Rugby Saved My Life - So my team mate claims anyway ....

So after the wait for the CT scan results, the happiness and the jubilation that I've been told no more treatment. The focus is on getting back to normal life. I've spent the weekend with Cubs and Scouts at their camps and Nat is away having a well deserved few days away. I'm knackered !  Had a couple of late nights and on top of everything else this weekend, I think it was a bit much.  I'm OK, just need some more zzzzzz time !  Couple of early night needed me thinks ! My hair has started to grow back, maybe the grey ones come back first ......... either that or it might be a reason for the "just for men" hair dye ! We shall see ! The cold that has been lurking for weeks has finally done one !  About bloody time ! Went to the office today and has a good catch up there but was reminded that I still need to take it easy and be sensible.  Which I am and will continue to do so for the next few months.

Funnily enough - I woke up early this morning. Today is the day we visit clinic and we will find out the results of the CT scan. So we got to the Marsden early, had bloods taken and had the traditional breakfast in the canteen. So - 10am comes around quickly - and we meet with one of the Doctors - Ironically - the same Doctor who told us what Chemo I would need at the beginning. He was quick to the point.  "Hi - it's good news" I switched off at that point. I almost burst with happiness.  You know when you are happy and you get that daft grin - yep that. After lots of questions from me and Nat - the summary is : The Chemo has reduced the tumour in the lymph node sufficiently that they can't see it anymore,  The tumour markers in my blood are normal.  Therefore - as far as they are concerned - it's gone. I will be checked every 2 months for the first year for tumour markers and I will have another CT scan in 6 months. Happy doesn't come close to h...

So - now is the time of waiting.  The scan is done and the doctors are meeting today, where they will review my case.  I've not heard anything so far since the scan, so there is clearly nothing new wrong from the CT scan. So I have to wait until Friday to find out what's next for me. Honestly - it's painful if I think about it.  So I'm not thinking about it !!!  Plenty to be getting on with.  Work is busy, so burying myself in that - as I am feeling like me again.  Remains of the cold still exist but it's gradually easing off -  but I'm not tired during the day as before and not feeling the need to go to bed at 9pm either ! The support of everyone through this so far has been amazing. The support from Nat, my Boys and Family has been incredible. Let's hope Friday brings the news we all want to hear. Thinking positive, being confident - quietly confident.  Let's see what Friday brings x

The hottest day of the year and officially my final day of round 3.   It's also the day I'm booked in for my CT scan.  The scan that will be checked by the medical team to see if the chemotherapy has done it's job. So made myself busy with work until I had to head off for the scan late afternoon.  Roasting hot day, I headed up to The Marsden and checked into the CT waiting room. Was met by a nurse who made sure I was ready for the scan - that's when I was reminded, I would need a cannula - as I'd have a dye added during the scan.  Oh well - been a week since I've had one ! So - once that was in - I was taken down to the scanning room.  Was then told that the dye would also make me want to pee and would make me feel hot. Oh good - perfect day for it ! Anyway - dye in, Scan done and cannula out.  It was all over in a matter of minutes.  So now just the wait until I meet the doctors on Friday for my clinic appointment and the results. So I hea...

So a roundup of the the end of the week. Friday - I worked all day as normal - still from home as I am full of cold still.  All in all, I'm feeling good. Saturday - Up and ready to watch the Lions on TV.  Nige popped in for the first half and a catch up, then spent the rest of the morning getting ready for camp next weekend.  Spent the afternoon getting equipment out at the HQ for camp.  Looking good to go - can't wait for camp - it will be me - being normal - not "normal" anymore. Yes - being careful not to over do it ! Sunday was Fathers Day - so as in tradition - we like to "do something different" So we went on a day trip to France.  Up at 5.30am and on the road early to get the 8.30 Ferry from Calais.  Croissants and coffee of the ferry and before you know it, we arrive it Calais.   A quick drive to Auchan (Supermarket) as France have it right still - shops close on a Sunday and only s few are open until lunchtime.  We pickup a pi...

I'm feeling normal - exactly as I did last round. Just a bit tired, but all in all - functioning as normal.   I still have this bloody cold but think it's nearing the end. Might have to have a curry to smash it once and for all ! Looking forward to the scan next week.

So today is the day - the final dose of chemo !  Although the round doesn't technically end until next Monday, for me - today is a landmark. I dropped the Boys at school and headed up to The Marsden.  Had my bloods taken as normal along with my obs and then returned home to await the call for me to go back in once the blood results are back and my chemo has been approved. Busy day with work - in between trying to sell my old car which is slowly starting to die. I knows it's being sold, so is being a complete git and now doesn't want to work at all !   Got the call to head back for chemo late afternoon. It was like a pit stop.  Cannula in, drugs in, cannula out.   BOOM - chemo done.   Didn't really get a chance to catchup with Gethyn. We both have scans over the next week, mine is on Monday 19th.  We both will find out the results in clinic on 23rd - roll on next week ! Fingers Crossed ! So until then - drink loads - water for now - and now ...