Medical team's meeting's being held today.....

A registrar from my surgical/general medical team has completed their round today. Stopping off to update me of progress and see if I have any issues.


As yet I have not fully brought up with the team, my escapade over my blood pressure (BP) that arose in my not being released, last weekend. I want my surgeon at least to be present and better still my consultant. I want to get over my point, that my life is shortened and that I would like to spend more time away from a hospital ward or institution, while I can. I do not want to die at home, I do not want Norma and Family to walk into a room and see me in their minds eye, lay there. I still experience this, when in a room that my Mother passed over in. Nice in one way but on the whole, I would prefer to remember happier times.


Back to today and the Teams ward round. I was informed/reminded that on a Tuesday, various teams, in multiple locations, meet up and communicate with each other. I know on occasion the my consultants here in North Manchester General have had conference calls with The Christie. Today though I will be the subject of discussion, with the team looking at my lungs. I am hopeful that by this time tomorrow, I will know the extent of how my infection and how further advanced the tumours on my lungs have progressed.


My mind 6th sense, tells me that the tumours in both my Lungs and Liver must have grown, perhaps even multiplied and spread to other parts of my body. This is no individuals fault, it is the infection. The infection, drain sites, wounds caused by the minor surgery, all have to heal, before I can have any treatment on my cancer tumours.


Mentally, I am prepared for the worst. Even if I was to be told I will be dead later today, I am at peace with that. I know that all those around me, know how much I love them and how proud I am of them. Friends that I will remember to my grave. All  give me strength and comfort. My only regret, will be the sorrow I leave behind and hope that all remember me fondly.


Tomorrow though, looking at everything in a positive light, which we all must do. Even if it is bad news, I know the medical team's, will do their best for me. Doctors, by nature, never give up, they will fight for me. Good People and this includes the support people, those unseen people who work in lab's, porters, nurses, support workers, cleaners, office people ect.


Well, I will update you tomorrow, that is if I can bring myself to do so. LOL.



The Christie, improvement idea. I have today via The Christie, web site. Requested that a text messaging system be created, to inform day patients of delays to certain departments. Communicating via text to the mobile phones of patients and or carers, of how long the expected wait times are.


Receptionist's must get frustrated relaying verbally information, to the patients queuing. The receptionist can best use their time in far more productive ways.


Patients, can use quiet area's away from the reception area, in the knowledge that they are being kept in the information loop.


I always head, as do some others to the patients quiet room, behind reception. Big TV with built in head phones so as not to disturb, lounging seating, comfortable chairs, subdued lighting ect.


I hope the idea is investigated by the IT department and others at The Christie.


Traa dy liooar, Yessir.


y para mis amigos en España.
Un registrador de mi equipo médico quirúrgico / general ha completado su ronda de hoy. Parando para actualizar mi de progreso y ver si tiene algún problema.
Hasta ahora no he criado plenamente con el equipo, mi escapada por encima de mi presión arterial (PA), que surgió en mi no ha sido liberado, la semana pasada. Quiero que mi cirujano por lo menos a estar presente y, mejor aún mi asesor. Quiero llegar a mi punto de vista, que mi vida se acorta y que me gustaría pasar más tiempo fuera de una sala de hospital o institución, mientras pueda. No quiero morir en casa, no quiero Norma y la Familia para entrar en una habitación y me ve en su ojo de la mente, estaba allí. Todavía esta experiencia, en una habitación que mi madre pasó por encima in Nice, de una manera pero en general, prefiero recordar los tiempos felices.
Volver a la actualidad y la ronda de sala de equipos.Fui informado / recordó que el martes, varios equipos, en varios lugares, se encuentran y se comunican entre sí. Sé que en ocasiones los consultores mi aquí en North Manchester General han tenido llamadas de conferencia con la Christie. Hoy, sin embargo voy a ser objeto de discusión, con el equipo mirando a mis pulmones. Espero que mañana a esta hora, voy a conocer el alcance de la manera en que mi infección y de lo más avanzado de los tumores en los pulmones han progresado.
Mi mente sexto sentido, me dice que los tumores en mis dos pulmones y el hígado debe haber crecido, tal vez incluso multiplicado y extendido a otras partes de mi cuerpo. Esto no es un fallo individuos, es la infección. La infección, los sitios de drenaje, las heridas causadas por la cirugía menor, todos tenemos que sanar, antes de que pueda tener ningún tratamiento en los tumores de mi cáncer.
Mentalmente, estoy preparado para lo peor. Incluso si yo iba a que me digan que va a estar muerto el día de hoy, estoy en paz con eso. Sé que todos los que me rodean, saber cuánto los amo y que estoy muy orgulloso de ellos. Amigos que me acordaré de mi tumba. Todo me da fuerza y ​​consuelo. Lo único que lamento, será el dolor que dejo atrás y espero que todos me recuerdan con cariño.
Mañana, sin embargo, viendo todo en una luz positiva, que todos debemos hacer. Incluso si es una mala noticia, sé que el equipo médico, hará todo lo posible para mí. Los médicos, por naturaleza, nunca te rindas, que van a luchar por mí. La gente buena y esto incluye a las personas de apoyo, aquellas personas que no se ven que trabajan en el laboratorio, porteros, enfermeros, trabajadores de apoyo, personal de limpieza, gente de la oficina ect.
Bueno, me pondré al día de mañana, es decir, si me atrevo a hacerlo. LOL.

