COLON CANCER, the big "C"

My experiences of this illness & the Folfox chemotherapy that followed my operation - hope it gives some insight & help to those who get this "thing" or have a loved one who is fighting bowel or colon cancer!

I write it as it happened, so it may seem bitter or sarcastic in places and not too well presented, but it's how I felt during my treatment and my reactions and attitudes to what was going on whilst I was ill & what is currently happening; so please bear with me. Please email me if you have any comments, questions, suggestions or think I can help in anyway.

STEVE MOSS, Autumn 2010

similarly if you are suffering side effects especially peripheral neuropathy (pins & needles or numbness) please let me know. I'd really like to "get to grips" with this problem!

"DUKES C" COLON CANCER

 I'd been under the weather or not feeling good since probably August 2008.& it was November 2008 and I was feeling very tired; at this point my wife Glenys insisted that I visit the doctor in Trim to discuss breathlessness & tightness across the chest; however, my heart, pulse, blood pressure & breathing were checked & all seemed OK.

Not being entirely satisfied with this I suggested (again mainly because Glenys had insisted I get thoroughly checked) that I should take a blood test & was told by Dr George Doyle that I'd need to make another appointment for this which I duly did. Early the following Tuesday I had 4 lots of blood taken & then left Trim to go to Newry. During the day it seems I had several messages left on my phone which I noticed when we returned late that afternoon - they were all from the surgery; I contacted them & was told I'd need to be seen first thing Wednesday.

Apparently my blood hemoglobin count was very low (about 7) & so I'd need to go to Navan casualty department, which I did on Wednesday afternoon.

To cut a long story short, I was eventually tested, and appeared somewhat jaundiced (pale or yellow) & eventually was admitted to Navan hospital - the consultant to whom I was associated changed constantly but eventually Mr. Cunningham was put on the name plate above the bed.

I was given a blood transfusion almost immediately.

The next day I had 4 litres of liquid designed to clear out the system which it did & after about 30 visits to the toilet later I was empty!

So then I had scans - two of which included an injection in the arm whilst being scanned - it was a warm sensation through the body but not painful at all plus a colonoscopy for which I was asleep (full anaesthetic) thank goodness. The surgeon was Mr. Cunningham. After this I had some discomfort as it seemed that I was full of air. I had more scans (ultrasound) & x-rays!

He (Mr. Cunningham) later told me that I had cancer, a large tumor in the large intestine near the appendix & that it would need to come out! He made an appointment for his private consulting rooms in Navan for the following week.

I had another transfusion & then left hospital on the Saturday afternoon, so 3 nights in Navan.

A few days later, I developed pneumonia (confirmed by my doctor George Doyle) & my temperature touched 40; Glenys looked after me at home. I had great difficulty breathing & this lasted about 8 to 10 days. I had antibiotics but perhaps they weren't strong enough. This was a tough time & we had to cancel our appointment with Mr. Cunningham until the following week which took us closer to Christmas.

Strangely enough at later appointment with Dr Grogan in Drogheda I was advised that I had had a chest infection & not pneumonia because I had not been hospitalized! Having had pneumonia as a child & spending time in a children's hospital, I'm pretty sure it was pneumonia!!

We visited Mr. Cunningham in mid December just after the bout of pneumonia. He ran through the diagnosis, explaining what would happen & that he'd be making an appointment for me at Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown with Mr. Mulligan. Mr. Cunningham felt that although very serious, in his opinion the cancer would not kill me. He indicated chemotherapy would be needed afterwards as insurance. He advised that Mr. Mulligan was excellent & would endeavour to remove the tumor & all cancerous cells.

Just before Christmas we saw Mr. Mulligan in Dublin & the surgery (operation) was scheduled for my birthday, January 12th 2009. Mr. Mulligan confirmed what Mr. Cunningham had said about the operation & that the removal of the right side large bowel plus related pieces and lymph nodes was \essential. In the next few days I completed the final scenes for the script of  Atmospheric Lullabies and added an additional song; although it's more likely that an undiscovered blind insect in the deepest depths of an undiscovered cave in South America will see the light of day before this musical, it had to be done! Most comments & feedback have been very positive however.

