Follow up after Radiotherapy

On the 29th July I went to Oncology Outpatiets to see Dr Read 5 weeks after my Radiotherapy. He asked me how I was I told him I was not feeling to bad so he checked under my arms and  all around my neck, but said he could say whether the Cancer had gone but said he would keep an eye on me so I have to see him in 3 Months time the 25th October. He also said that if there is anything at all that I am worried about to ring Mr Dalals Secretery and he would see me, so I was happy with that.

After Radiotherapy

A week after Radiotherapy not feeling to bad hard to believe that 7 weeks have gone by.Now I have an Appointment29th June at Fullwood Suite a follow up from my operation 2nd February. I saw one of Mr Dalals team he seamed pleased with everything he said I had to make an Appointment for 6 Months time which will be 4th January 2011 he did not have much to say I think he was a New Boy on the block at least we saw some familiar faces which is always nice.
So after this appointment we will have been in Royal Preston Hospital 125 times and we have done 4500 miles in just over 5 years (it must be a record). Now relax for awhile and take stock think Holidays a long time overdue.

5th & 6th Weeks + 2 Days Radiotherapy

Back to Rosemere after weekend break 7th June the 5th Week we have met some new people and next 3 Days went smooth and now I have another Review 10th June saw Dr Reads Registrar everything was OK and had a chat with Dr Siva and home. Now the last of the week another 7 Days to go they will soon go by. After a weekend break we are back at Rosemere the 14th June had a later appointment so we went a bit earlier thought we would have a Sarnie the rest of Days are 10-30 Tuesday & Wednesday went smooth caught up with people we have met a very pleasant crowd considering Thursday had my last Review saw the Lady Registrar she was pleased with progress I will have to go back to Oncology Dept in 4-6 weeks to see Dr Read, last Day went well. Now back for last 2 Days went smooth said cheerio to Man from Kendal and couple from Barrow in Furniss got copy of X Ray said cheerio to all the Staff.(a nice crowd)

3rd & 4th weeks Radiotherapy

Had a weekend break now it is 24th May 3rd week. Met up with friends which is nice then had treatments Mon & Tues they took Photos both Days do not know why but will ask when I have Review. Wed went by no problems and now is the 27th had my treatment and then waited to see Dr Read we had quite a wait it was a busy Day we also saw Dr Siva. I finally saw Dr Reads Registrar I asked her questions which she answered she was pleased with progress a very pleasant Lady and the the last Day of the week went by OK. Now it is Bank Holiday Monday 31st I went in earlier it was quiet everywhere, the next 2 Days went smooth we said cheerio to our friends we will catch up with them next week they also took another Picture that will be 4 and now is the Day of Review 3rd June I went in earlier for treatment also took another Picture now 5. Then I saw Dr Read he explained why they took Pictures. And the last Day of the went smooth so now 2 Days rest. Another 2 weeks and 2 Days to go.

Start of Radiotherapy 12th May 2010

My appointment was 10-30 so we left home 9-15 got Parked booked in and then had a coffee, I was a bit apprehesive coming back here to Rosemere but so a couple of familiar Staff so felt better.Then the Nurse come looking for me and went to room 3  there where 3 people in there I had to lie on a Metal Bed they set up the Machine and left me in there then started the Machine then moved the position of the Machine then did it again it did not take long. Nurse said she would see me tomorrow. As we where leaving we had a chat to Dr Siva who I saw in 2007 he asked how we where and asked how i was getting with my Radiotherapy then home.I got through the next 2 Days OK now got the weekend to relax.
Now 2nd week 17th May went at the same time had coffee and chatted to a couple from Cleveleys then had my treatments the first 2 Appointments they took a couple of X Rays after treatments and also changed a couple of Appointment times. Now we have got to Thursday the 20th it should have been my first Review but after my treatment the Nurse told me Dr Read was not avalable so she said i could go home, I was a bit dissapointed as I had some questions to ask so I suppose it will have to wait till next week. Now the 21st had the last Treatment for the week I now have another 4 full weeks and 2 Days to go.(what a thought)..

29th April Planning Rosemere Centre

My appointment was 9-15 so it early doors got to the Hospital    8-50 booked in then had a coffee then to the waiting area.got a voucher which means that me and my Husband can have a free coffee all the time we are at Rosemere Centre. While we where in the Waiting Area Dr Siva had a word with us asked how I was had a look at my and my Arm and also asked about the Family which was very nice of him. Went into the Simulator Room had to lie on Metal Bed and did a few X Rays kept going in and out of the Room and then marked my arm then Photos where taken then the Nurse gave me a list of Treatments I have to have 30  starting 12th May-22rd June 7 weeks.(I suppose it will soon go by). I have to go on the Bank Holiday.