El Christie, la idea de mejora. Tengo hoy a través de Christie, el sitio web. Pidió que un sistema de mensajería de texto se creará, para informar a los pacientes al día de retrasos en algunos departamentos. La comunicación a través de texto a los teléfonos móviles de los pacientes y sus cuidadores o de la duración de los tiempos de espera son esperados.
Recepcionista debe conseguir transmitir frustrado verbalmente la información, a la cola de los pacientes.La recepcionista puede utilizar mejor su tiempo a actividades mucho más productivas.
Los pacientes, pueden usar la zona tranquila está lejos de la zona de recepción, en el conocimiento de que se mantienen en el circuito de la información.
Yo siempre la cabeza, al igual que algunos otros a la sala de pacientes tranquila, detrás de la recepción.Gran TV con construido en auriculares para no molestar, estar tumbado, cómodas sillas, etc tenue iluminación.
Espero que la idea es investigado por el departamento de TI y otros en la Christie.
Traa dy liooar, sí señor.

2013 and beyond is my target and how cancer can take over your whole body, mind and soul.

The cancer journey. Right had my 4th treatment, in current sequence of Cetuximab link and   Irinotecan link Early in the treatment, I had issues with fatigue, then after the first two treatments a rash developed. Met with my consultant and his registrar, consultant advised a wash/lotion called Dermol. Some cream's, Hydrocortisone. Trimovate and Ciprofloxacin. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR CANCER SPECIALIST! Your treatment may be different to mine.

The rash has disappeared and to be honest, you could notice the different within hours. Excellent.

After my 4th treatment and this may have been effected by my Family staying with us, I have no to little rash and feeling good, only little naps.

Not sure if anyone else who is on chemo or surviving have noticed some memory loss. I have a bit of short term but this may be due to not being stimulated, so the jury is out on this one but I would welcome your comments.

Our next treatment is planned for the 16th of January 2012, 8-00am Bloods, 9-00am Consultant and chair booked in the treatment ward for 12-00 noon. These are approximate times and to be honest, I expect the first two appointments to be roughly on time but the chemo chair closer to 3 or 4 pm. A bit frustrating but it has to be done. Norma and I expect a 12 to 15 hour day, on chemo days. How my Norma copes with it I do not know. Sits there with her papers and kindle.

Norma has handed in her notice. Norma has handed in her notice at work, caring for me and a need to enjoy a bit of life are the reason's. Norma works in the HR department of the Manchester offices of a very large well known insurance company, think of Michael Winner, A Mouse and 3 lovely Ladies. LOL. Norma is very sad to leave, she loves her roll and her work mates and the decision to leave has been a struggle.

My work. Even after being off work on long term sick, for quite some time. I do miss it tremendously. It is hard for me to wake up in the morning without work being my first thought. All medical advice that I get is that I need to get better a lot better first but it is so frustrating, the work is important to me but so it the daily social aspect, intercommunication, banter and I do care for my work mates. One day I hope.


Move to Spain. What with Norma retiring and my continued need for chemo treatment, we are moving forward with our move to our nice little village in Cortes de le Frontera, Andalusia, Spain.Cortes de la Frontera video, 1 of 3. take a few minutes out, listen to the sights and sounds around 'Corte'. I expect a scan to see developments but our target date for our move is still March of this year. Just need to know what is happening inside my body. I have people, companies waiting on these results all ready to get going and their plans are being held up and I hate putting people out, not in my genes.


