Scan reports back given new treatment plan today

As I have not been able to have chemo, and only just started back on my Homoeopathic remedies it was no surprise to learn that there has been growth and progression with the disease in my liver and swelling in my kidneys and a first increase with the swelling in my bones. Reading my report tonight I have more questions that I will have to go back with but have enough to go on for the moment.  Despite this my blood picture confirms my liver functions have improved, my creatinine levels are now normal but my tumour markers are still out of range. 

Today's outcome is that my kidney functions not be able to manage the work needed when on Chemo so we have a change of plan. I am having an appointment with a Urologist to look at having a stent to drain the kidneys. This should also show whether the swelling includes disease as well as just fluid.

Due to the cancer progression I am being put on a course of 8 weeks of  Letrozole which is another Aromatase inhibitor like the Tamoxifen and Arimidex I had previously.  I have not read the bumph yet but the idea is to stop the oestrogen feeding the cancer.  I also have to be weaned off the steroids.

Well I have my work cut out for me at the moment looking the more natural remedies to assist.  I have a very timely appointment tomorrow with the BRI Homoeopathic team which I am very excited about.

Now onto more exciting things.  I have had a lovely but busy time of late including Balls, birthday and birthday treats and weddings - Congratulations Claire and Kev!  I am smiling on the beautiful memories made over the last month.  As I am feeling better and more in control I have been planning and getting prepared - Marrakesh with the gang next week,  feeling confident about it now and doc advised today about the flight as I have everything else covered - Sorted out Christmas and New year plans and even booked next years family holiday in Croyde.  Few more bits to plan (including plan b's) as well but feel so much better and looking forward to creating more fabulous memories xx

What a night to remember - THANK YOU...

To everyone that came and made it the night it was.  Early indications are that we raised around £1500 for the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre.  Money has also been coming in from friends who couldn't make the evening but still wanted to help.  If this is something you feel you want to do just email scccbash@gmail.com for the bank details and this will go straight into the charity account

THANKS to the people and organisations who kindly donated to the raffle , credits are listed in the leaflet which I will publish when the Bentons get back from holiday next week.

It hadn't dawned on me , with being busy being ill and delaying my own jobs, how much work had gone into with the arrangements until I turned up to help decorate the room.  I know I am blessed with the amazing friends around me but I felt embarrassed by the committee team effort that went into things that I hadn't even thought of to make the evening the success it was.  I think I managed to get to speak to most people and there have been a lot of compliments and photos flying around hailing the enjoyment.  I was happy people came and we had a fab night but stunned with the fund raising on top of it all.  Just show we know how we like to party.

I did do a little speech and whilst the ushers had been thanked, i.e. Holly, Clodagh and Mel, I neglected to say thank you to Holly for forming the idea from her party antics last year.  So THANK YOU to Holly, I love you and didn't we have a ball! 

ps.  I know you enjoyed being on the teenagers table xxx

What a refreshing change at todays Oncology appointment

I was ready with "I don't want to start chemo until next week for purely selfish reasons" and "Can we not look at the cause of the vomiting instead of just treating the symptoms"
I saw a different oncologist today, she had my chemo tablets in her hand and asked me how I'd been.  Told her I was still vomiting, appetite loss but feeling better overall after the blood transfusion.  I then had the reaction I was after  , "Ok I think we will stall the start of your chemo and find out the cause of these symptoms, I'll arrange for an Ultra sound test of kidneys and liver, full body CT scan and a brain scan and lets see if we can find out what is going on"  Eureka - at long last someone realising that this is not going away.  She also asked if I minded and I owned up being the honest person that I am.  She then examined me , did some tests and asked some questions.  On reviewing the blood tests I was asked if I could have another blood test done to check the creatinine levels. I feel like a pin cushion after yesterdays 2 attempts to draw blood and the blood transfusion last week.  Well the results are in and they want to scan my kidneys sooner rather then later.  I also remember that the last 2 CT scans have reported abnormality in my right kidney and this is the first time it is being acted on. 

Meanwhile I have started a course of steroids to increase my appetite and hopefully have an impact on reducing the vomiting. 

Now onto the more exciting stuff.  We have sold over 100 tickets for my charity ball on Saturday.  Family and friends are coming from all over the UK.  It goes without saying that there is a posse making their way from Worcester as well!  I am so excited and grateful as I appreciate the effort people are making by coming to the event, and the work being carried out by the rest of the committee Barb, Fred Lynne and James as this wouldn't be happening without the work they are doing.  Also there are a few tables of friends friends as well!

I am also getting lovely messages from friends who are unable to make the weekend and don't worry I will try and behave myself but now I have started the steroids who knows.  I just hoping these will help me stay awake past 10pm!!