Well, we saw the oncologist, Dr Tanya Tillett, last evening and found her clear and helpful. We had lots of questions which she was pleased to answer. So I'm now going to give you a quick run down on my situation (if you're feeling squeamish...) Apparently my primary cancer is in the gall bladder, with the liver tumour secondary. This kind of cancer is almost always picked up too late as there are no obvious symptoms until it starts to spread. The oncologist said no surgeon nowadays would act on this cancer as it would just jump and spread, even into the surgical incision to enter the area, which would never heal. People who had surgery did not do as well as those who don't. This group of organs (including the pancreas) are contained in a kind of 'bucket' formed by the peritoneum.
So only 2 choices, palliative care which I didn't like the sound of but I guess will come later especially if the chemo is not working, and chemotherapy. You won't be surprised to hear I opted for the pro-active chemo! This will take the form of 6 x 3 week cycles: weeks 1&2 I will spend a half day each week being pumped with 2 chemicals and the third week will be a recovery week when the doctor will do scans and see how I and my tumours are doing. She says we can stop at any time and that her main concern is keeping me well and comfortable for as long as possible, not insisting on painful and futile procedures. There's a 24 hour helpline and all sorts of support. I'll meet the team next week and maybe even start then.
The best outcome would be if the chemo works and stuns the cancer cells, stopping the spread, reducing the size of the liver tumour and getting rid of the discomfort, tiredness and persistent temperature problem!!! In other words normality!
We won't think too much about the worst case scenario but we will make contact with local Macmillan cancer support centre so they know what the situation is and can give advice and support when needed. We are preparing for the worst but are living in hope that the chemo will work. Dr Tillett was quite clear that everyone is different and no-one really knows how each person will react.
Sorry for such a bleak post. I still can't really believe I'm talking about myself. I still have a lot to do and don't want to die yet.
So only 2 choices, palliative care which I didn't like the sound of but I guess will come later especially if the chemo is not working, and chemotherapy. You won't be surprised to hear I opted for the pro-active chemo! This will take the form of 6 x 3 week cycles: weeks 1&2 I will spend a half day each week being pumped with 2 chemicals and the third week will be a recovery week when the doctor will do scans and see how I and my tumours are doing. She says we can stop at any time and that her main concern is keeping me well and comfortable for as long as possible, not insisting on painful and futile procedures. There's a 24 hour helpline and all sorts of support. I'll meet the team next week and maybe even start then.
The best outcome would be if the chemo works and stuns the cancer cells, stopping the spread, reducing the size of the liver tumour and getting rid of the discomfort, tiredness and persistent temperature problem!!! In other words normality!
We won't think too much about the worst case scenario but we will make contact with local Macmillan cancer support centre so they know what the situation is and can give advice and support when needed. We are preparing for the worst but are living in hope that the chemo will work. Dr Tillett was quite clear that everyone is different and no-one really knows how each person will react.
Sorry for such a bleak post. I still can't really believe I'm talking about myself. I still have a lot to do and don't want to die yet.
Thinking about you and hoping for the best. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Cherry and Geoff, I am not sure whether my comment posted or not. I just want you both to know that you are in our thoughts and that we are hoping for the best outcome.
ReplyDeleteLove, Joan and Mike xoxoxoxoxo