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
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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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 28th May 2014. But things have a habit of not going to plan where this hospital is concerned.
Take care
Pauline
Copyright: eraxion / 123RF Stock Photo
8 Comments
vic waugh
June 1, 2014Pauline, It sounds like you’re both going through a really tough time. It is difficult to know how to respond to something like this.It really puts things into context about what is actually important in life. I don’t know you, but reading your blog, I just wanted to pass on my best wishes and positive thoughts to you and John. xxx
Pauline
June 1, 2014Hi Vic thank you for your post and for your thoughts.
I quite understand about not knowing how to respond but that’s OK.
I know many people keep us in their hearts.
Take care
Pauline xx
Sue Worthington
May 30, 2014Hi Pauline
Just wanted to say that I hope this treatment is no too harsh and John can endure it
Praying for you both and that the outcome is positive
You are both amazing
Sue
Pauline
May 30, 2014Thank you Sue, I appreciate your post.
We are always optimistic.
Pauline x
Allan Robinson
May 28, 2014Hello Pauline
I know we don’t know each other but having read your post my heart goes out to you and John and I sincerely hope there will be a positive outcome.
Best wishes
Allan
Pauline
May 28, 2014Thank you for your thoughts Allan.
Treatment has started today.
All we can do is think positive.
Take care
Pauline
igor Griffiths
May 28, 2014Well hello Pauline, sorry to hear about your experience at the hospital, sometimes we forget the biggest enemy to health is fear, as in John’s and your case, the fear of what is happening.
If the hospital had taken 30 seconds to tell you at the start of the day what was going on then John would not have been put on an emotional rollercoaster by being placed in the one place he did not in any circumstances want to revisit.
Glad to hear they have a treatment option for you and look forward to hearing about the day when John gets the all clear.
igor
Pauline
May 28, 2014Thank you for your comments igor.
When you are in these places you are treated as an object and just moved from place to place.
It is the way the staff have been trained. They do what is needed. I am not complaining about the nurses because they can only do as they are told.
It is the information coming down the line that sometimes gets stuck and never reaches its goal.
Pauline
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