Mores tests etc.

After the prodding and poking of the CT Scan it was time for another scan, this time a Gamma Ray bone scan.  I was go to the hospital have an injection then go away for 2-3 hours and return for the scan itself.  I promptly turned up for the injection.  Oh boy another needle!  Again I explained to the nurse about my issue with needles. I sat there and said how can I talk to a room of 60 people or more with no problems but turn into a quivering wreck at the sight and thought of a needle.  She then turned it around saying that she could not talk to a room of 10 people but was happy to stick needles in people (well maybe not that blunt).

Left the hospital and then went off to do the day to day stuff of food shopping etc. before returning to the hospital for the scan. The scanner was similar to the CT scanner but this time they seemed to worried that I would make a run for it and tied me down on the bed before setting it in motion.  For nearly 20 minutes I had to remain still, for me this is a miracle in itself.  I lay there and tried to think of something relaxing, then started to panic that I could not think of anything at all, relaxing or otherwise.  Previously when laying on a beauticians  bed I had always thought about shopping lists, job lists for work and found it very hard to relax and switch off.  I think now I have gone the other way and too far off the scale for what I am used to.

The result of the bone scan - all clear.

What I have not explained yet is that my hospital visits are split over two hospital sites that are at least 15 miles apart from each other.  The initial breast clinic was at Warrington General, along with the bone scan.  The CT scan, pre op and operation has and is to be conducted at Halton (Runcorn).

In between the CT and bone scan I had a trip to London with my husband.  It was not to be a valentine trip when it was booked but sort of ended up as such with everything that has happened.  We had an overnight in a hotel round the corner from Trafalgar Square and on the Saturday night we went to see Cat On A Hot Tin Roof with Adrian Lester as Brick and James Earl Jones as Big Daddy.  We had dinner at a restaurant just off Covent Garden called Sarastro.  When we got back to the hotel we then read the Sunday paper before going to sleep.  We also went to the British Museum to see the Staffordshire Hoard amongst other things.  The weekend ended in having tea with Aaron my nephew.

Other tests etc.

After the diagnosis I was scheduled for other tests.  These were just in case...

I had a CT Scan.  It is not up there with some tests.  I had to drink this milky looking liquid, nearly a litre of it.  They then put a needle in my arm.  This will not be the first or last time I mention this but I don't do needles at the best of times.  The closest I get to a needle is when I am doing cross stitch.

Sitting in the chair I explained about my issue with needles to the nurse and she was very good.  I have to say that it was not the most pleasant of things. After this procedure I was back out in the waiting room for the next part.

I have remained prepared for anything and this waiting room was enhanced by the addition of a book that I have started reading.  Desperate Romantics by Fanny Moyle - recently dramatised by the BBC starring that very handsome Aidan Turner as the mad, bad and dangerous to know Dante Gabriel Rossitti, some time leader of the Pre-Raphaelite botherhood.

I had not even finished by lovely cocktail when they called me in for the scan.  I went in and took my place on the bed.  I then went for the first scan.  The nurse returned and attached me to the intravenous drip. Firstly she said if I felt any difference, which I didn't, she then said that that was the right answer.  All of a sudden she released the drip and I had the most unusual feeling as my body went warm and I had a metallic taste in my mouth followed by the thought that I had wet myself.  Thankfully they were all feelings and not actual happenings.  I then went for the second run through the scanner.

A week on from these events I can report that all was clear.  I must say that I am glad they were not looking for a brain or they would have been sadly disappointed.  They found what they thought was a heart but on final reflection was a swinging brick, well that is what mom says.

Tests etc.

I was referred by my GP to the breast clinic.  I went not knowing what to expect only that I knew I would have a mammogram.  I saw a consultant and then went on to the various tests and spent nearly 3 hours there. Thankfully I remember to take a good magazine.

