My first visit to Christie hospital
By Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
Manchester, England
July 10, 2017 2:49pm CST
Today has been a hectic day, starting with a visit from a support nurse this morning and then an appointment to Christie hospital.
Apart from the expected blood tests and X-ray etcetera, there was an in depth consultation with the doctor. This encompassed the schedule of treatment and a general discussion about my prognosis.
I was delighted with the honesty of the doctor. While discussing the potential benefits of chemotherapy she stated that this would not result in a cure. The intention is to reduce the effects of the tumours and hopefully improve the quality of life. She even added that any increase in life expectancy would likely be in the region of months and not very long term.
This may not have been the ideal news, but since it is the reality of the situation it was gratefully received.
The treatment is now scheduled to begin a week tomorrow.
23 people like this
24 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
10 Jul 17
Glad you are going through with the treatment and to improve the quality of your life.
There are many variables of course, but it is good to know that honesty prevails..somehow it is comforting.
You know we are all in on this with you of course..always here for you.
Good your brother was with you as well. I know Christies is a good hospital.
You know we are all in on this with you of course..always here for you.
Good your brother was with you as well. I know Christies is a good hospital.2 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Jul 17
@TiarasOceanView Yes, I am fine today thank you.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
10 Jul 17
been to Christies to visit patients there. It is a lovely place - good luck @Asylum
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
10 Jul 17
@arthurchappell Yes, it is an appropriate number.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
10 Jul 17
@Asylum The answer to life the universe and everything ward - sounds good to me
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
10 Jul 17
A relief to meet kind and honest doctors.I wish you luck with the treatment.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Jul 17
@silvermist I suppose that someone in her position encounters many people of varying attitudes.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
11 Jul 17
@Asylum As we say she may have sized you up with out seeming to do so and decided to tell you the truth.A very astute person.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458091)
• Switzerland
11 Jul 17
I prefer a honest diagnosis than not to know where I am heading. I understand that the news could be better, at least to know that the treatment can allow a better life for several years, but you can never know. I hope that you have a great support Barry.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Jul 17
It is rather sad to hear this. But better than not knowing what is expected from this treatment.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16534)
• China
11 Jul 17
Although it is not a good news,but the doctor called a spade a spade.Hope the chemotherapy will work wonders!
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Jul 17
@changjiangzhibin89 Mylot has been a great help to me so far.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16534)
• China
11 Jul 17
@Asylum Keep us posted! Though there is nothing I can do to help .
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
16 Jul 17
@TiarasOceanView Discussing my condition on Mylot has been a great help to me. Naturally I could not mention such things offline for fear of distressing people and making them feel uncomfortable.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
16 Jul 17
@Asylum Yes hope..H.O.P.E. means hang on , pain ends. Chemo may take a few treatments to kick in, just speaking from observing my Mothers experience. Its blinkin tiring being so ill, I understand. Weariness.
As always thanks for reply, very much appreciated by me friend.
As always thanks for reply, very much appreciated by me friend.1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
13 Jul 17
Thanks for the update. I still have no words for what you're going through, but I am going to make sure to check up on you daily, whether you post an update or reply to another member's post, I want to know how you are doing.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
13 Jul 17
@Carmelanirel2 Some days I am unsure what is going on.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
13 Jul 17
@Asylum And the reality is, I am going to stalk your page daily so I know what is going on.
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
14 Jul 17
It's good to know exactly what is happening so you can make your plans accordingly. It sounds like a great place with compassionate and caring people.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
14 Jul 17
@Jeanniemaries That is definitely true.
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
14 Jul 17
@Asylum it shows a lot of respect for you that they are completely honest with you . You're in a good place and you can trust them .
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
15 Jul 17
Did they tell you why they didn't start the treatment as soon as they had the diagnosis, it seems bizarre you are still waiting to start it? On the cheery side I was delighted to suddenly have the penny drop and realise it was YOU on FB, didn't recognise you without the beard.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
15 Jul 17
I just assumed that this was a standard routine for patients. I have an MRI on Monday and chemotherapy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so next week is due to be a wild period.
I shaved off my beard a while ago and once the chemotherapy starts I may end up with no hair either.
I do hope that you told your son not to bully those pretty sharks.
@vandana7 (98826)
• India
11 Jul 17
I was waiting for a post from you and to know how you've been. It is nice of the doctor to have let you know the situation as it is. It is tough for them too to be so clinical about their patients and tough to tell anybody such things. At least she mentioned that there could be increase in life expectancy. That is the positive I take from that.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
10 Jul 17
I hope you know how many of your friends here will be with you through this process in spirit if not in person.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
10 Jul 17
Mylot members have already been a tremendous help to me. I have only told my brother and next door neighbour, who have a right to know. Otherwise I have kept it quiet from people in real life rather than distress people unnecessarily.
Mylot has provided the opportunity for me to chat about my condition with people who I have known for a while, which really does help.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
15 Jul 17
Really sorry for all you are going through there. It is nice that they are being honest with you @Asylum Have they asked you how you feel about this or offered any natural help?
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
16 Jul 17
I am glad that you are starting treatment and I wish you well. I am very saddened by the news though Barry.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
16 Jul 17
Thank you Gary.
From the first time that it became apparent that I had cancer, I decided that the only logical approach would be to accept the fact philosophically. Fortunately my brother shares my attitude so we can talk openly about the details etcetera.