The operation went ahead - I awoke in the afternoon of the 12th in a lot of pain but morphine was administered & it wasn't too bad. I had a morphine pump facility for 24 hours; this was replaced with injections & subsequently tablets. I had one bad night with high temperature & the shakes but a drip (possibly paracetamol based) helped considerably. I was able to go to the toilet unassisted & left hospital after 3 nights. I did not have major pains at this time. A prescription was given to me for Diphene & paracetamol. After a couple days at home, I started getting significant pain especially across the top of the stomach; Glenys got a prescription from Dr Doyle for Zydol tablets which seemed to help ease the discomfort; however this pain came & went for about 4 weeks with varying degrees of severeness. From time to time it was excruciating.

When we rang Connolly hospital for advice on pain, none was really forthcoming - I guess it was a case of grin & bear it. Perhaps it was a normal healing process or some wind but it was a painful few weeks. I also stopped taking Diphene & Zydol as I didn't think they helped. The pain diminished & around 8th February ceased to be a problem. Just the odd dull ache.

We had an appointment or two at Connolly - one which went disastrously wrong as we were given a wrong date & the oncology doctor was not available nor did we see Mr. Mulligan again; however, I was referred to Drogheda & an appointment with Liam Grogan for 10th Feb arrived in the post. It was confirmed that I'd had the right side large bowel removed including tumor plus 16 lymph nodes one of which was also cancerous.

We attended Drogheda at Duchas centre; after a good wait we saw Dr Grogan & some very good nurses; I was told I'd need chemo folfox chemotherapy for 6 months & also needed a portacath fitted which I am dreading; this will happen on 19th Feb - I'll go to Drogheda & then be taken to Dublin where the portacath will be put in place; I'm not a happy bunny about this. The day before I'll have tests in Drogheda to make sure all is ok. Chemo will start week commencing 23rd. I'm really worried about the whole thing, specially having read things on the internet, most of which are alarmist.

We were told I had Dukes C cancer stage 2. 

So far the nurses in Navan hospital & Blanchardstown have been brilliant; to date those in Drogheda very good too. The after care between leaving Connolly & the appointment at Drogheda left a bit to be desired however. I couldn't get constructive answers & I guess they were too busy overall. But I think the few days I spent in Connolly hospital they looked after me really well. Now for the portacath & the chemo!! Oh dear, I'm really apprehensive & worried.

18th Feb - appointment at Drogheda for checks & discussions about portacath & chemo.

I subsequently phoned my insurance company Hibernian (aviva) to confirm I was covered for chemotherapy treatment; this was not a helpful conversation but I was covered, they thought! Dr Liam Grogan was on the list providing I only had or utilised approved parts - unfortunately I don't know what is and what is not approved in respect of chemotherapy or the administration of same! A ludicrous situation. Anyway I explained I was to have a portacath fitted & they indicated that this should be in order.

Pphew, 19th Feb, Joe Fitzsimons so very kindly drove me to Drogheda early & we arrived in good time about 7.30am for the 8am appointment. Nobody around. Eventually got taken to Beaumont by ambulance around 10.15am but got seen immediately after checking in & filling in the relevant form; a nurse called Ronan was very good & stayed with me all the time except whilst I was actually in theatre having the "power port" (portacath) fitted - it took only 20 minutes & I was awake (mild anaesthetic); felt some cuts etc but not too bad. Dozed off on the return by ambulance to Drogheda & had a good chat with Ronan about soccer; sadly he is a Man U supporter but otherwise a good fellow! The ambulance staff too were good guys.

Back at the oncology duchas centre I rested a bit & was soon ready to go home, wife Glenys & daughter Louisa coming to get me, but it took ages to get the needle removed from my arm (the one inserted for the op in Beaumont).