For those who know what a mammogram is like you will forgive me that I do not spoil the surprise for those who have not been through the process, but be prepared for a little pain and a lot of discomfort.  The worst thing was that I could not reach the plate properly and had to stand on my tiptoes to reach it.
My next test was the ultrasound which also ended in the biopsy. I think I even terrified the nurse let alone being terrified myself during the process. I am not one for needles and hospitals and to be faced with a minor procedure was not my idea of spending a Friday morning. While lying on the bed readying for the procedure I told the nurse that I had nearly broken the hand of nurse who was helping in a previous procedure.  I think I saw the colour drain from her face, but there again I can not be sure.

On completing all tests I was advised not to drive, a bit difficult seeing that I had driven myself to the hospital. Thankfully they said that I could drive home but nothing more.  Once home I was fine.  Ivan, for those who don't know he is my husband, was to be away for the evening with friends in Birmingham.  For once it was a blessing in disguise as when I went to bed I could not lay down properly and could not settle.  A couple of pain killers later and I was sleeping propped up on 1/2 dozen pillows looking like Titania Queen of the Fairies.

That Saturday I was taken out to lunch with a couple of girl friends and enjoyed a wonderful lunch and even better conversation. I can highly recommend it to others http://www.chetwodearms.org/.

It is always the small things that mean more and this was one of those occasions.  The shame of it all was that the diagnosis was not the result we were hoping for.

My next blog will cover my other tests.

Background

It is not a surprise really that I have found myself in this position.  My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer over 20 years ago, and is now living well in Australia.  This blog is to some extent for her and others who have survived.
I will freely admit that I am a hopeless patient and do not do illness and pain very well.  I have never been to hospital and I have a major fear of needles so all this is new and very scary.

I found a lump in my left breast in the beginning of January 2010. I went to see my local doctor who then referred me to the local breast clinic at the general hospital.
At the breast clinic I was prodded and poked and generally manhandled by the health care professionals there. As in the Monty Python sketch there was even the machine that went ping.
The full diagnosis came a week later, where I was given my choices of the way forward by my consultant and the ever present Macmillan Nurse.  I have chosen to have a full mastectomy and then followed by chemotherapy.

During these pages I will write about what I have gone through with hopefully a more human touch.  Maybe a little irreverent at times but hopefully with some wit. It will give me a opportunity to let off steam as well.

My next couple of blogs will discuss the tests I have had and where possible the results of them.

The story so far...

Over the next few postings I will be trying to note feelings, events etc. for the journey I am about to commence. I am about to start treatment for Breast Cancer and will be keeping a diary on my blog.

This is written so that friends and family near and far, in the UK and abroad can keep in touch with me. If you are not a friend or member of the family don't worry I hope that you will be able to support me or learn something about what it is like to go through this.

Where have I been

I have not been blogging because life has got in the way. My birthday resolution, if you can have such a thing is to try a keep this blog up to date.This could be challenging but here goes.

Open University

I have finished by first year as an OU student and passed with flying colours, as some would have it, but as a virgo and very picky I was mildly impressed with my overall average (81 for those who want to know).

Work

I have now found a permanent job and going through the vetting process, occupational health assessment and general do I meet all their exacting standards to enter the company/business etc.

Toastmasters

I have also finished my Toastmaster Advanced Communicator Silver programme and now have to decide on which manuals I will be working on to attain my Advanced Communicator Gold. I am still at Orators Manchester, but there is talk of a club in Warrington and of course the new club in Didsbury that I can visit if the mood takes me.

Powertalk

I attended this years conference in Peebles and as a result I have rejoined ITC now known as Powertalk as a Rover and completed my first two assignments within time. Unfortunately I can not attend their annual training weekend in Carlisle, but wish all members a good and productive weekend.

I am leaving the best till last of my recent exploits.

Birthday

I am in the throws of birthday celebrations. I had a girlie lunch on Friday (28th Aug). I am having a friends B-B-Q today (Saturday, 29th Aug). I will be a new location for my actual birthday on Wednesday (2nd Sep). If I can I will be blogging all my birthday exploits.

As this is a special birthday I am making sure that it goes on for a while and that I enjoy every last minute of it.

Second Blog

Now after a year I have found time to post my second blog entry.

This is not very exciting but I hope to add regular entries over the next few weeks.