Family visit. What a nice, oh so short visit that my Son Richard and his Family have had with us and prior to that down with Charlotte my Sons, Wife had with her Family, I know Vic and Eve enjoyed their company as well. It is so nice to have the younger generations in the house, especially the Grandchildren. They travelled back home to the Isle of Man, yesterday, in rough sea's and boats are at this time cancelled due to gales, hitting the N'West of England and the Irish sea. Oh! and Richard is 35 today. Old Christmas day.


Sport. Not worth bothering talking about Manchester United, it would be too negative to mention. I am still on a high about Mark (the Manx Missile) Cavendish, BBC sports personality of the year and now with the SKY team. I am hopeful that 2012 will be a special year for the man.

Oh! We have a Sky+ HD box now. Will write about it next time.


Traa dy liooar.


y ahora en español;La experiencia con el cáncer. Derecho tenía mi cuarto de tratamiento, en la secuencia actual de vínculo y enlace Cetuximab Irinotecan Temprano en el tratamiento, he tenido problemas con la fatiga, a continuación, después de los primeros dos tratamientos de una erupción desarrollados. Se reunió con mi asesor y su secretario, el consultor recomienda un lavado / loción llamada Dermol. Un poco de crema, la hidrocortisona. Trimovate y ciprofloxacina. CONSULTE A SU ESPECIALISTA EN EL CÁNCER! Su tratamiento puede ser diferente a la mía.La erupción ha desaparecido y para ser honesto, podría notar la diferente en cuestión de horas. Excelente.Después de mi tratamiento cuarto y esto puede haber sido realizada por mi familia que permanece con nosotros, no tengo a la erupción de pequeñas y sentirse bien, sólo siestas poco.No estoy seguro si cualquier otra persona que está en la quimioterapia o la supervivencia ha notado una cierta pérdida de memoria. Tengo un poco de corto plazo, pero esto puede ser debido a que no se estimula, por lo que el jurado está fuera de este, pero me gustaría recibir sus comentarios.Nuestro trato próximo está previsto para el 16 de enero de 2012, de 8 12 a.m. Bloods, 9-12 a.m. consultor y presidente reservado en la sala de tratamiento de 12 a 00 del mediodía. Estos son tiempos aproximados y para ser honesto, espero que las dos primeras citas para ser más o menos a tiempo, pero la silla de la quimioterapia más cerca de 3 o 4 de la tarde. Un poco frustrante, pero se tiene que hacer. Norma y yo espero que un día de 12 a 15, en los días de la quimioterapia. ¿Cómo hace frente a mi Norma, con lo que no sé. Se sienta allí con sus papeles y encender.Norma ha entregado en su aviso. Norma ha entregado en su cuenta en el trabajo, cuidar de mí y la necesidad de disfrutar de un poco de la vida son las de la razón. Norma trabaja en el departamento de recursos humanos de las oficinas de Manchester de una compañía de seguros muy grande conocido, que de Michael Winner, un ratón y tres bellas damas. LOL.Norma es muy triste irse, ella ama a su rollo y sus compañeros de trabajo y la decisión de dejar ha sido una lucha.Mi trabajo. Incluso después de estar sin trabajar en el largo plazo por enfermedad, desde hace bastante tiempo. Echo de menos tremendamente. Es difícil para mí, para despertar en la mañana sin trabajo que mi primer pensamiento. Todos los consejos médicos que tengo es que tengo que mejorar mucho mejor primero, pero es muy frustrante, el trabajo es importante para mí, pero por lo que el diario aspecto social, la intercomunicación bromas, y se preocupan por mis compañeros de trabajo. Espero algún día.Trasladarse a España. Lo que retirarse con Norma y mi necesidad de continuar el tratamiento de quimioterapia, estamos avanzando con nuestro traslado a nuestro hermoso pueblo turístico en Cortes de la Frontera le, Andalucía, Spain.Cortes de la Frontera de vídeo, 1 de 3. dedique unos minutos a cabo, escuchar a las vistas y los sonidos a su alrededor 'Corte'. Espero que este examen para ver la evolución, pero nuestro objetivo para nuestro movimiento sigue siendo de marzo de este año. Sólo tiene que saber lo que está sucediendo dentro de mi cuerpo. Hay personas, empresas esperando a estos resultados todo listo para ponerse en marcha y sus planes están llevando a cabo y me gusta poner a la gente, no en mis genes.Visita a la familia. ¡Qué agradable visita, oh tan corto que mi hijo Ricardo y su familia han tenido con nosotros y antes de que Charlotte abajo con mis hijos, esposa tuvo con su familia, sé que Vic y Eva disfrutaron de su compañía. Es tan agradable tener las generaciones más jóvenes de la casa, especialmente a los nietos. Ellos viajaron de regreso a casa de la Isla de Man, ayer, en el mar agitado y los barcos están en este momento cancelada debido a tormentas, golpeando la N'West de Inglaterra y el Mar de Irlanda. ¡Oh! y Richard se encuentra a 35 hoy en día. Edad el día de Navidad.El deporte. No merece la pena hablar de Manchester United, sería muy negativo para mencionar. Todavía estoy en lo más alto de Mark (el misil de la Isla de Man) Cavendish, BBC personalidad deportiva del año y ahora con el equipo de SKY.Tengo la esperanza de que 2012 será un año especial para el hombre.Traa dy liooar.

