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Showing posts from June, 2018

The mystery blood test

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In my last post I told you about the discomfort in my side / lower back they the doctors had been investigating before giving me my penultimate top-up maintenance treatment. Well shortly before seeing the consultant who gave me that good news, I received a mysterious automated text message on my phone from my GP surgery. It asked me to pick up some blood test forms and get some blood tests done. I knew I had just had a CT scan to see what was going on with the discomfort in my side but there was no mention of further blood tests - it was a mystery. Nevertheless, not wanting to go to get my treatment but it being delayed due to me not having the extra blood test, I went ahead and had it done. Then 2 days later had my other regular blood test as usual. The doctor was pleased by the CT scan and my treatment went ahead. Treatment day My common problem with the cannula did not occur this time. I was sure to drink plenty of water before hand and a lovely Zimbabwean nurse put th

Haunted by Shadows

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Despite being in remission from cancer in some ways it never leaves you. It lurks like an unwanted memory, a distant shadow from the past clinging on to the present. Every now and then that shadow steps a little closer and makes itself known bringing with it doubt, worry and fear. It stepped closer This happened to me a few days after my last top-up treatment. After my battle with cancer I have learnt to listen to my body and not to ignore it. I noticed a discomfort in my lower left back. If after doing activity or after being on my feet all day at work, this discomfort could turn to pain. I had no idea what it was or what was the cause. So I went to the GP. They had a look, as I thought it could be a side effect of some medication I had recently been put on for a mild skin condition. They tested my kidney function as well as had a poke around my abdomen area. The niggling thought that the general location of the discomfort was exactly where the massive tumor was located beo