John’s results from his biopsies and scans

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Hi folks, I hope you are all well.

I am returning to my blog postings after a prolonged break.  I will once again keep this as a more personal post. I am going to talk about John’s results and proposed treatment resulting from all the procedures he endured whilst in hospital.

Appointment

We turned up for what we thought was going to be the discussion with John’s oncologist only to be taken to a chair in the chemotherapy room. This sent John into a panic and eventually into a bout of depression. We had no idea what was going on.

Blood Tests

3D Illustration of human blood

Eventually a nurse told us that John was waiting to have his blood taken for tests. The blood was duly taken and sent off for processing. In what seemed like hours later one of the nurses informed us that the blood results were back but the consultant needed to review them. Unfortunately for us the consultant was on his ward rounds and we had to wait even longer.  At this point John was sinking deeper into depression.

Finally

The consultant finally arrived and we were ushered into a cozy side room. It seems that the blood tests taken that morning were to check on John’s kidney functions, which had been deteriorating over time. The kidneys had improved slightly; if they had not improved no treatment for his cancer would be possible at this time.

Results

The results from the scans, x rays, bone marrow tests and biopsies all showed that his body is again riddled with growing tumors. The consultant said he wanted to tell John about the possible treatments available as he thought John should be in full possession of the facts.

Procedures

There had been a team meeting the day before in which all documents, scans etc. had been reviewed. Different possibilities for treatment had been brainstormed, ending with three possible procedures.

1. We were told about a drug that had been used for use in other types of cancer for a couple of years now. However, it has not been trialed for John’s particular cancer because there were not enough people to try it out on.  Even if we did ask for this treatment we were told we might not get it anyway. So what is the use of that?
2. A chemical called Gemcitabine together with a platinum based chemical and steroids was the next option.  John’s oncologist thought that the platinum cocktail would be too harsh considering how weak John is at the moment and did not recommend it.
3. Gemcitabine alone with steroids was the third option. This is the recommended treatment.

You have probably come to the same conclusion as us. Option 3 is the way to go.

After much thought, because he really does not want any more chemo, John agreed that he would go with Option 3. I thought at one stage he was going to refuse all treatment. Knowing what he went through before I wouldn’t have blamed him.

The treatment is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 28^th May 2014. But things have a habit of not going to plan where this hospital is concerned.

Take care

Pauline

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