Hospital Test Results are in - Looks Like I'm in for a Rough Time (page 12)

TD

Sorry to hear this, Cofty. I have a feeling you will beat it. You've got my best wishes.

cofty

So today I had my first appointment at the Regional Cancer Centre.

It's a very modern building with large foyer, gardens, cafes and the general appearance of a nice hotel. Of course the clientele were a bit different from your average Hilton. The first "guest" I saw shattered the ambience. The poor old gentleman was in a wheelchair being pushed by, who I took to be, his daughter - if he makes it to Christmas it will be nothing short of miraculous. The numerous small comfortable waiting areas were populated with somber looking people, mostly in pairs, alone with their thoughts or speaking in whispers.

Having managed to maintain an emotional detachment from my condition so far I feel like I have been smacked in the face by reality.

The staff were really excellent, friendly and upbeat without being patronising. Today was all about preparation for radiotherapy and involved a CT scan so the precise angles for the beams can be worked out. So picture this if you dare - there I am lying face down on the table in the scanner while a (very attractive) radiologist marks tattoos on by bum. As tats go they are not very interesting but hey they were free.

Note to self - next time take your bloody socks off you twit!

Next appointment is to meet the oncologist again to get my chemo regimen then therapy begins two weeks from today.

Bad news - I have to make 25 trips for therapy each one 120 miles round trip.

Good news - A local charity has 2 vehicles for this very purpose and have agreed to take me to most if not all appointments.

Bad news - I will need to have a colostomy bag...

Good news - ...it will only be for a couple of months after surgery then I will be back to normal

If its ok I will probably find it cathartic to scribble about my experience here. If you find it uncomfortable I apologise and won't be at all offended if you prefer to avoid it. I know I can only cope with a limited amount of other people's angst at the moment. - Bill

PSacramento

Hang in there my brother, you can do this.

It may seem like a lot and a bit overwhelming at times, just do one day at a time and do those baby steps.

You'll get worse before you get better but you will get better.

Swallow your pride a bit and accept that itis ok to rely on others that are there for you :)

One of the things that I learned about dealing with certain illnesses that make us feel less than we are is that the people that know us and love us don't mind taking care of us, just like we would for them and those that don't know us, couldn't care less, LOL !

wobble

Dear Bill, we welcome your keeping us in the loop about how things are going, please write as much as you like and with as many details as you like, we are all thinking of you , so we really want to know.

Good luck mate, we're with you all the way.

still thinking

cofty...you have such a great sense of humour...if anything..that will get you through.

You cracked me up with your 'Good news'...'bad news'

I was actually very relieved for you when you said the bag was only temporary...that is great news!!!!!

ziddina

"If its ok I will probably find it cathartic to scribble about my experience here. If you find it uncomfortable I apologise and won't be at all offended if you prefer to avoid it. I know I can only cope with a limited amount of other people's angst at the moment. ..."

Hah, hah!! Hey, Cofty, people on this site have discussed ALL kinds of topix - I think that most of us have the "stomach" to handle any gross medical procedures you might have to describe...

Zid

sabastious

Cofty I am pulling for you! I have no idea about cancer so I'll be reading your "scribbles" as you write them. Also, it's cool to hear that your family isn't completely heartless.

-Sab

truthlover

All the best, Sharon Osbourne had that type of cancer and is now cancer free.. perhaps looking up her story could give you some insight..

Best wishes

TL

confuzzled777

Sending positive vibes........hang in there.

SweetBabyCheezits

Cofty, I suspect you'll emerge from this even tougher than before. Stay positive, friend. We're keeping you in our thoughts.

Hospital Test Results are in - Looks Like I'm in for a Rough Time

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