Fulwood Suite 9th March and 12th April Oncology Dept

Got to the Hospital managed to Park and then had some Lunch and made our way to Fullwood Suite. We had a chat with Bererly she has been there since we first went  in 2005. We saw one of Mr Dalals Team he had been to see me on the Day of operation so it was nice to see him again. He explained everything to me and answered questions that I asked. He said I had to make an Appointment on my way out for a 3 Months check up which is 29th June. Then I got a letter from Royal Preston to see Dr Read the Oncologist on the 12th April.
We got to the Oncology Dept and saw Dr Read he explained everything to me.He said the Consultant had exsised all of the lump but was near to the Nerve so that is why i have to have Radiotherapy. He also told me he had come from Christies in Manchester to Royal Preston so was happy with that.
Then got a letter from Royal Preston I have an appointment to see Dr Read at Rosemere Centre on the 29th April for Planning.

Wednesday 3rd February recovering at home

Did not have a bad night got up at normal time my arm was pinching a bit so took painkillers. Later in the morning had e few visits fromNeighbours enquiring how i was, then out for some Lunch with Dean & Sima treat them before they go back it has been nice having them. When I got backI got a Phone call from the Hospital they have made me an Appointment for 9th February for Dressing Clinic. When i arrived at the Clinic the Nurse took the Dressing of could not believe the length of the Scar she put a smaller dressing on. As we left the Clinic we saw Mr Dalal he shook my hand and asked me how I was so now waiting for results.Then the Cancer Support Nurse rang me and told me the lunp was Cancerous and confirmed the Radiotherapy, and the next Day Mr Dalals Secretery rang  to ask me to come to Fullwood Suite 9th March.

Royal Preston 1st February 2010

Left home at 11-50 going a bit earlier with Dean & Sima so we can have some lunch with them it was nice to have them there.Made our way to the Ward then saw a Nurse she said I had to go for ECG and Blood Tests so Sima come with me then back to the Ward and then everyone went home and the Nurse brought me some food then got changed and tried to settle.Then the Nurse brought me some Toast & Tea 11-30/pm then I managed to sleep till 6-00/am Tuesday morning.The Anaethatist come to see me explained what was to be done he said they could do a Nerve Block an injection in my shoulder if I did not mind being awake while having the operation I said I did not mind. Went to Theatre and there where 2 Anaethatists explained what they where going to do, I was a apprehensive but they put me at ease. Was in the Theatre 1 hour & 30 mins
then back to the Ward, did not feel to bad had a cuppa then managed to sleep for awhile then the Nurse brought me some food managed some of it not really hungry. She said i could go home so rang home and Dean & Sima come to pick me up. It was nice to be home sat up for while then glad to get to my Bed(heaven)

Fullwood Suite 12th January 2010

Time for another appointment it is 4 Months since my last visit. Beverly informed us it was a busy Clinic there was 1 hour delay. Then we saw one of Mr Dalals Team a Mr Baldwin he explained everything to me about all the Scans that i had in 2009 he was almost sure that the lump was Cancerous and had to be romoved and probably have to have some Radiotherapy which was a bit of a shock. He made a Date for the operation while I was at the Clinic I had to come in Monday the 1st of February and have operation the 2nd that is in 3 weeks time.Was glad to get back home and sit quietly and take in what was said. Spoke to Dean & Sima & Susan let them know what is going on. Got a letter on the 22nd February confirming my appointment ist February 2-00 Ward 3. So the Day before going in was getting things ready when the Door Bell went at
8-00/pm and there was my Son & his Wife what a lovely surprise just what i needed.

Fullwood Suite 15th & 29th September 2009

Another trip to Royal Preston, there are one or two things bothering me so I have made a list of questions to ask nobody minds answering. First had some Lunch in the Restaurant then made our way to Fullwood Suite. Saw one of Mr Dalals Team he looked first at my hand  and then I told him about the Lump I had found by my elbow. He studdied it and then asked another to see it and he said that he had to take a sample from it with a Srynge not very nice, so he will me in a couple of weeks, then on the 23rd got a Phone Call form Mr Dalals Secretery to say Mr Dalal wants to see me  September 29th she said Mr Dalal was not happy with the Sample what ever that means i don`t know. So the 29th soon come round and I am a bit apprehensive about today I have been thinking about it all week. Mr Dalals Registrar said they could not come to any conclusion so everything is on hold. In the meantime  got an Appointment for Ultra Scan 29th October after that an Appointment for a CT Scan18th November still no resullts. And then got 2 More Appointments the 16th December for MRI Scan and 29th December for Ultra Scan Aspiration took sample from lump the Man said he would send a report to Mr Dalal so now waiting again. Then Mr Dalals Secretery rang to say I have an Appointment at Fullwood Suite 12th January 2010. So try to have a nice Christmas and new Year and forget about it.

