hoping no news is good news. Also still awaiting my next check up appointment.

Managed to keep taking my orlistat whilst on holiday in Austria. Didnt loose any weight, as most of the meals were served in a cream sauce, even the soup had dollups of cream on it. Had a beer every night too. But didnt gain any weight either, so was pretty pleased with that.

Back to work today, after almost a two week break. Still shattered from the holiday, but will soon get back into the swing of it.

extended to 3 monthly

Hospital appointment went ok, although he was running rather late. Wants to see me in 3 months time (woo hoo).
But I will be having an MRI done in 4 - 6 weeks, as a yearly precaution, obviously any problems, I will be contacted sooner than the three months

Start of 3rd week

Three weeks since I started Orlistat. I have lost 10lbs in those 3 weeks. I am not hungry and coping quite well. I've not cheated once, no chocolate, no crisps, no biscuits etc

Weather here has been pretty bad, lots of snow, schools shut. Not sure whether I am looking forward to going to see 'more' snow in Austria, almost snowed out now.

I have my 6 weekly hospital check up next Wednesday, hopefully that will go the same way as all the previous ones have, with the 'all clear'

Day 7

Day seven of taking Orlistat. At the beginning of the week, I was so tempted to chuck the whole thing in. Suffered from backache, headache and fatigue. Those symptoms seem to be lifting now.
I also bought myself some extra vitamins yesterday. Vitamin E and Beta Carotene, which apparently get lost whilst taking these pills
I'm not due to the drs for a weigh in until Monday 2nd Feb, but will weigh here tomorrow to see how I have done in the first week.

Getting quite excited about our holiday to Austria, only 6 weeks away now, already bought the snow boots. Just me and the hubby, no kids, phones, internet etc.

hmm

First day yesterday taking Orlistat

Went to bed last night with a thumping headache, and woke up this morning, feeling like I have been run over by a bus. Head still hurting.

Not sure if this is the effect of the tablets, or something else .... will stick it out a bit longer and hope it passes

Xenical

My Gp prescribed me Xenical(Orlistat) today, after i asked her too. They actually help you not to digest the fat from foods. So taken 3 times a day, with a very low fat diet, they SHOULD help with weightloss. I shall be monitored quite closly at the doctors, being weighed every two weeks. Fingers Crossed

Still Happy

Saw my consultant on Wednesday, no problems at all. I asked if he did a clinic more local to me, and he said his colleague did, but he didnt want to transfer me until I had been clear for 18 months. So as it stands at the moment. I have another appointment in Feb, one beginning of April. We will then be upto a 12 month, so my appointments go from 6 weeks to 3 monthly. Mr Merrick will see me twice following that, so July and October, and providing alls well, he will transfer me to my local hospital.

I am considering going to my dr next week, and asking if they can prescribe me Orlistat. I really have trouble losing weight, and I know these have to be taken with a low fat diet plus exercise, but it might give me the boost i need