My new chemotherapy, side effects and more.....

My new chemo treatment, I hope is working. I am very fatigued, I am coming out in a skin rash, all good signs but in the case of fatigue, quite draining. I am far from cheerful, I know in my head that my treatment is working but am having some low points, which I must find a way through. Please let me know if you can think of something to help buck my idea's up. My concentration levels are low again not unusual with the treatment.

*Skin rash, advised by 'The Christie' to use Aveeno moisturising lotion. Oat based.

The positive thing though is that I feel as if it is working. I know that I will not be cured but to shrink the little demons and give me some quality in my life will be good.

My Angel, Norma is comforting me and is the best medicine that money can buy.

This month, we are expecting some of my Family over from the Isle of Man. They are going to a real German Market to stock up on goodies for Christmas, my Niece's Husband Helmut is a Fantastic guy and so full of all things traditional. They are hopefully, time and weather permitting, going to call in and visit for an hour on their way over to Germany. looking forward to them. After Christmas, my Son, Daughter in Law and Grandchildren will be coming to stay. Norma has organised a party for New Years day for both our Families to meet up (we have both been married before, so have extended Families). 18 people, great fun, crackers. Something to really look forward to.

Manchester United, continue to frustrate me. Alex Ferguson is putting it down to injuries but surely a squad that United have there must be plenty of good players ready to step in and have a chance of getting some 1st team games.

I have uploaded some video's onto my YouTube channel, Norma and My Spain, at the moment and Family gathering in Andalusia, Spain. Adrian's YouTube channel. Click here.

Traa dy liooar

A Friend and the start of my Chemo.

Tuesday the 11th of October 2009 up-date entry.

Slept with my pump in a sock, clipped onto pyjama top, bit restless but a fairly good nights sleep.

Just had a bout of pins and needles in my hands, my own fault stood outside getting fresh air and did not allow for the slight chill in the air, learnt my lesson, just came in warmed up, pins and needles went a quick as they came. No other side effects at the moment, just a bit tired or is that bored, no sickness and hair still on my head. Still slight lisp with the new false tooth (that is for you Kayleigh, got to keep you aware). LOL

Going into work today just a bit of admin to catch up on, nothing to hard, hopefully little contact with to many people, as I have my pump on and these young girls just throw themselves at me all the time, life is tough when you are a babe magnet, I can tell you. LOL.

Good news from N'Ireland all positive and going good.

I forgot to update you all on Norma and her trip on the stairs, all is well bruised ego only, (I must hide the trip wire better next time, any good tips anyone).

Traa dy liooar.

Monday the 10th of October 2009 entry.

We are not long back from 'The Christie' and my first intake of chemo.

My line is in my chest quite easy, local anesthetic, stitches, tube into artery.

Chemo, loads of bags of gunk, then a pump in last for the final delivery over the next 46 hours.

I am feeling OK at the moment, had a couple of warm flushes not long ago and my throat was a bit tender, I have had a few drinks of pop and I have cooled down and my throat is feeling better, I have just realised that I have not had a normal intake of fluid today, a lot less than normal, so I must learn to drink a lot more, flush out my system and keep a high fluid level. Drinks must not be overly hot nor cold. Must not lift heavy objects or exercise the upper part of my body while the line is in.