Back home I've had only mild discomfort, some minor pain but nothing serious; the doctor said this should pass in 2 or 3 days.

Next stop, next Tuesday at Drogheda for education & Wednesday for the start of chemo - happy days!

Tuesday 24th Feb, got to Drogheda for 11 am appointment, education regarding chemo, everyone pleasant, had blood tests etc. The side effects were spelt out, some or all of which may be applicable. It seems FOLFOX is full on & powerful stuff. Spoke to Eimear (Welfare officer) & it doesn't look good for any financial help from the state but Drogheda may provide some moral support for sure. Niambh gave me a prescription for several items especially anti-sickness - they were astronomically expensive!

This will be a repeat requirement twice a month for six months; fortunately we can avail of the Drug repayment Scheme & get some help once we have paid a certain sum each month! The local Trim pharmacist Mr. M O'Shaunessey was most helpful.

Wednesday 25^th Feb 2009, arrived at Drogheda just before 9am, treatment started almost immediately; portacath (power port) covering/stitches removed, slightly tender but all ok; nurse Wendy Rock looked after me after a chat with Niambh about finances and coping with stress.  Wendy & all nurses are very good & very caring, great people. I came home with the chemo bag attached at around 2.45 pm. Some tingling in fingers & late in the evening some mild feeling of sickness so took a “valoid” sickness pill. The expensive tablet was EMEND for DAYS 1, 2 & 3 of the treatment (repeat every time) in the morning – cost about €40 each. Worth it if they work I guess!

Thursday 26^th, slept ok till about 3.30 last night, then restless. Felt a mild sickness feeling but not too bad. My attached chemotherapy in the bag is not a problem. I’ve felt sweaty at times and tingly fingers but all is grand. The sleep problem could be anxiety about the treatment or other worries, the family (daughter Louisa who has been very supportive is to have a colonoscopy today, just to be safe) and not least the state of the country & most of the world. The difficulties we have been faced with because of a incompetence or dishonesty by a number of highly overpaid and reckless people is awful; sadly few if any will be punished I suspect whilst innocent people suffer & many lose their small amount of wealth & more importantly, their health.

I’m about to take the second & amazingly expensive Emend tablet by Merck (the second of three over the three days of Folfox chemo) plus four dexamethasone.

My blood count, haemoglobin was up to 11 yesterday but my iron was still around 3, far too low, so I’m also on galfer tablets but need a new prescription. One bit of great news, Glenys (my rock during these tough months) has a much better cholesterol reading since taking crestor statin 5mg. She’s down to an acceptable 4.4.

Overnight I had a cold sweat & temperature down to 35.6 (pretty cool), the chemo pouch finished early morning. Got to Drogheda for mid-day Friday & saw Claire; all fine, a bit of tenderness & bleeding around PowerPort but nothing major, just have to keep an eye on it in case of infection; no doctor in oncology, so I couldn’t get a prescription for Iron tablets; as the level was 3 on the last blood test (needs to be circa 11), haemoglobin holding around 11 (should be around 15) it needs to improve fast.

So it’s one down & eleven chemo’s to go! Next date is Wednesday 11^th March, 8.30am for the next three day chemotherapy folfox session.

Side effects to date (Sunday 1^st March 2009) nausea but I have not actually been sick, probably due to the tablets; very drowsy & some numbness to fingers/hand from time to time; the PowerPort portacath still feels uncomfortable & a touch weird but generally everything is okay.

Friday 6^th March, now I have mouth ulcers but I am a little less tired & feeling somewhat improved.

Wed 11^th March; arrived at Drogheda 8.30pm, Martina looked after me, haemoglobin still at 11.2 but platelets down 222 from 401. My Neutrophil level is down to 2.4 from 2.8 and the WCC (white cell count) down to 4.2 from 5. This is seen as OK & due to the chemotherapy. The correct range for these readings are Neutrophil 2 to 7.5, WCC 4 to 10, platelets 140 to 400 and haemoglobin around 15.

