Despite all the tests, the delays, the suggestions that it was "your age", "your fibroids", it came as no surprise, the diagnosis. Endometrial cancer. My hysterectomy was scheduled for 6 days later. Was I ok? Numb. Did I have a friend with me to accompany me home? No. Was I driving? Yes. Take care then, and we'll see you next week.
To my surprise, never having been in hospital before, the operation was carried out without incident. Four days later, I was discharged. Two weeks after that, I got the results of the tests carried out during the operation. The tumour had been identified correctly at the outset - Stage 1b, Grade 2. The tests were all clear but there was a suspicion of some venous invasion. I was referred to the specialist gynaecological oncologists to decide if further treatment was warranted. Ten days later, the letter arrived; an appointment to discuss your radiotherapy has been arranged at the Cancer Treatment Unit.
Somehow, communication had broken down. Again. I had been told I'd need to go to the specialist oncology unit across the river to discuss what to do next. Then I'd be referred - or not - for treatment. A step in the process had been omitted.
The registrar was upbeat. How was I feeling? Good (thumbs up sign). Would I be driving to the hospital each day for treatment? Good (thumbs up sign). What did I know about radiotherapy? Good (thumbs up sign). Now, let's look at all the possible side effects and then you can sign the consent form.
Another wait. Tomorrow, I go for a CT scan and a tattoo. Already I'm considering how to embellish the tattoo when all this is over!
The radiotherapy itself begins next week for 22 days. So far, it has been extremely difficult to find out what it's like to be on the receiving end. Different people have different reactions, that much is clear from those I've talked to at various stages of their treatment. This will be the record of my experience, the highs, the lows, the information I would have liked to have found when I was first told I needed this.
Welcome to my radiant life.
3 comments:
A great idea to have a blog to work through your own reactions and feelings and also as potential help for others in similar situations. Also hope you useful feedback from others. Not too long a comment this time as i want to check it works before writing a lot!
Hi
I will follow your story with you and try to understand how you are feeling, I expect even now it all seems rather unreal and 'not you'. The sooner started the sooner over I guess,
Good luck with the treatment
Your story echoes many of my own thoughts and experiences. I was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer (PMP or "Jelly Belly") at around this time last year. A massive tumour was removed from my abdomen on 1 March 2006. The port-op period was painful and I never thought I would be well again. Now I enjoy walking my dog, gardening, playing golf, swimming - and I've just been skiing in Austria. Another op is scheduled for later this year - but I now have a more positive attitude, and the prognosis is good.
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