Another rule is if I do not feel well, I contact 'The Christie' let them know, night or day and everything must be caught early, no playing the hero and putting up with it, things will get worse and very rapidly, must also stay away from ill people, they are a danger to me.

Spoke to my First Wife tonight, she like a number of others we share our Love with, are having a bad time with more cancer, lets stay positive.

Love to all, XXX

Traa dy liooar

Sunday the 9th of October 2009 entry.

My thoughts are with everyone in N' Ireland and those who I am sure are in Belfast now, that come from Glasgow, others from the Isle of Man, you know why and I know you will be strong and positive. Love to you all.

Tomorrow, Monday See's the start of my Chemo treatment. I have been getting tired this last week, not sure why, probably stress, even though I feel like I am dealing with all of it OK, perhaps I am not, it has been a week of bad news and bombshells, some of which I cannot talk about as it relates to people who are close to me but it is not my place to disclose information.

The chemo, being a bit of a control freak I am unsure of how I feel, I do not know how my body will react, I know it is life threatening, the treatment but after all so is the cancer and the chemo is all about doing something about the cancer, it will not cure it but hopefully it may extend my life and give me a certain quality. You never know and we live in hope that it may shrink, destroy or whatever, enough tumours, cells etc that I can be cured. Who knows. I will fight the fight.

I should have plenty of time to do my blog as long as I am awake enough, I am also planning to go to work as much as possible and as long as I am not a Health and Safety issue. LOL.

I was speaking to Norma last night and I had allowed issues to get me down a bit but I have shaken that off now and feel positive.

Tomorrow, I get a central Line inserted into my chest, then chemo pumped into me for 2 days. Wednesday the nurse comes around cleans me up then in two weeks we start all over again. Lovely.

Traa dy liooar.

Love to all especially those in N'Ireland and those who are thinking about those in Belfast.

Update on the Liver specialist visit. Wednesday the 22nd of July 2009.

Up-date on the below.

Spoke to my liver consultant who informed me that I will have a second operation as the damaged liver is a bit away from the colon cancer so the would would be a bit too big. He says that about 50% of my liver will be removed, which is good, as you can lose over 75% and be OK. He says that I should have a full 100% liver about 3 months after the liver, Excellent result in my book, on this. Another thing he was saying is that he advises that I should refrain from alcohol which I will definitely do from know on, I enjoy a Gin and Tonic and an occasional cider but hey I can enjoy a coke just as much, to be honest if pubs sold chilled milk, that would be good, I enjoy bars that sell coffee, cheaper than drink and more sociable.

Christies; I was in receipt of an appointment for tattoos for the 28th of July 09 but came home today to find that I have an other appointment on Monday the 3rd of August 09, I am a bit unclear about what is going to happen, not sure if this is the start of my radiotherapy or just a planning meeting.

I do know now that I am going to start getting more treatment than tests from now on, which is a great feeling, I have had my pain killing medication changed today and hope that even this will make my life a lot easier.

I was speaking to Norma after speaking to to the liver specialist but while waiting for some bloods to be taken and pointed out that this consultant is the first non nurse to have actually touched me, he felt out my abdominal / stomach area, everything else that has been done to me has been done by machinery, CT, MRI and PET scanners etc.

Something a bit deep that Norma also said that is 'if you get cancer, there is no better place to have it than in Manchester' Norma is so right, there is a wealth of specialist's in Manchester with probably the best cancer hospital in Europe, possibly one of the best in the world, I really feel fortunate.

____________________________________________________________________

Earlier in the day post, pre- going to the hospital.



Well today is the day I hopefully find out the extent of the damage to my Liver, the appointment with my consultant is around noon but will probably be a lot later as the appointments appear to always be late in running, which I am not complaining about, due to once you get in there is no time to how long you have with your consultant, they will patiently sit and answer all your questions and go into whatever detail you require in regards to your condition.

I am expecting to have some of my liver removed (well that will sort out a meal for later on) but how much that will be removed I do not know at this time but I will update you all later.

After the appointment at North Manchester General, Norma and I are going to Christies, this is more for a recce rather than an appointment, I will be visiting Christies 5 days a week for 6 weeks and need to understand the route so I can get to and from appointments quickly, this is important to me as I intend to try to reduce the impact on my work.