Came home mid afternoon Wednesday , slight  perspiration but no temperature, overnight felt a lot of nausea but was not actually sick but sleep was broken due to this & despite the fact that I’d taken a sleeping tablet; left the bed at 6.30am & took the tablets Emend (2^nd tablet) and dexamethasone. Since getting up, my fingers have been slightly numb, pins & needles type of thing, so far at 9.30am this has been pretty well continuous but the severe nausea has dissipated.

Friday 13^th March. Still feeling numbness or pins & needles in the fingers (especially when touching metal or cold items) & toes. This appears to be called peripheral neuropathy . I was disconnected from the bag in the afternoon at Drogheda – saw Wendy Rock in the Duchas oncology clinic. My temperature this time & thus far has been ok, unlike the 1^st treatment; but I'm feeling very tired and didn’t sleep well last night .It’s two treatments down & ten to go.

Saturday 14^th March, I’m still tired, somewhat flushed but not bad. A bit sweaty but no temperature, it’s in a tight range fluctuating 36.3 to 36.9, so pretty good whereas last time I was cold, but overnight to Sunday 15^th, no sweats & temperature normal. The main problem this time is tiredness. The finger numbness is getting less pronounced but still reacts to cold metal, water and cool substances. By Wed 18^th March, I was slightly less tired.

Wednesday, 25^th March, the third of twelve folfox chemotherapy begins; I was over to Drogheda at 8.15 & back in Trim by just after 2pm with the bag & pump attached. Martina was my oncology nurse; the nurses are extremely busy today, lots of patients & potential patients coming& going, especially for blood tests. It’s probably the same every day – oh for an easy life with inappropriately huge remuneration as is the case with poor financial regulators, inept politicians and failed bankers!

Anyway, I digress, I’m feeling not too bad, pins & needles in the hands, some nausea but the Emend tablets are working & no actual sickness. It’s so far so good.

Blood readings were all ok & slightly better than the last readings, haemoglobin 11.6, WCC 4.8, platelets 249, neutrophil 2.9.

Friday 27^th March, I’m feeling reasonably ok.  On Saturday some tiredness setting in and this became worse; on Monday 30^th March, incredibly tired, feeling like I’ve just been woken from an operation but without any pain. Yes, it is like recovering from an anaesthetic but drowsy all the time. No major side effects other than pins & needles.

Sadly I have developed a sore throat and cough which I’ve picked up from someone – that’s a shame but it’s  probably nothing to do with the chemo, this has caused a bad nights sleep as I awake 31^st March; paracetamol may help.

April 1^st, poor overnight sleep again due to cough and some mild mouth ulcers coming back.

Saturday, 4th April. After a bad evening and night coughing and struggling with weepy or gritty eyes, I’m feeling tired again but probably from lack of sleep. I’ve had a blocked or runny nose and when I’ve blown my nose, some blood is evident. The side effects are coming fast and frequently but none are too severe. The mouth ulcers are back again. It should be guys like Sir Freddie Goodwin and Sir Victor Blank plus the Anglo Irish Bankers like Sean Fitzpatrick who have the bloody noses instead of their huge pensions & pay-packets!!! It’s obscene! And it seems Gordon Brown persuaded Lloyds , who would probably have been OK without the addition of HBOS, or did some sort of deal with their chairman Sir Victor Blank. Anyway the result was that Lloyd’s took on HBOS (with all its catastrophic debts). No doubt this will create huge losses for the group and Lloyds will keep the toxic debts HBOS (through Blank & Brown) gave them whilst they are possibly made to sell off good parts of their business cheaply in the longer term! It seems some sort of underhand deal that will effectively “rob” the Lloyd’s shareholders who were misled at the time of the takeover/merger. What is going on!! This seems totally dishonest. How is this allowed to happen?

