Latest test results

Yesterday afternoon found myself and Sarah down at Gatwick Park again for my latest CT scans, a procedure I am becoming increasing used to. After catching up with all the staff, who all know me by now, it was off to get changed into my gown. My consultant walked straight past me in the corridor, and completely ignored me, I don't think he recognised me now I have hair again. In the scanning room, I have the cannula fitted, this is the point where the radioactive dye enters my blood stream. I have had so many jabs now this is no long an issue. After a couple of test runs, they are ready to inject the dye, and then it's all systems go. Now when ever I have had this before, the only side affect I have is a metallic taste in the mouth, this time however I think I am on for the full house. Firstly I get a warm wet feeling down below. I fear I have embarrassed myself, however I have to lie with my arms above my head so cannot check. Then the metallic taste starts, no worries on that one, I am well used to it. Then off we go for the first scan. We are just about to start the second scan when I fear I am about to be sick. The feeling comes on like a light switch. I wave my hands above my head, but off I go again through the scanner. As I come out, out come the staff, who are most concerned. I am however most concerned they have a kidney bowl with them, they do, and I use it. In fact I used about 3! Within 3 or 4 minutes however I am back to normal. They explain that I was just about to do the last run, and they took the call to put me through. No problem with that, I explain, I just didn't want them to have to wash the nice shiny scanner.

After a nice cup of tea, just what the English like to do after a drama, it's off to see the consultant. He loads not only my current scan, bit also the last one, so he can compare the two. Then he loads the very first scan, all the while explaining to Sarah and I the various changes. And the good news is the changes are quite dramatic. I still have a number of tumours in a number of places, but they continue to get smaller, or not change at all, which is all very good news. He also explains that he thinks some of the larger masses may in fact be scar tissue, but we wills need a bit more time to be sure, or a biopsy. All in all we are very happy, and now go to meet the oncologist on 30 July fuly expecting to hear that we now continue for another 3 month cycle of no attention, and then review again. This is all just great news ahead of the kids breaking up for the summer today.