Work, is something I have not covered off for quite sometime, everyone in work is being very supportive, even though I find some people cannot talk to me for very long, which I fully understand, a lot of people like me a bit and it is upsetting to them to see me in trouble but I still know they care. I get more hugs now from people in work and outside than I have had in my life and I have discovered I like it. Going into work is a pleasure my whole perspective has changed, I used to get very frustrated if things were not going well, now I believe although others will say this is not right but I believe that I am a bit calmer, I still like to get things done ASAP and not put thing on a back burner which can give the impression that I am running around out of control but I can assure all that I am just focused on getting the job done and out of the way.

Mark Cavendish (The Manx Missile) was robbed in the Tour de France, what a swizz. i hope he gets the Paris points though.

I hope Mr Button's new add on's to his car bring him back to winning form this weekend and that Mr Hamilton's fortunes change, what a year he is having.

What about the weather, what happened to summer, Oh I really do need some sun on my back and Spain is oh so tempting......

I see the Bee Gee's were made freemen of Douglas, Isle of Man last week, nice touch.

The sun has come out for a minute so .............

Traa dy liooar

Under Starters Orders, subject to Terms and Conditions, Subject to Change, watch this space...........

I have been in contact with my Care Person and they have given me a bit of news.

1. Confirmed meeting with a liver specialist on the 22th of July 2009. This is another specialist to my colon guy. (both specialists are very well respected in their professions and are internationally known).
2. I will receive tiny tattooed dots so the equipment can be used accurately, this will take place at Christies on the 28th of July 2009. http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/radiotherapy.html#2
3. I am on a long course 6 weeks this will take me up to around the 14th of September 2009. (this is all subject to confirmation).
4. 6 weeks recovery time, in which if all situations allow a holiday may help us get ready for the big bit.
5. October 2009, I have the operation or operations, both specialist's are highly skilled key hole surgeons, one operation 2 surgeons. Sounds like I will get a long sleep.
6. Some side effects, such as tiredness, bladder weakness, loss of sexual appetite, down from 8 times a day to 6 is not uncommon, well I can wish, LOL. :)

This paragraph is a bit explicit so read in your own judgement:

Last night, I had a really severe bout of pain, the worst yet, it lasted about 2 hours and at times I thought I should have an ambulance but I knew it was my colon and the tumour not allowing me to go to the toilet properly. After a lot of effort and some swearing and cursing I managed to go. So if you do take this journey be prepared. I am hopeful that with the radiotherapy that the tumour is going to shrink quite a bit and my colon will be able to allow the passage of excrement to move a bit freer. I am sorry for being a bit explicit here but no use hiding things.

Mark Cavendish, is doing well in the Tour de France, I am watching this as I write this, live on the red button on ITV 4. 'COME ON THE CAV' YES HE JUST DID IT AGAIN, the green jersey is still on his back..............

I will confirm the above just as soon as I can but at this time this is how I understand all to be.

Traa dy liooar

Monday and counting down Friday and the Cancer crew Meeting

Well, now I am feeling a bit more human, just home from 8 hours at work, early start, early finish, I work on the 16th floor of a tall office building and the lifts were down when I got into work from the 9th floor upwards. If the bleeding cancer does not get me then if i have to walk up those stairs again that will get me, never mind like the journey forward, I DID IT with far less moaning than people more than half my age. LOL

Right as far as I know all my pre-treatment tests are now over, all my Endoscopys http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoscopy my understanding is this is a term for a camera going in either end of your body, if you know what I mean.

I have decided that I will not be drawn to Gay Sex after having two men with their fingers up my bum in the last two weeks, it really is a pain in the bum. LOL

Although I may make light of the fingers it needed to be done and to be honest since Saturday I have not been constipated or had diarrhoea and that in itself has cheered me up and raised my spirits.

Last night Len Goodman was on radio 5 live, if you read my earlier postings you will know by now that Cancer is the in thing in the press, on TV and Radio , Well I hope that I am just as positive and as generous in nature as Len Goodman a true gentleman and open and honest as I will try to be.

Two major comforts he helped me with is the operation and being sedated, he made it sound almost nice, I do have a fear in this area, i am very uncomfortable around knives.