Wednesday 8^th April and I’m back at the Oncology Unit in Drogheda; this is for 4 of 12. Saw Martina & all went ok.  The main problem being tiredness following the chemo; by Wednesday 15^th April, I’m still fatigued. Blood levels were ok, haemoglobin holding steady. I still have a mild cough and head cold.  I’ve some swollen cheeks and sore gums; possibly blocked sinuses but generally ok; predominantly tiredness is the main problem. The “pins & needles” or peripheral neuropathy continue in the fingers and occasionally in the toes.

On the 16^th April, slightly less tired, fatigue is gradually easing but it seems that the Saturday to Wednesday following the chemotherapy is almost a “write off” in respect of energy reserves. Friday 17^th April and the mouth ulcers are back, I’m still coughing a bit and still blocked up.

It’s been a bad week for tiredness and ulcers and 5 of 12 folfox starts tomorrow, Wednesday 22^nd April.

All ok really but pins & needles and fingers very sensitive as I leave Drogheda with the pouch attached and this continues till I get disconnected on the Friday and beyond – but ulcers are not so bad currently – they seem to reappear towards the middle and end of the cycle. Tiredness, yes but I’m also waking up early for the last few days.

The iron levels are still low 4.5 and it should be 11. This is of some concern and I’ll have to take more iron tablets; my haemoglobin level is steady and the other readings within acceptable ranges considering the chemo.5 down, 7 to go.

Tuesday, 28^th April, feeling slightly more awake but have had a very bad attack of diarrhoea today – also the pins and needles in the fingers is very apparent.

It is 6 of 12. Wednesday 6^th May. My Haemoglobin is ok at 11.9. The pins ands needles appear immediately this time and the mouth ulcers haven’t really gone. After a week about May 12^th, I’ve developed a pain in the base of the back but I cannot be sure this is FOLFOX chemotherapy related. The fatigue situation is ongoing and I really have very little energy but I’m basically ok. I’m waking early (with the bird chorus around 5 am) but I am sleeping ok. My hair is thinning somewhat at this stage.

Tuesday May 19^th, chemo a day earlier, 7 of 12, haemoglobin down to 11.4, platelets down to 191 but acceptable levels I am told, normal is 13 to 18 and 140 to 400 respectively.

The pins and needles are affecting fingers and toes and reaction to cold objects is really more pronounced this time. Mouth ulcers have continued through the entire duration and since the last treatment but they are not too severe. My iron level result should be available on Thursday, when I get unplugged.

Iron up a bit. The tiredness is a problem, mid way through around 28^th May, I have a backache again plus one day of diarrhoea. The usual suspects! Mouth ulcers are fairly bad this time again. I did watch Britain’s Got (NO) Talent even though I had vowed not to. There was so much fuss about Susan Boyle I had to see what all the hype was about; what an awful show; I watched 2 of the semis. The standard was generally poor; Susan was only mediocre at best. I can’t understand it. Simon Cowell must have big plans for her. The final would appear to be more or less a one horse race as the couple of half decent acts that might have been a threat to a Boyle victory have been taken out by the judges but one or two of the dance acts are pretty good. Incidentally I would rate the judges (out of ten). Simon 7 out of 10, he has an ego much larger than his size, well, he’s pretty short, and he gets it right a lot of the time but has an agenda. Piers 4 out of 10, he keeps saying “I couldn’t do that”, well we know Piers. You haven’t a clue about talent. Finally there is Amanda, who is as bright as a total eclipse – 2 out of 10. Overall, they bring the whole talent thing into disrepute and damage the entertainment industry predominantly for personal gain. I’ll ignore all the hype and propaganda from now on. I won’t watch again!