Rosemere Centre Open Day 8th August

In July we got a letter inviting us to Rosemere Centre Open Day, to thank all people who had sent donations personally so that was very nice.
We made our way to Rosemere on the Day we arrived at 11-40 and parked with our Free Pass. We where told to go to the Lounge where we had Tea & Biscuits and a Lady explained with diagrams on a board telling us how the Machine worked then into a room to see the new Machine and showed us how it worked then back into the Lounge Area and had a Lecture on how Rosemere started. We met a couple of Patients who where there in 2007 and also a Radioligist who was also there.It seemed strange being there but it was nice to be invited.
Then we made our way home and had some Lunch out.

A VERY NICE DAY  We brought home with us a Loose Change Appeal Box see what we can do.

Fullwood Suite 5th May 2008

We have had a very pleasant Christmas & New Year so checked my new Diary putting some Dates in my first was 28th April. Then I got  a letter to say it had been cancelled until July. Then a couple of weeks later a spot appeared on my Skin Graft.so i rang the Hospital and explained  so made me another Appointment for the 5th May 2008 so felt happier but a bit worried. I saw Mr Dalals Registrar he said i had to have a Biopsy in about a Months time so went home in shock. Then got a Phone Call to say i had to go in 8th June to Ward 4.On the 8th June arrived at the Hospital11-45 saw a Nurse and got into a Gown. Then the Nurse told everyone that they where running late so it was 4-20 when I went into the Theatre had the Biopsy done made a 3 Month follow up Appoitment and went home. But in the meantime the Biopsy would go to the Lab and a week later got report back to say everything was ok. Now perhaps we can get on with our life and book a Holiday.

Fullwood Suite 23rd October 2007

Saw one of Mr Dalas team he did mention a small op but said it was an option he decided to send me to Occupational Therapy so i went there from Fullwood saw Leanne she made me a splint just to wear at night.

I went quite a few times she seemed to think it had slightly improved my last visit 12th November so now have a quiet 2 Months.  So now we have got to 2008 and i have an Appointment at Fullwood Suite 26th February. And saw Mr Dalals Registrar metioned the Operation again she said it would help so I agreed and went into Hospital 4th April and had my Operation and after a short stay had a cuppa and a Sandwich I was able to go home. Went to Dressing Clinic 11th April and after that had a couple of visits to Physio so that is 3 Years gone by Mr Dalal said he would keep an eye on me for 5 Years Now I have an Appointment at Fullwood Suite 27th May. Saw one of the Team he said everything looked ok did not have much to say he said to make an Appointment for 3 Months time but we did see Beverly she is always the same she has been there ever since we have been going 3 Months have gone by and I am at Fullwood Suite again 26th August saw one of the Plastic Surgeons, so I told him about a spot that had appeared on my Graft so he had a look did not think it was anything to worry about but to come back in 2 Months.Which we are now at which is 28th October which is my Husbands Birthday saw one of Mr Dalas team a Mr Enoch he was a very nice Man he was pleased with progress He was impressed with the Article in the Best Magazine left them a copy so he said would see me in 6 Months time.My last Appointment this year  at Royal Preston is to Ribblesdale Suite on the 11th November to see Dr Siva he said every thing was fine and said that it was 12 Months since Radiotherapy and 18 Months since i first saw him so he said he did not need to see me again so said cheerio to everyone.My next Appointment is April 28th 2009 to Fullwood Suite. Today we have been in the Hospital 75 times and have done 2700 Miles.

Follow up Fullwood Suite 24th July

Saw one of Mr Dalals team told him the Scar was very tight,he suggested a small operation that would help but i told him I would have to put it on hold for now as i had Family commitments in August our Sons Wedding so he said he would see me in 3 months.In the meantime I went to see my own Doctor told him what the Man had said he said it was not a good idea i will see what Dr Siva says when i see him in September. Everything went well at the Wedding it was 2 Days to remember and even the weather was perfect. I am now back at Ribblesdale Suite and it is 8 weeks since my Radiotherapy.Saw Dr Siva he was very pleased with progress he even asked about the Wedding we took him a couple of Photos he wants to see me in December. We can now book a holday which we did and had a nice relaxing week in Spain just what we needed now I have another Appointment  coming up at Fullwood Suite 23rd October.

2nd visit to Rosemere Planning

Saw Dr Siva again for some planning first of all a young Man made me a Mould for my hand then the Physicist took measurments and then Photos where taken. The Nurse gave me a list of Treatments 28 Days every working Day starting 5th June till 12th July. Once started my Treatment and got through a couple of weeks I got on quite well. It was such a nice place to be met some nice people all there for the same reason. I had a review once a week had a chat with Dr Siva to see how I was getting on. At last got my last Treatment done said cheerio to everyone had a chat with Dr Siva he said i had done very well said he would see me in September, so now can make Plans for Wedding in August of Dean & Sima I have a visit to Fullwood Suite 24th July a follow up from Operation 23rd March. When i go to that appointment I will have been in the Hospital 57 times and done 1004 miles.