Secondly an I WANT YOU ALL TO TAKE NOTE OF THIS AND DO NOT HESITATE! Like myself of late I have been getting check ups about every 12 months or so, with me I did not wait a year to find out what was going on up my butt, I did put it off thinking I had a virus but with pressure from Norma and our families and especially Norma's sister Sheila I visited the GP I hope quite early, so hopefully the Cancer has been caught in time and may not have spread to much if at all. This is why Len Goodman says he is sure he is well on the mend, EARLY DIAGNOSIS. So GET YOURSELF CHECKED OUT REGULAR.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1195975/My-secret-battle-cancer-Strictly-Come-Dancing-judge-Len-Goodman.html

Moving on to Friday and 10:15 with the cancer crew meeting drawing ever closer, I may not be too quick on up-dating my blog after the meeting, Norma and I will be getting away, Norma's brother Richard has kindly let us have his cottage for a couple of days, this will let Norma and I hide away if need be but we know that Norma's family will only be minutes away for support when we are ready, hopefully we will have good news and be ready to party. LOL Hey Guys in Carlisle that only means we may need a few minutes to get our act together. Mine will be a Gin and Tonic after my Pattie and Chips from Fontanas http://www.helphound.com/Business/7481 A Pattie if I have the word right is like the insides of a Cornish pastie only in batter, well sort off, all the Guys in Scotland and N.I. will know what I mean.

I am hungry now.

Must remember ring Ted.

traa dy liooar.

Older Post's and New Appointments summeries.

Look at the older post's link at the bottom for the story so far.

Just to re-cap for all the visitors who I have never met who are now sending me mails and are following my blog on my journey with cancer

I will summarise;

I am male, 55 years old, living in Manchester, England.

• Being treated by the National Health Service, so far but I do have access to private medical treatment if I chose.
• I so far know that I have rectal cancer.
• My treatment was delayed due to a bit of a mix up.
• I am positive and fighting.

Look back on the older posts for the initial stages so far and my mental and physical state to date.

The plan for the next 8 days;

Friday the 19th of June 2009, I will be at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) for an MRI scan. This is around lunch time. http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/MRI_scan

Wednesday the 24th of June 2009, Again at the (NMGH) this time in the evening for a CT scan http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/ct_scan

Saturday the 27th of June lunch time at (NMGH) for a Colonoscopy, this is the one I am least looking forward to and will be sedated. This link will also explain a bit about the cancer. http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/cancer_of_the_colon_rectum_or_bowel/diagnosis

I will like in the older post's give my personal view of the treatments and how it is effecting my family and me.

Thank you all who have sent messages via many mediums, Email, Face book, phone calls & face to face etc, I would love to mention people by name especially those who offer me daily support and keep my moral up.

Last night Norma (my Wife to new people) got a bit down when I seemed to close her out, I was in quite a bit of pain and just absorbed myself in pushing keys on the laptop. Norma understands but I need to be aware of the impact I caused.

Sue a Lady at work who is a Mid Wife by trade has suggested eating small amounts of liquorish to calm my bowel, as the pains from Gas etc that is not flowing from the colon is quite extreme at times and seem to be getting worse, tonight I left work in pain and thank the young man and lady who escorted me part way out, you know who you are. Thank you. I will let you know how the liquorish works, Sue also suggested sipping warm water with sugar which may also help at times.

I have to visit my GP on Friday, this is to pick up a new prescription as the pain killers I am on now have paracetamol and I am not permitted any paracetamol from tonight until after the Colonoscope don't know why but imagine it may have something to do with the sedation, if you know different send me a mail, adrian.howarth1@btopenworld.com

So come back for updates soon.

Traa dy liooar

Adrian

1st constructive meeting with the Cancer Crew. Plus up-dates.

Further up-date 17.06.2009

Colonoscopy booked in for Saturday the 27th of June 2009. I will be heavily sedated for this one.

An up-date on the information below, entered on Tuesday the 16th of June 2009.

Arrived home from work to find two letters behind the door.

Letter 1; A letter informing of an appointment for an MRI scan that will take place at about 2:00pm on Friday the 19th of June 2009.

Letter 2; Letter from my consultants team to arrange a date to arrange the date for my treatment to start.

I think that the results from letter 1 will be discussed at the appointment date of letter 2 if you know what I mean. http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/MRI.html follow this link for a bit more information on MRI scans.



