Been a fun 6 weeks. Bit of bad news has come my way, on 3/12/12 they found some nasties when I was being CT scanned for another issue. Enlarged lymph nodes and 2 liver lesions found incidental to the scan for kidney stones. My GP said to me straight out (without any further checking or tests) you have Lymphoma. He gave me lots of info and advised me to sign onto the Liverpool Hospital Cancer Centre immediately and arranged an urgent appointment with a liver guy too. Anyway, appointments, blood tests, scans and node biopsy done by 19/12/12 and then I am contacted by a hematologist who advised he has set a review appointment for 4/1/13 - he did say he would call me before then if there was any major issues but the CTC at liverpool was closed from 24/12-2/1. Saw him on the 4/1, nice guy - very gentle and ernest. However he had indifferent news for me. On one hand he has advised me I do not have Lymphoma (YAH!) - what I do have is a malignant carcinoma tumor (BOO!). Once again, cant give me any other info as he is the Lymphoma guy not the Carcinoma guy. I now have to wait on an Oncologist to call me and make an appointment with me. Lots more tests and waiting. The Oncologist's office called me Monday 7/1/13 and said an appointment had been made for me at 08:45 the next day as he needed to see me ASAP (I didn't like hearing that at all - especially as he doesn't normally see anyone until 09:00) - anyway went in and got the three words you never want to hear from a cancer dude - rare, incurable and aggressive. I have a neuroendocrine tumour. I have a raft of tests to get through in the next couple of days and I start chemo on Monday 14/1/13. They think/hope they have got it early as this type of thing makes you pretty crook normally and I had not been overly unwell. Just a sore neck and some abdominal discomfort/pain. They say there is a 70% chance the chemo treatment will shrink the tumour and put the cancer to sleep (it will never be eradicated). 10/1/13 - Things took a bad turn today and I have been hospitalised immediately after my PET scan. The cancer is right through my spine neck and skull - it has almost completely disintegrated the C3 vertebrae in my neck - I am in a neck collar now for life. They threw me straight into the chemo today and they want to observe me in hospital for a few days. My odds havent changed but there is just more of it to fight now. I'll do my best to fight it with everything I can muster. Anyway, I'm gonna overcome it - I have to think of ways to cover this bloody neck brace up with - perhaps a big spinning bow tie! ... Time to see what sort of fight I've got in me ...
12 Comments
Robyn
Occasional Contributor
So sorry to hear your bad news.All the best with your journey ahead. You have been through a rough 6 weeks. Will be thinking of you in the days ahead and wish you well. Cheers Robyn
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Tassie_Devil
Occasional Contributor
Hi tfox64 Now that is what I call a rough time!. Lots of positive thoughts to you for your journey ahead. A spinning bow tie sounds awesome!!.If I can come up with any alternatives will let you know. You sound like a real fighter - go for it tiger!. Cheers, Caroline
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Star
New Contributor
Oh geez it sounds like a tough time, but from what I read you sound like a tough guy. All i can say is i send you positive thoughts and energy. Good luck! 🙂
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little_stitcher
Super Contributor
I'm wishing you all good things for the fight ahead- I love your attitude! Hugs and good thoughts, Emily
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Lynnedk
Not applicable
Thank you so much for sending me your support. You sound like a super strong person and you will be in my prayers. Especially I commend you for thinking of your wife. She won't have to go through my stuff, I hope, because you will stay you. We wives are really tough - we can cope with anything for the man we love. Just wait and see. Unfortunately, with Ray, they think the cancer might be in the brain and I've lost him, even though he's not dead yet, but it's unusual. Just my rotten luck. You, however, are tough and all there mentally. Watch out for the Dex during the treatment. It can be a problem [see others on this site]. Look out for your wife re Wills & Powers of Attorney and your wishes re everything. As a wife I'm saying, put it in writing, don't leave her to fight for it. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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tfox64
New Contributor
Thanks Lynne for your beautiful words. I hope that Ray gets the peace he craves and that your pain and anguish dissipates quickly so as not to cloud the memory of the happy life you've shared together ...
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tfox64
New Contributor
Emily thanks for your support and thoughts. I will slug on with all I've got for sure ...
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tfox64
New Contributor
Cheers Star, all positive energy gratefully accepted! No room for negative thoughts and cancer in me. The c has taken up the space that the negativity used to live in!
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tfox64
New Contributor
Tah Robyn, thank you for your support.
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tfox64
New Contributor
Cheers Caroline - fighting is all I got now. Fortunately I love a blue and I am not an easy mark! I had another thought, a big Humphrey B Bear tie! 'Cause I am a funny old fellow and I'm in all manner of strife!!!
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Rubes1984
Contributor
Wow what bugger news to receive...... I am loving ur positivity and I too share great hope for u to do some cancer ass kicking. Cancer is an unbelievable journey full of such highs and such lows.... being positive and humourous really will be in ur favour. Don't lose hope, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I fought, was determined to win and got great results recently. So I believe anything is possible, even miracles (as such). I love the idea of a bowtie,maybe something u could wear to appts and treatment to help make light of such a heavy subject. Good luck and know we are all thinking positive thoughts with you. Rubes
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tfox64
New Contributor
Good Onya Rubes - your an inspiration - S4 is no walk in the park by any stretch. Accepting all positives gratefully ... I'll knock it over no worries ...
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