Sunday 24 July 2011

Sorry for delay in updating, and thank you for your support!

It's nice to have the support of fellow bloggers, and welcome the new followers.....

After the recent news, things are moving along quite quickly now, but feel there have been previous delays along the way. But, as people keep pointing out to me, Mouth cancer is difficult to diagnose, until it reaches a certain stage, also the Pemphigoid mirrors a lot of the symptoms, and I have had that for over 4years. I did mention in my last Post that I was having a dental checkup, which resulted in some teeth being removed, due to the upcoming Radiology. I was upset over this, but it was deemed necessary. I will not go into all the medical details, but it was explained to me, and if I hadn't agreed, may have become difficult later with infections etc.
Things are moving pretty quickly now, I have had the 'head shield' made, and it takes two visits, which were last Wednesday, and again on Friday. You then go on a simulator, and the precise areas are marked out. Because of the area being treated,the Radiation isn't painful, but it's the effects of it.... I'm having a PEG tube fitted into my stomach, as swallowing will probably become difficult over time, and I'm also Diabetic.
I'm going into Hospital in the morning, so this is a bit rushed....not looking forward to this procedure at all, and I will be awake, but sedated....hopefully, only in for one night.

The Radiology starts on the 8th August, Allan is on holiday from work, for two weeks so that holiday will be taking me daily for treatment. he has two weeks, and usually goes on his own into the mountains for the second week. Would you believe, he was going to Norway, and has just renewed his passport.

We have been given a list of appointments, 35 of them in all finishing on the 23rd September.....

*Other news.....I mentioned earlier that Allan's Mum was having heart surgery (8th July), and thank you so much for your good wishes for her, it didn't happen then, and was actually delayed twice, even went in, and sent home, not enough staff!
BUT, she had surgery last Tuesday (19th), and is doing reasonably well.

Must get off to Bed now, as early start in the morning....

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.....I'll update when I can.....


Aileen...X


Thursday 7 July 2011

Trying to cope with the latest news, an update as promised.


Did have the biopsies on the 28th......overnight stay. It was my 5th in 12 months. Was told, that the ENT People were in the theatre next door to where I was having Surgery, so both were going to 'take a look'. The Consultants came round next day, and was informed they had found a 'thickening' at the base of the tongue. A specialist Nurse came to see me also, she gave me her card with 'phone number, and her email address.
Was discharged on the 29th, but within 15 mins of getting home, this Nurse phoned, and said they were trying to get the results of the Biopsies by Monday 4th July, and to be at the Clinic, unless I heard from them.


I was called in to the Clinic, and was met with several Consultants, who shook my hand , and introduced themselves. Was asked question after question, about the Pemphigoid, which I have had for over 5yrs. then this Consultant started talking in depth, stating he was fron Weston Park....which is the Sheffield Cancer Hospital.


He didn't beat about the bush, stating that I had Cancer which was inoperable, they would have to remove the Tongue,Voicebox etc., and I wouldn't survive the Operation. (Sorry if it's too much information) I'm unable to have Chemotherapy, because of the condition I already have (Immune System).I asked 'how long'...if i didn't have the suggested treatment, was told a matter of months, and I would become so very unwell, with glands swelling etc...... I'm to have 7 weeks of Radiotherapy, 5 days a week, with weekends free. I will become very unwell, unable to eat etc. so I am having a PEG fitted in my stomach, and a 'Mask' will be made for my Radiation treatment.I will visit each day, unless I become too unwell to be at Home.This is a bit rushed, as I have to be at the Dental Hospital this afternoon, for teeth to be checked out,before Radiation can start. It all should be taking place within the next 2/3 weeks. I am frightened because the side effects of Radiation, soreness,sickness, and eventual PAIN. I am uncomfortable everyday to some degree, so don't know how I will cope, but so many have before me, and will after me.

We are in shock just now, so this is just a brief update, to anyone who still follows my Blog.

Along with all this Allan's Mum is in Hospital, having a triple Heart Bypass on 8th July.....a lot for him to cope with just now.
Allan will probably 'move in' with me for a while, as the treatment starts.....
Thanks for taking the time to read, and will update soon...



Aileen.....X