I've lost count now - this was the tenth post-op chemotherapy course but I reckon I've been an in-patient at the hospital 17 times in the past 12 months, what with the operation, infections, pre-op chemo etc etc .. Then there were the "investigations", various scans, regular blood tests and 30 sessions of radiation on an out-patient basis.
It's weird being on such pally terms with the staff there now - and no disrespect to them I hope these relationships are not going to be any more protracted.
One year on from my first diagnosis I guess this might be a good time to come clean with readers about my prognosis.
I've told my immediate family and few friends, but the chances of this cancer coming back have been described as "high risk" by my doctor. The clear scans we've had so far are just the first step .. what we are watching for is two years .. and in the first year there is a two in three chance of the cancer returning ..
Then the odds drop to half that in the second year, and drop to 10% risk of return in the third year.
That's what he means by "high risk".
We are trying not to dwell on these stark statistics. They ARE only statistics .. and I've just got my own chance .. but just now, a week from my birthday it's hard to be "brave "and to believe that I will make it to 50 next year ....
sorry
xxxxx
17 comments:
Never lose sight of the fact that you're a tough Tofty and even you can expect to feel exhausted after all you have so bravely been through this year.
I'll make sure you have a few treats and that you get plenty of rest. You'll soon be bouncing back and be busy planning that "Hawaii 5 0" party. I can hear the music now!
xxxxx
Darling..
Add these up..
Clear margins + avastin + 1st scan passed + weight gain! + feisty attitude + lovely wife + all the love in the world from your family and pals = a fantastic 50th birthday... RIGHT.
xxxxx
bless you, jan, and here's another thing - I wouldn't have met you if we'd not got this in common, and you're a great mate
xxxxx
exactly - they are only stats! and let's face it you are looking fantastic every time I see you so sod the statistics!
take care and keep looking so glowing and healthy! xx
Very sorry. These are grim statistics to have to live with Susan , however , I think your friends are giving excellent advice.
Love Cathy XX
I'M WORKING ON THE PRINCPLE OF: LIES, DAMNED LIES AND STATISTICS AS FAR AS YOU ARE CONCERNED!YOU HAVE OODLES OF COURAGE MON BRAVE, AND SO MANY PEOPLE WILLING YOU TO RECOVERY. CELIA F. X
Chins up, doll. You *do* have everything good on your side, as B and Jan and everyone else has said.
Once you've had a wee wallow, get back to being positive again and keep filling that glass - it's a third full already before you've even started pouring all your good karma into it.
Love Jean xxx
Hiya Susan,
You action hero types always survive against impossible odds, so all should be well.
Plus,imagine how bored you would be if nothing much happened for a couple of weeks.
X X
Hi Gorgeous, you are bound to feel low after all those hospital visits.
One thing I do know, you are a brave, gutsy woman with a fabulous wife, family and loads and loads of loving friends.
I had a great party for my 50th, had a cake the size of a small table, loads of friends and family there and a lovely sunny day, you will too!
If love and respect can beat this bloody horrid thing you have all the Aces.
Big hugs and love, Ruby n Roxy XX
Sue,
You are right - they are just statistics - important to know but they are NOT a death sentence - just stats. So get yourself strong again and remember attitude is half the battle with this monster!
with love,
Ian.
Hello!
Sorry for being out of touch for a while -- I've been moving house! I still don't have Internet access at home, but that'll be fixed by the end of the week if all goes to plan...
The stats sound a bit daunting on the face of things, but your clear scans surely mean that so far things are good... and the future hasn't happened yet, so don't worry about it! ;)
I know you're good at being an optimist -- so keep it up, and, if you need luck, good luck with your continuing recovery!
Lots of love
Greg. xxx
hi -- ooh look -- two stafford gayers side by side - lovely to hear from you both, Ian and Greg - @ greg got your email re new addy .. and printed it off so might even use it one day!
@ ian - I was looking at pics of you recently, assembling a bit of a photo-book for keith as he lies down with his own tumour ..
yes - I do agree - a strong attitude is (generally) a big help - just had a bit of an off day .. I would SO like to know that I can have a break from treatment, really ..
my brother's touching belief in me as some sort of super-hero bouys me up no end .. thank-you, mark
xxxxx
and kisses to everyone else who can't believe this cancer will beat me!
Whatever happens the cancer definitely wont beat you Suze. Lx
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Medics use statistics in the same way that drunks use lamp posts: more for support than illumination.
You will do fine.
Love, hugs & prayers,
The Big Softie at 6th Form.
Hi Susan hope you got my E Mail last night. Dads still not very well at the moment hes sitting in the sun in the garden.I went to town on the bus to post your birthday card, Dad stayed at home.
The photographs in the hospital are good,strikes me you should be out in the passage by the desk taking charge of everything you really look the part.Go on tell me you are there for a rest not work ha ha.
Well joking apart I hope you are feelingless sick today,take care lots of love L M xxxxxxx
Statistics? You aren't a statistic are you suze? You're more special than that! Start planning that 50th birthday now!
anneinbristol xx
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