That does not surprise me…healthcare in the uk is at times letting people slip through the net. It’s very cruel…needing to fight for proper treatment…glad you did…thoughts are with you…fingers crossed for that lottery win…
3 Likes
Lance Armstrong’s book shone a light on the sheer will power and determination he had to bring to the fight with cancer and the cycling world to ensure he was provided with the financial resources to allow him to access the then cutting edge medical facilities which would otherwise have been completely out of reach. Whatever you may think of his later drug antics in professional cycling, I do strongly recommend his book. I am a big believer in needing to apply physical and mental strength to overcome life’s big challenges.
Peter
5 Likes
Hi everyone,
The immunotherapy treatment went ahead last wednesday and there are some issues with my blood tests. As a result of the treatment it has affected my cortisol levels, which were on the low side, so I am now on hydrocortisone tablets. Since taking them I am less tired at night.
I was a bit worried as they made me have blood tests monday, tuesday and wednesday mornings. Without cortisol the body cannot survive. It’s a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Been working hard last two weeks on big project with multiple wall removals and gutting various rooms on big project. Takes my mind off health issues.
I am glad the NHS Cancer unit are monitoring me so closely for any changes and dealing with them immediately!
All is great!
BD
40 Likes
Wow, they’re really on top of your therapy and monitoring. Impressive unit.
I have no doubt that your good progress to date will be absolutely inspirational to those involved in your care. (Without stating the obvious I’m sure you’re quite pleased too! 
)
3 Likes
Good they reacted quickly, getting blood tests is always a nervous time. I’ve got mine this Monday followed by my next round of immunotherapy on Thursday.
8 Likes
My younger pal (mid 50s) had a robotic prostate resection a few months ago.
Bloods now show negligible PSA levels so fingers crossed all is good.
His brother was one of my best friends at University and thereafter but passed away almost 20 years ago from a very obscure cancer. So many different forms of cancer with so many differing prognoses. An utterly horrible disease, but so much progress has been made.
5 Likes
And once you got it seems it’s everywhere, just reading of someone else dealing with it on another thread.
4 Likes
Yes, just on this forum alone it seems far too prevalent.
It’s really making me weigh up my retirement options.
1 Like
Take every day and run with it, to quote John Lennon “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”.
12 Likes
1 4 for a copy @Dan_M you got ya ears on good Buddy!!
Hey Dan, been a while since I caught up on this thread, glad to hear your doing well. Is the building work to expand your listening room perchance?
3 Likes
@Dan_M , @Pete_the_painter , @paulbysea , you guys are so brave and strong. I just don’t know how I would cope with what you have been through, and are going through.
I hope it is some comfort to you discussing your cancer journeys so openly, and receiving such supportive reactions from the forum. I am sure that other sufferers reading your stories would find inspiration and hopefully some strength.
Keep strong, gents.
23 Likes
Thank you. I don’t think I am particularly brave or different from other people with a potentially terminal disease. Like many, if not most, with cancer, I got on with life as best I could and trusted the medical team, and was fortunate that my cancer responded better to treatment than expected. Maybe I have been a bit more resilient about the lasting side effects. This is helped because I decided to make the best of them and see them as a reminder of my good fortune.
For me, whilst talking about it helps, a bigger part of the reason I do so is because I hope people who are unfortunate enough to go on a cancer journey get a chance to read that, whilst it is not something you would choose, it can and often does have a better ending than many expect. Most of my career was focused on helping people, not for an altruistic set of reasons but because I stumbled into a career that I loved. So in a way, I am just continuing to do something I found rewarding throughout my career.
15 Likes
Spot on Nigel, we are not all the same and these posts are helping many people.
6 Likes
Thanks Nigel.
Can’t speak for the others but it’s been life changing for me. Having to deal with the treatment and coming to terms with the outcome certainly makes you rethink things.
Thankfully I’m in remission right now and that’s a relief but living with the knowledge that it will return can cause a bit on anxiety occasionally.
I also have to thank Mrs Pete who’s taken great care of me, don’t know how I would have coped without that support.
As for brave, I’m not so sure I feel I’m doing what most would do faced with the same situation. The real heroes are the care team, doctors nurses and support staff.
26 Likes
I try to focus on the here and now and the next few weeks. Life is busy with work and spending time with kids. It gives me a purpose and keeps me busy. I have been visiting a friend in hospital and now in a rehabilitation centre. She has a sarcoma in her leg and has just had an operation. She can’t walk right now.
I have my treatment next week hopefully. I am taking hydrocortisone and as my cortisol levels were low last time. Hopefully they have gone back up!
Still enjoying the system and listening to a fair bit of music when I get time. Will update you guys next week!
Best wishes to everyone
BD
33 Likes
How are things going for you, Dan? I hope it is not too bad!
3 Likes
Things are going well, thanks for asking.
Treatment continues. I have a scan on Friday and a consultant appointment end of the month.
I’ve just been getting on with work, seeing the kids and living a relatively steady life at the moment.
I have various ailments and side effects, but I try not to let them interfer too much!
49 Likes
Brilliant!
1 Like
Good to hear that you are somewhat ok, at least. I hope treatment will work well and that it won’t be too hard on you (the “ide effects”).
3 Likes