Weekly Blog No 58 – Life

It’s been a while, so here’s what has been going on.

You can never predict life and sometimes you’re faced with situations that you don’t expect. I think we are never ready for the unexpected in life, however we always manage to jump into adrenaline mode and get on with it.

Family Emergency Update 

My family member was in hospital for a month, I’m glad to report she’s doing ok now. She has a little journey of her own to travel but she will get through it.  Thank you so much to all our family and friends for your continuous support. 💚

My Update 

I’ve struggled for sometime with one thing or another and my issue is I never seem to get conclusive answers. I feel like I’m in constant

duel with a clock and a doctors agenda.  I’m not sure if that is a failing on my behalf because I want to know everything or whether it’s because I’m not ready to be dismissed anymore.  I should say I do have a huge amount respect for the medical field but there is occasions that I question, why do we put so much trust in their hands.  If anyone knows the answer let me know!

Since my diagnosis, I’ve had to challenge medical issues on a few occasions and I have written before that egos have got in the way. Last week I had an appointment with my Oncologist and he finally confirmed that I do have tumour activity on the liver again, therefore he’s sending me for PRRT treatment next year.  PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) is given to patients with neuroendocrine tumours. Therefore, when my tumours on the liver was previously dismissed, it seems that is no longer the case. Was I right to challenge?

Furthermore I’ve  recently obtained 6 years of hospital records for the period prior to me leaving for Canada. Nevertheless you can imagine, medical notes do make interesting reading and can be full of surprises. Let me elaborate on this a little further, it was reported that I had a focus on the liver and that my liver function tests were high. Therefore it should be investigated or followed up. Did that happen and the answer is no.

I was taken aback at first when I had read the notes and my first thoughts were, would I have been at this stage of cancer if it was found earlier. I’m not sure to be honest, thank goodness for a slow growing cancer. If thorough investigations had happened then, maybe I would have been in a different place medically today. On the other hand, would I have travelled the world and lived & experienced life in another country. Possibly not, therefore I’m kind of glad I didn’t know. Am I angry? Yes maybe I was for about 5 mins. That’s very typical of me to have immediate reaction and then let it go. Nevertheless those  lost years, I ‘ve had a good life and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Yes I know I’m a little meticulous in obtaining reports etc, however I don’t have time on my side any longer. Only this week, I had seen another scan report that refers to another crucial organ, which I may add may not be serious however it needs to be followed up, treated or observed. I do question why are these statements never conveyed back to the patient. I shouldn’t have to get reports to make sure everything is followed up. Deep down, I want to have faith in the people looking after me.

Over the next couple of months I will have more scans, tests and appointments. On the cards is appointments with the Gastroenterologist , Cardiologist and back to the Oncologist. Appointments seem to be right upto 22nd December and then it’s time to relax for christmas/holiday period.

I shall look forward  to catching up on all your blogs over the next couple of weeks. 😀