Saturday 30^th May, gritty eyes are a problem today and mouth ulcers continue unabated despite the mouth washes. Slightly less tired but it is a beautiful day today – has summer arrived in Ireland!?  Just been reading more about the crooked or devious or cheating politician fiasco that has befallen Westminster; it seems they were virtually all involved to some extent; some downright criminal and some just minor fiddles but all at the taxpayers expense; seems they wanted to exploit a system that they knew was inappropriate and wrong for personal gain rather than seeking to amend the rules which they knew were unfair to the taxpayer. Obviously Brown now claims he wants to change things and bring in a new charter but what’s he been doing for the last 12 or 13 years!!! Why did Brown and his party not sort this is out before it was made public!!! The names now include Darling and Cameron; the Chancellor and the leader of the Tories; maybe the later will claim he was within the rules but they were rules that he knew were wrong!!! What a very sad collection of hypocrites and cheats – shame on them! They are people of no substance (though most will have extensive portfolios of property and investments), people who should be hounded out of office & not given the opportunity to resign with golden handshakes. Also, criminal proceedings should be taken by the police and courts on behalf of the taxpayer. Perhaps they can recover cash and property from the very worst and most dishonest of offenders. But who on earth do you now vote for?  Never mind a doctor – is there an honest politician in the house?!

Sunday 31^st, the gritty eyes continue and I’ve patchy skin especially to the face – by this I mean red patches and a few spots; I also have a few boils which seems to be normal around this time between chemotherapy treatments; the ulcers are still apparent.

Wednesday 3^rd June, it’s 8 of 12! Haemoglobin at 11.5; staff say it should be 15 for me, so I need to get that up; still, it’s a long way since the days of last year when it was around 7 or 8! Side effects after a few days still seem within normal parameters.

Huge local election defeats for Fine Fail & their partners in Government, the Greens, whilst in the UK, Labour & Brown has taken a huge hit with the worst ever results.

Probably in both cases the Governments will soldier on blaming all on International matters; they’ve messed things up big time and I can’t imagine who would want to attempt to clear up the catastrophic mess; it’s probably best for oppositions to wait a bit. Ireland is probably in a more difficult position as they really did not make any attempt to fix the hole in the roof when the sun was shining – it’s now non stop rain and we really are getting saturated!

Meanwhile in Ireland the fat cats & friends of the golden circle continue to enjoy lavish lifestyles and high incomes at the taxpayers expense – rather like robbing the poor to increase the wealth of the rich; these selfish , greedy and often incompetent people continue in their privileged (but undeserved) positions whilst the taxpayer picks up the tab for years \to come.

Saturday 13^th June, mouth ulcers pretty bad this time, keeping me awake too; maybe Ronaldo was awake all night as well celebrating his €650k per week deal with Real! How on earth will he manage? He’s a great footballer but that’s it – a footballer; sadly it s another example of the world’s insanity – like paying millions to incompetent bankers. While morons pay up to £100 a time to watch these guys ducking & diving on the football field, ludicrous amounts of their money will be utilised to pay the likes of Ronaldo and friends. Cristiano can count himself fortunate that there are enough idiots around to keep him in the modest style to which he has become accustomed.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it seems contractors (waste disposal experts) in the Republic of Ireland have been illegally dumping tons of rubbish in the north of Ireland. So they charge householders exorbitant rates for collecting the waste and justify the high prices charged by claiming the dumps in the south are expensive, but meanwhile pocket the cash while illegally dumping the trash in the north! Wonderful!!! They’re multi millionaires and the Irish taxpayer has to pick up the tab to clear up the mess – “it’s coming home, it’s coming home, the rubbish is coming home!!!!” That’s another fine mess that fine fail has gotten us into.

Sunday 14^th June, mouth ulcers still bad & nothing seems to work on them – cortisone tablets provide some relief & mouth washes but they just have to run their course.   

Tuesday 16^th June, 9 of 12 and all ok; blood levels satisfactory; the treatments are going fast; it seems a long way since the diagnosis in November and the operation on January 12th.

The side effects are constant, especially fatigue, but manageable. Just 3 treatments to go! Thursday 25^th June, “gritty eyes” are fairly bad.

On the economic scene, the Government are doing little to resolve the situation it would seem; they may increase the tax burden on the more vulnerable members of society & “rates” or “property tax” for all seems a completely unfair but likely avenue. The judges in the main refused to take any cut in salary; well €300k is clearly not enough for them to manage on!!!!! What a selfish, greedy, nasty lot they must be - but worse, they sit in judgement of others!!!