1st visit to Rosemere 2007

Saw Dr Siva 9th May, he explained what had to be done I had to have some Radiotherapy which was a bit of a shock. He told me I would have to come back again for some planning to establish how many treatments I would have to have. The Nurse explained everything to me and she gave me a form to take to the General Office so they gave me a Free Parking Ticket for 3 Months to use while I am visiting Rosemere Centre so left there now waiting for another appointment which come a few Days later to go on the 24th May at 9-00/am so just over 2 weeks but I suppose it will soon go.

Start of 2006

Started the year ok had 3 follow up appointments to Preston, and we had a trip to Brighton to see our Son bring him up to date. By November my hand was swollen and painful so my last appointment fo the year was 11th November.Saw one of Mr Dalals Team he studdied my hand and sent me for an X Ray but said he could not see anything untoward and gave me some Antibitics and made appointment for 6th March 2007.but my hand was not improving so rang the Hospital and they brought forward appointment to 6th February.Saw Mr Dalal and he took 2 Biopsys and a Blood Test and said to see him in 2 weeks time, So on the 20th went back saw Mr Dalal told me the Tumour was back so i had to have more surgery which i had on the 23rd of March went home the next Day, and various visits to the Dressing Clinic and some Pyhsio and was nicely recovering when i got a letter from Rosemere Centre to go on the 8th May.

Start of 5 years Cancer treatment

In 2004 went to see my Doctor about a small patch of dry skin on left index finger.said it was Dermatitiis and gave me cream did not help,so in Deccember 2004 thought i would try again he did seem concerned and reffered me to Dr Kellett Dermatologist they contacted me and made appointment for 8th March 2005 it had been put down as routine(not urgent.So the 6th January 2005 i was concerned so i went to see Dr Sloan she was concerned and sent a FAX to Dr Kellett the appointment was broughtforward to 11th January.Dr Kellett took 2 Biopsys and did X Rays and when i saw him next on the 8th Feruary he told me it was Cancer and reffered to Mr Dalal at Royal Preston he told me it was a Tumour i would need a skin graft. He gave me a date for operation which was 8th March he said i might need a Skin Graft but when he got down to it he said it was to bad so most of my finger was amputated under Local Anaesthetic i was in Theatre 1 hour & 45 Mins a bit of a shock then went home to recover. Then 6 weeks later Mr Dalal wanted to see me said the Cancer was still there so had to have more Surgery went into Hospital 3 Days later and had another operation to remove the rest of my finger had various visits to Fullwood Suite got through the year now see what happens.See what a New Year brings

Shopping M&S

After my last opp i came home with plaster on my hand so i suppose people think you have broken bones. So a couple of days later i went to my local shop purchased a couple of items and the Lady at the till asked me what i had been doing i did not know what to say so i told her that i had a finger removed she was a bit shocked then she said sorry for asking then had another look at my hand and asked had i still got my thumb which made me smile then i paid the Lady and once again she said sorry(that will teach her being inquisitive)

Lytham Trip

Went shopping in Lytham a couple of Miles from home, and went into a veg Shop made a couple of purchases and to the Man serving me what a lovely day it was. At the time i had a White cotton glove on to keep the Sun of my hand and his reply was it is to nice to have your glove on so i took the glove of and he immediatly apologised.
(enough said)

new meter

A man come to install a new Electric Meter, he come in with tool box and thick cable, i was in the Kitchen he got on with the job and then i heard him cut the Cable with wire cutters i heard it from the Kitchen it went through me so i said to him them Clippers sound very sharp.His answer was they sure are they would soon take your finger of so you can imagine what i said he was mortified he went a whiter shade of pale and made a hasty retreat.

A trip to Sainsbury's

In 2009 I had a biopsy on my hand and had a dressing on it. The next day I went to Sainsbury's, just to get a couple of items and got a couple of pieces of salmon. I asked the man could he skin it? Well, he set about doing this fish (what I would call attacking it) I watched him for a couple of seconds with horror and could not contain myself. I said to him, "You are making a right pig's ear of it!" He was not pleased, so he wrapped the fish up and passed it to me, looked at me and said, "I hope your hand gets better."

A trip to Morrisons

In 2005 when I first had part of my finger removed, the next day I went to Morrisons and bought a few items. The lady on the checkout saw the bandage and asked me what I'd done. So I told her I had part of my finger removed. She asked me did I have to stay in Hospital, I said no, I had it done under local anaesthetic and went home the same day. She was mortified. She said it was "bloody barbaric!"