5 tablets down - slight improvement

I have now taken 5 of these super duper anti-biotics. And thankfully they seem to be working. My pain is more of a dull ache now, in my chest. My shortness of breath is definately improving to. My energy levels are pretty low, and I keep needing to go to sleep.
My arms and wrists are covered in bruises.

Woke up this morning with a runny nose, and tickly cough, whether that is connected to my chest problems, I am not sure. But would much prefer a bad cold, to what I have been suffering for almost a week now.

Acute GP Care Unit

Was a long day yesterday. Got to drs at 8.50, to then be sent home and await a phone call from Acute Gp Care (based at taunton hospital) at 10am. Was told to go straight in and to take an overnight bag just in case. Rung Dave, he came home and we were in the ward (!!!!) just before 11.
I was sat in an armchair for the whole duration, apart from when being sent off for test etc. I knew it was gonna be a long day. I told Dave to go home at 1.30, as he was so behind at work, and although he was happy to stay with me, I knew he would only have to do it when we got home.
So Dave left, and I attempted to read my book, no chance, so many people coming and going.
Eventually got taken down for a scan, and they had to put the drip into the inside of my wrist as all my veins had fucked off somewhere by then. They had already had 3 goes in one arm and two in the other for bloods. Its so painful in your wrist. On previous CT scans, I hadnt needed a drip, so that was new to me. It was so it would show up my blood vessels in my lungs. So painful when the fluid was turned on that I let out a wince.
Anyway by 5.25, eventually got the results of the scan, and was told that they hadnt found what they were looking for (P.E.) so would be sending me home with anti-biotics. So to be honest they still dont know whats causing the pain, or the raised CRP levels. And they just hope that the antibiotics with knock it on the head.
Havent been brave enough to look up mosiac shadowing yet - scared shitless it will be cancer !!
So all tests etc probably havent finished yet, still on stricked instruction to ring 999 if I feel worse before I see GP (probably Tuesday) which is not at all re-assuring really.

These were the results of yesterdays hospital visit. (copied from letter I have to give GP)

Chest Xray - No obviously infection, No Pneumonia
Bloods - Raised Inflamm markers and Neutrophilia
CT Scan - No Pulmonary Embolism, but mosaic pattern shadowing on lungs

Needs to be refered to Respiritory Clinic
To have Bloods repeated next week
On one weeks Clarithromycin 500mg

C Reactive Protein

dr just rung. ECG ok. BUT my bloods are showing a high level of the C Reactive Protein, my GP is not at all happy, and I have to go back at 8.50 tomorrow. With the possibility of being sent to the hospital for Aqute Testing !!!

All fun and games in the Englefield house!

Bloods and EDG done. Still feel quite poorly. Dr looking at ECG this afternoon and will ring me with results if anything to be alarmed about. The only thing the nurse said was i had a fast heartbeat.
If i hear nothing today, I have to ring on Thursday afternoon for blood results, and take it from there

Chest Pain

Went to bed last night at 9pm, and fell asleep quite quickly. Woke up for a wee at 10.20, with a really bad pain in left side of neck. Felt like my gland was up. Only a few minutes later the pain moved down into my collarbone, and then sat in the bang centre of my chest. The pain is like a crushing pain and although there all the time, catches me on every breath in. Was up all night, debating whether I should ring an ambulance.
Went to doctors today, who is a little concerned. I have a slight temperature. My BP is normal, my sats are 98%
She has booked me in for an ECG and blood tests tomorrow.
Feeling very sorry for myself, still in pain and now very very tired
Was told if pain gets worse, or I feel nausea or breathless to ring 999 overnight

Oncologists Reply

Dear Mrs *****

I apologise for the delay in replying to your letter but I needed to review your notes to obtain the information that you require.

You presented with stage IIA Hodgkin's disease in 1981 and received mantle radiotherapy at a dose of between 35-39 Gy.

There is an increased risk of second cancers in patients with a past history of Hodglkin's disease whether chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combined treatment is required. Cancers related to radiation usually arise within the radiotherapy field and it is therefore likely that your past history of breast cancer is a consequence of mantle radiotherapy.

Your other two cancers are likely related to suppression of your immune system as a consequence of your past history of Hodgkin's disease and neither of these would have been detected by CT scan. Routine surveillance CT scans are not indicated in this situation as the pick up rate is low and each scan involves the administration of a significant dose of additional radiation.

Vigilance is required to monitor for future problems and any unexplained symptoms should be reported to your GP. Avoidance of risk factors for cancer (eg smoking) and active involvement in National Screening Programmes (eg cervical smears) is also to be encouraged.

If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

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.