Dearest Forum,
The Ct scans of my torso went to plan yesterday morning and should have the results this week...I normally receive a call from my oncologist pretty swiftly to calm my nerves.
As only ½ hour drive home we returned for lunch and a few hours break before the neurologist appointment later that afternoon.
The neurologist was called out for emergency surgery and so hung around for 4 hours until early evening when another neurosurgeon stepped in to take over the appointment.
It was pretty weird seeing the MRI images of my head at first and also very interesting although a 2cm mass does look pretty big on a scan. My neurologist calmly walked me through all the steps and put me immediately at ease considering.
The plan of action is to admit me for pre-tests, angiogram and lung photo’s next Tuesday 15th Dec. The following day will be the op to remove so called damage which takes an average of 6hours, they will enter the top back of my neck and remove a piece of scalp to get access and patch me up again with a drain for a two night stay in intensive care and up to five days in the regular ward.
Like any operation they come with risks just like getting your teeth out but I have been assured that the mass will be accessible with a low risk for permanent damage. Of course we don’t have guarantees but this is good enough for me and very positive that they can even operate.
Apparently the issues I am experiencing at the moment will go away within a few weeks or months after the operation as it is mainly pressure of the mass on nearby vessels causing the problems. These areas will need time to heal just like bruising after any pressure wound.
They really are not sure what this mass could be and has shown no common characteristics except for damage that could have been caused by previous medication intake which surprised me. Obviously until they get it out and send what they need to pathology they will not know for sure.
I am feeling more positive now that everything has been set in place and that we now have a plan…just another hurdle to jump before the Christmas holidays begin.
I thank you from my heart for all your kind words and wishes and I am so happy that I have the forum to call home for people to listen and support me during this time.
xxxleigh
Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum
xxx 