Blogs - Page 67

It's only been just over 2 months since I was put on the 'watch and wait' approach for Follicular Lymphoma. I have been having periodic sensations in my left arm for while. I mentioned this to my GP a few weeks ago but he didn't seem to think it was anything. This morning I woke with swelling above my left collarbone. I called the cancer care nurses and my oncologist wants an urgent CT, which I have an appointment for tomorrow and then an appointment to see him on Thursday, 27 February 2014.

I was diagnosed with Carcinoid Syndrome in February 2012. My symptoms then were severe flushing and severe itching. I have had Liver ablation-partially succesful,Liver biopsy and am on Lanreotide 120 mg every three weeks. Greenslopes Hospital in Brisbane have been very helpful. I now await possible GA Dotatate treatment at the Royal Brisbane Hospital Nuclear medicine dept. Apart from flushing and itching I keep well. I am trying a sugar free and carbohydrate free diet at present hoping it may help.

I am writing this letter in the hope that the following story will help anyone facing a mastectomy or an early diagnosis of breast cancer. Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer every day and not all of them are provided with the information required to make informed decisions.

It has been one week since I farewell my dearest. 2 weeks since his passing. The funeral was wonderful, exactly how he would have wanted it. Great friends, family & awesome music. I managed to say my eulogy, which in itself was a massive achievement. At now 32, I can say I have done a lot of things many others have (travel, kids etc) but I stand proud to know that I have known true love- something many others never experience in their whole lives. I had it for 15 years, and I am a better person because of the whole journey.