A little about me, I’m a Brit who has lived on both sides of the pond. I’ve worked most of my life in the construction industry both in the UK & Canada. Since my twenties, I’ve been fighting various health issues but I’ve just dealt with them as they came along with the guidance of the medical profession. I’ve not been a person to sit back and wait for things to happen, that’s just not me. In 2009, my husband & I moved to Canada for a slower pace of life, however we have returned to the UK at the end of May 2015 to be nearer family.
In 2010, I had developed some back pain and it became more clear whilst working as a professional on a construction site in Canada. To cut the story short I had 2 spine operations that failed and had a 3rd in July 2013 after being diagnosed with carcinoid cancer. In Mar 2013, I was rushed to hospital for stomach pain only to be diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours on my midgut following a bowel resection operation. In the months to follow, I commenced treatment for carcinoid syndrome and was informed I had liver metastases. In Jan 2014, I had a liver resection operation and gallbladder removal. In May 2014, I had emergency surgery on my appendix where cancer was located again and confirmed on the pathology report In July 2014, my oncologist told me I had 1-3 years to live as my cancer is progressing quicker than predicted. In the meantime, I’m on various medication and a monthly injection to control things. This is a rare incurable cancer and survival is down to monitoring, medication and a positive mind.
In April 2015, I had my 4th spine surgery on my lumbar spine and we don’t know if there is a connection between the spine problems and carcinoid cancer that is causing my ongoing spine problems.
In March 2016, and I was informed that I had more cancer progression in my liver and abdominal area. In the meantime, undertaking more tests and waiting for treatment plan. In November 2016, I was told I’m stable within the tumour dimensions criteria.
In May 2017, I’ve been told again I have progression in abdominal (peritoneal) and liver areas. Read weekly blog no 100 for info. After a crazy 6 months of suffering pain and saying something is wrong, I’m in hospital again having my 4th cancer surgery, read weekly blog no 111 for the latest update.
In Feb 2020, I’m about to commence PRRT treatment in London.
The reason for my blog is that I don’t have the energy I once had whilst dealing with carcinoid cancer/symptoms. My life can be very restricted at times. I wanted to attempt a weekly blog, whether its just on baking a cake or writing about something I believe to be interesting.
If my blog motivates people, makes people smile, gives you something to read or offers you some additional knowledge/tips. I’ve achieved what I set out to do.
zebrakat 