Friday arrived at the hospital early and even though the waiting area was packed I was seen very quickly, Norma accompanied me as she has from the start, I must admit having someone with you is not only comforting but a great help, they can listen for you and later on remind you of what you have been told, you will get a bit panicky at times when unwanted or complicated information is given to you.

The Cancer Crew, that is what I am calling the Team that is being built around me, they are showing a lot of empathy yet not pulling punches, they are straight and direct, which suits me, they are not going to cover anything up and they will do their best and I have all my faith in them. Sounds corny but it is true.

The meeting, I saw 3 people, a nurse, doctor (Dug) and a Lady (Julie) support / liaison.

I was asked by Dug, what my understanding was of what had happened so far, without going into to much detail we agreed i knew as much as he did, which was not all that we required. Dug made a call to the hospital that I had visited over two weeks previously and had the results faxed over and Dug explained the findings and then started to explain;

The fact is I have bowel cancer, at the moment we have evidence that this is showing near the Anus area. Further tests have now to be carried out to see how widespread or if I have any other area's effected, it is possible but hopefully not likely that I may have cancer deeper into my system possibly liver and or kidneys.

Due to the possibility that I may have other parts of my body effected I have to have another colonoscopy that is the camera up the bum, this one may go deeper this time. I also have to have CT and MRI scans. The results of which will be discussed with me at my MDT meeting.

MDT or as I call them the Cancer Crew are the Multidisciplinary Team, they consist of the gastreonteroligist, the colorectal surgeon, the colorectal nurse specialist, the stoma nurse, nurse endoscopist, the radiologist, the pathologist, the oncologist.

I have been informed so far that they expect at this time based on the information known so far to expect a coarse of radiotherapy, not sure at this time if this will be a short course over a week of an expended course over a number of weeks, say 6 weeks. The radiotherapy is used to reduce the size of the tumor or tumors. I believe that this is not too painful a treatment but can make you feel tired as is the case with most if not all of the treatments. I have been warned that like all treatments there can be dangers to the process which I am not going to go into unless they happen as I believe they are rare.

If after tests it is decided to go straight in and operate well that will just have to happen.

I understand that after the radiotherapy a period of time is given to my body to have a break then the operation to remove the cancer will take place. Other treatments will then happen such as chemotherapy and my wearing of a colostomy bag etc but that I am sure is to be written about at a later date.

My information given so far is as how I see it and may be a bit sketchy if you would like more information have a look at this website http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/

Anyone who feels charitable please donate a little.

Back soon

Traa dy liooar.

The Big C up-date

At last an appointment with the cancer clinic, yes 9:30 AM on Friday the 12th of June in North Manchester General Hospital.

The hospital is not far away so that will be nice and handy, I am not sure if all my treatment will be there but hey they have made me an appointment. I have to have a pre-op so God knows what they are going to do to me.

I have made up my mind to make as many entries in this blog and to be as open and honest as I can be about everything that goes on, some rules I am making myself is not to mention full names for Data Protection reasons, not fair to mention Dr's Nurses etc. I will try to be as informative as I can about how I feel and how I am mentally.

If all goes well and if I can I want to lead as full a life as my illness allows, holiday in Cortes de la Frontera in August, go to work as long as I am not a burden to others and do me job well, mix with people, which I know at times I struggle with, do everything I can around the house and keep Norma happy as I hope I can for all my family. Stay cheerful and fight the fight.

In the past I have been a bit wary of hospitals mostly due to my fear of knives but it is true what they say, if you are in sufficient pain you tend to get over that fear, I am actually looking forward to someone taking ownership of me and doing all they can to get me as well as possible again, hopefully to live a long and useful life.

Oh and keep the emails coming it has really helped me know there are people out there who really care about me, I have good family my nephews and niece are real pick me ups as are there parents and the little ones. Please send pictures of little ones and family. my home email is adrian.howarth1@btopenworld.com

I am going to call Alan and Ted who are good friends once I know what is going on and Nic. Oh and Gary it was good talking to you all the way from sunny Espania.

I am considering installing a high definition web cam with built in speaker and install something like skype so I can communicate more effectively so if you have an account with one of these companies let me know how I can get in touch and once I am up and running I will notify you with my details.

If things go bad Norma will I am sure let everyone know ASAP and I know she would welcome your support. This is a morbid thought but one I have to be honest about.

Traa dy liooar.