The Government could obviously bring in an income tax to take effect on incomes over say €150k at 75% or more and that would solve the problem of the greedy fat cats in industry & banks as well as the judicial service. But wait, would that also hit the TD’s and ministers and their pals? Not likely to happen then is it?

It is a shame that the country is run primarily by people concentrating on self interest & the benefit of the privileged rather than for the majority. Even now they are rewarding greed & failure at the expense of the taxpayer; they are building huge debts for the working class that will make the youngsters of today suffer for years to come.

I hope that people do not forget who and what caused the debts and economic mess that awaits us all for many years to come.

Had chemo a day early 29^th June, arrived 7.40 in Drogheda, roads were clear. Blood tests ok, I have some swelling to the side of the neck both sides between shoulders.

This was noticed by Wendy Rock and checked by the doctor; seemed ok so chemo went ahead; I‘ve also noticed swelling above right knee.

Swelling is no worse but still there; its puffy swelling to the side of the neck; probably a reaction to steroids or chemo? This time I have been incredibly tired, 4^th & 5^th July especially – watched Murray go out to a great performance by Roddick at Wimbledon; sadly the American couldn’t quite repeat his semi performance in the final & lost in 5 sets to Federer. The second set tie break was key, from 6-2 up, Roddick couldn’t hit a shot & gifted the set to the Swiss record breaker; Federer would have found it almost impossible from 2 sets to nil down, it could have been 3 straight sets to the American if he’d carried on as he left off against the Scot but he couldn’t match that incredible level of performance. But though he tried hard, the tennis gods were with Federer for his record breaking 15^th grand slam victory. Meanwhile Roddick has just one slam victory (a sole US OPEN win) and Murray stays on zero. It certainly is tough at the top and it all gets decided by one or two points & sometimes an element of fortune plus nerves of steel & the ability to play the big points well. There are some great players in the mix, so it won’t get any easier for Murray though I reckon wins will become far more difficult for Roger to achieve as well – but he’s done it now – he’s officially the best player ever!! Will he make 16 or 17 or even 20 slams? I doubt it. Will Andy Murray achieve his first slam?  Hopefully but the competition is truly immense in the years ahead.

Anyway, back to the point in question – FOLFOX CHEMO! We’re winning, we are into deuce or maybe advantage point for the set!

At the end of the session (10 of 12) I have a few boils (which go after 36/48 hours) and the finger numbness is worse than normal but not really bad; also some numbness to the toes. I have a tingling sensation from time to time, rather like an insect crawling over the skin but it goes away. The worse things for me have been the mouth ulcers and the general fatigue. I have the “hamster pouches” to the sides of the neck – these appeared a few weeks back & have remained; they were checked again by the doctor at the oncology unit but it seems like soft tissue and there is no pain so it is probably a rare side effect of the chemo or steroids. Similarly I have a dull ache in the area of the abdomen where the right side colon was removed but it isn’t bad, just a dull ache and it comes for a day or two and then goes, so it’s probably the chemotherapy doing its rounds!

Tuesday 14^th July. This is treatment 11 of 12. Nearly there folks! All went OK & oncology unit up to usual high standard. The numbness is severe in hands & feet afterwards. I have the swollen pouches and these will be checked with ultra sound next Friday 24th in Drogheda.

