25 Feb 2008
The results are in
And they’re not pretty.
It’s definitely cancer. I have an Osteosarcoma. There’s only about 150 cases per year in the UK. Aren’t I lucky?
So tomorrow I’m off to have my CT scan. They tell me today that they think there’s secondaries in my lungs but the scan will confirm it or not. On Friday, I’m off to the John Radcliffe for another set of tests. This is to make sure my kidneys can cope with one of the two chemo drugs they plan to use: platinum, would you belive. I’ll spend all day with a tube in my arm having blood taken at various points. Very boring I’m told, but it will take all day. Sigh.
On Tuesday next, I go into the Churchill hospital to start my first cycle of chemo. Blenheim Ward, for those that are interested. I’ll stay in until next Friday morning. Then I get two weeks’ rest before it all starts again. And then again for a third time. After that, a new knee. Surgery is booked (after the two consultants present today comically got out their diaries, flicked through the pages and muttered exclamations such as “perfect”, “works nicely” etc) for May 20 (or was it 24?). When I’ve recovered from that, 3 more cycles of chemo. Probably after that round of chemo they will operate on my lungs, if the secondaries haven’t responded to the drugs, and remove them. That’s really something I want to avoid.
And before you ask, yes, I will lose my hair they told me today. Fine by me as I haven’t got that much anyway. Hat suggestions gratefully received.
Russian cossack hat. Or Roman legionnaire’s helmet.
Tough news, but we’re all rooting for you to kick this thing’s ass.
Meg
February 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pmpermalink
I reckon Mum could knit you a nice little number! Arran perhaps?
Constantly in our thoughts and prayers mate xx
Linz
February 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pmpermalink
Mate… Winky spends a lot of time sleeping these days, maybe we could tape him on! x.
Mel
February 26th, 2008 at 12:06 ampermalink
hi Andy, great blog, keep it going…interesting for us and prob tiny bit of therapy for you. Linz got a bunch of us thinking and praying for you and your family. So.. you got it. How could I refuse a fellow worshipper in the temple of Macdom!? Well there’s a load of us down here at Sutton thinking of you so let us know if we can do or pray ANYthing; mini or mega. Peace. Adam (Bonner).
adamb
February 26th, 2008 at 7:51 ampermalink
Wooohhooo, hat therapy AND a new knee! You can borrow my hat I wear for working on the car; it’s fur lined and got ear flaps and everything.
Regardless of anything, keep a postive attitude, “I positively hate this f*****g around with needles!”
Thinking of you mate.
Kenton White
February 26th, 2008 at 11:20 ampermalink
I don’t knit! Bugger. But it looks like you have the hat thing covered…
Babe. Thinking of you. xxx
Deb Raymond
February 26th, 2008 at 8:36 pmpermalink
I hear Scribs hasn’t got good bladder control so would avoid using as hat.
Thinking of you all loads – love the blog – saves me nagging Linz for updates.
Lots of Love
xx
Linz 2
February 27th, 2008 at 10:17 ampermalink
Mate,
I’ve got two suggestions for the headgear;
1) A lovely Salvation Army cap – to recall the ‘good ‘ol days’…mmmmm!
or
2) a lovely Ruskkie fur hat in honour of my favourite man – Chelski’s Roman A!!
See you in Oxford buddy.
Blessings at ya.
Stu.
Stuart Pendred
February 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pmpermalink
Sorry to hear the bad news. Hope you get better soon mate.
As for a hat, how about a simple one with a feather in?
T-shirts - London
February 28th, 2008 at 6:50 pmpermalink
Hi there. I don’t see an “about me” page, so I don’t know much about you except that you’ve just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I had it four years ago…I lucked out and had a low-grade version that didn’t require chemo. The surgery on my arm was rare and pretty intense, so I started to try and find others who had osteosarcoma. I ended up starting a website and support group for people like us. There are a lot of crazy, fun people with awesome attitudes there. Plenty of them have been through the chemo and they can encourage you as you move ahead. If you don’t want to join the group, make sure to read some of the stories about people who had similar tumors. I hope it will inspire you and make you feel alone, even with this stupid rare cancer!
All the best,
Mary Sorens
Mary
February 29th, 2008 at 4:19 ampermalink
Oh sorry, just incase anyone doesn’t see the link, the site is here: http://abc-survivors.net
There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” page about what you can do for a friend who is in treatment. A bunch of our members contributed, so let me know if you think it’s relevant! Maybe some of your friends will like it.
Mary
February 29th, 2008 at 4:22 ampermalink
Hi Andy
Just heard from Linz…so thinking of you lots. As for the hat maybe one featuring ‘Super Baby’ would be good!
Jenny
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 pmpermalink
Can’t believe your news mate . I love your humour, Top wit. If its anything of a distraction, I’ve got some needles in my cattle medicine box that you could crawl thru.
any help needed , just ask . ( none medical i promise) pete.
the dunns
March 4th, 2008 at 9:40 ampermalink
Did you get any decent hats in the end, then? My smartarse mates bought me a scouse wig, a pink hairpiece and a bandana with Mickey Mouse ears attached.
Alright Tit
January 14th, 2009 at 2:59 pmpermalink