Consultant has decided that the arm and some soft tissue suspect areas on my neck may help if treated with radiotherapy. So the chemo , as reported earler has finished for now after 4 cycles instead of 6, as it was totally knocking out my immune system. Chemo is a whole body treatment and the drugs affect every part of you whereas radiotherapy is location specific: they are going to hit the lesion in my arm and some spots on the neck where they think there are some suspect areas.
Doc gave me some leaflets about radio therapy, and again it amazes me that everything you get is done via Macmillan Cancer Trust. What on earth would the NHS do in regards to cancer treatment and support without Macmillan? Very little I suspect!
Radiotherapy Information from Macmillan
Information on Side Effects of Radiotherapy
Looks like I am in for more tiredness, and some other odd side effects but if I am lucky they won't be too bad. Of course, side effects are simply that: whatever the treatment throws at you you have to deal with it, and I am under no illusions that you have to accept those all as part of the illness, and whatever it throws at me I will manage.
Looks like there may be an increase in pain before it gets better, so might be another consultation with the pain management group if that's the case, we shall see how it goes on that score.
As an aside here I would like to thank everyone who has sent their messages and best wishes especially of course family and for the support that makes such a difference to keeping me focused daily on managing, and dealing with the cancer. Every message, and every comment makes a huge difference. Thanks to everyone.
The sudden realisation that you have cancer hits you like a sledgehammer. On 9th February after 2 months of tests and all sorts thats what they told me. In more ways than one it's a life-changing moment and your mind goes into overdrive thinking all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Will you get any super powers?
ReplyDeleteIan