An Update from my Mum.

I have another update from my mum. I will let her tell it.

I saw the specialist this morning and it wasn't good news. The biopsy showed that the cysts are the same as those when I had the hysterectomy, so the same cancer has returned. I asked how that could be if my womb etc. was removed. He said there could have been microscopic seedlings that had migrated to the bowel that have now become active.
They are not operating because it won't be successful. I had thought it was because it wasn't bad enough to do so, but there could be many tiny cysts that they can't see and so they would be left behind to grow.
My level of oestrogen which is feeding the cancer is high so I have to take a hormone tablet daily. Hopefully it will block it and starve the tumours and cysts so they shrink. I have to go back in 6 weeks and then have another scan. If they are shrinking that will be good. If they haven't changed I will try a different hormone tablet.
If that doesn't work, it will be chemotherapy.
Because it is almost 6 years since I originally had cancer, that indicates that is not an aggressive cancer and hopefully slow growing. The specialist said it is not life threatening at the moment.
Ivor and I both feel devastated. I had gone to my appointment ready to fight and kick a$$, only to be told it can't be cured, but hopefully it can be controlled.

Quick Update

Well, it is good and bad news. The bad news is that it is cancer which I had thought it would be. The good news is that it doesn't appear to have spread. 

The CT scan of my top half shows no abnormalities which is what was really worrying me.

I saw the oncology consultant today and he has referred me to the specialist who will discuss my options and will treat me.

It sounds like I won't need an operation but most likely will have chemotherapy.

He said the most important thing right now is to get the pain under control. He has started me near the bottom of the ladder with Nurofen and if that doesn't help by Saturday, then I go up to the next stage. Hopefully when the pain is controlled I will be able to sleep.

Even though it is cancer I feel so relieved it hasn't spread. I beat it before and will do so again.

A Very Late Sunday Selfie and Update.

I wasn't going to do a selfie this week, but then I told my mum she should have made another update before now so we are doing it together.

She had the biopsy last Monday which was CT guided. The radiographer told her there are two masses on her bowel causing concern, one the size of a marble and the other a bit bigger. She asked if there was still any chance that it was adhesions causing her problems and he said he was afraid not. She thought the biopsy would be taken through her belly but was surprised when he told her she had to lay on her front because he was going in through her buttock. It was very sore for a few days.

She has an appointment at the oncology clinic on Friday when she will get the result of the biopsy and also a second CT scan of the top half of her body to ensure there is nothing else of concern.
She will then be told what course of treatment will be the best for her. We will update when we know more.

Visit The Cat on my Head to see more selfies.

Update

I think it is time to give an update to let my blogging friends know what is happening. If you are on FB and belong to the CWB group you already know.

Nearly 6 years ago I had a hysterectomy for cancer of the womb. Ever since then I have had abdominal pain which I can live with, but sometimes it becomes quite severe. At check ups I was told it would be adhesions but should not cause any problems.
The past year, particularly the last 6 months it has caused more problems but I was still told it was adhesions which it still might be.

In the beginning of December I had severe pains and had to go to the Emergency Department. An ultrasound showed that I have a lot of gallstones and will have to have my gallbladder removed. I mentioned at the same time about the abdominal pains because I wondered if it might be connected.

A colorectal consultant examined me and said she could feel what she thought might be scarring and arranged for me to have a CT scan. The scan results showed that I have significant changes in the pelvic area.

On Monday I had an appointment at the Oncology/Gynaecology clinic. The consultant told me that the result of the scan concerns him and it could be a return of cancer. It is not definite but he said he has to tell me the worst case scenario. It also could still be adhesions or a kink or twist in my bowel. I have a biopsy on the area that is causing concern on Monday. I will also be having another CT scan, this time of the chest area but don't yet have the date for that.
I also have an appointment with the colorectal consultant next Wednesday.
That is as much as I know but I will keep you all updated.

I won't be blogging regularly for the time but will keep Eric's posts scheduled. I may visit a few blogs to comment but it won't be on a regular basis.

I know how supportive the blogging community is, but I would still ask you if you could keep me and Ivor in your thoughts. Thank you.

I can't do a post without a photo of our little man, so here's Flynn.