Getting unplugged on Thursday 16^th was problematical; it was only the second time that I’ve seen the unit working not too well. I arrived slightly early as I always try to do but people arrived out of turn and there seemed no pattern to the patients as they were called in. I had to man the door & let a lot of people in when they buzzed and this might have confused the staff who perhaps were 1 short; maybe they thought I had just arrived rather than been waiting for a while. Anyway people who arrived after me were seen before me, one who walked in just before me but whose appointment was after mine, was also seen before me as the question was asked “who was here first?” and technically he was. I only mention this as I was under pressure on this day with frozen food in the car and it turned very warm in the afternoon for a change that would normally be most welcome – but not on this occasion! This is Murphy’s Law I suppose but it doesn’t usually take the best part of 2 hours to get “unplugged”. I was only seen when I was as I pleaded with Eileen as she went passed to get me in urgently, otherwise I really don’t know! I felt I’d been overlooked and forgotten. Maybe the Government cuts are beginning to hurt! Never mind, there is just one more to go provided that this ultrasound is ok! Overall, I still think the staff at the unit are great.

Thursday 23^rd July. Mouth ulcers are pretty awful. I am still very fatigued. Tomorrow I will have the ultrasound in Drogheda. All went well; the “hamster pouches” are probably “fatty tissue”.

It’s arrived, the 29^th July and the final chemo! All went fine after some trouble with the “portacath”. Lisa looked after me very well at the oncology unit today but all the staff are great. The numbness in the fingers hasn’t really gone away this time – it could be permanent I am told but hopefully not! So I get “unplugged” on Thursday, 30^th July. The CT scan is 27^th August and an appointment with Dr Grogan in Drogheda a week later. Hopefully I can then think about having the Powerport (portacath) removed. It will need to be flushed out every 4 or 5 weeks until I do, so 27^th August will be a good time following the scan.

In the first week of August, the mouth ulcers are still prominent and the numbness mainly to the fingers and a little to the feet continues. I have a little swelling here and there, above the right knee, the hamster pouches to the neck and swollen hands but not severe. I have been really tired and slept for 13 hours the other night!

18^th August 2009. The numbness in the fingers & toes is still extensive. I just had a good trip to Norfolk with the family; a nice few days in Sheringham; this made a change as we had some good sunny weather as a complete contrast to the rain & cloudy skies of Ireland. We had to hire a car as the trains were on strike – this was problematical as Europcar is such a rip off! We won’t use this company again, that’s for sure; so avoid Europcar and try alternatives; they quote one price and charge another and also rip you off with additional insurance – be careful!!!

I am hoping that the numbness wears off soon; there is still some swelling and my “hamster pouches” are still apparent. The scan is next week, 27^th August.

The last few days from 19^th August, I have felt dizzy (a kind of vertigo) especially when turning in bed or getting up; I’m not sure if this is a side effect of the chemotherapy. The neuropathy in my hands & feet continues and does not appear to be easing as yet – hopefully in a month or two it will disappear. During the treatment I have put on about 9 kilos in weight, probably because of steroids but on a brighter note I am slowly beginning to feel less tired.

On 21^st August, I rang the oncology unit in Drogheda & spoke to Hilary; she was concerned about the “vertigo” type symptoms; she thought I may have been overdoing things as the chemotherapy had only just finished and Folfox is pretty tough. I also needed to check the agenda for Thursday 27^th August and the scan. I have to collect & consume 2 bottles of gastrograffin – I’m told that it tastes as bad as it sounds! This has to be picked up on the day before from Navan.

On August 23^rd, the giddiness still persists. It’s somewhat of a puzzle. The other problem is the numbness to hands & feet.

The scan took place today, August 27^th; We visited oncology for the “port flush”, blood samples and to get connected with a lead for the drugs to be administered during the scan; prior to this I had taken the two portions of gastrograffin (not too nice but necessary); sadly they said that they could not utilise the power port for the “contrast” drugs and so they went through the arm; this seems strange and contradicted what I had been advised by doctors & oncology. However, all seems fine & I am awaiting the results when I meet Dr Grogan next Thursday.

On 3^rd September, we were delighted to meet Dr Liam Grogan at the oncology unit in Drogheda along with several of the nurses from the treatment centre; they advised that the scan looked good apart from a small cyst on the liver; but the treatment at Drogheda is now at an end! I just need the portacath flushed every 4 to 6 weeks but it will be removed within a few months – I just have to await a date for the minor op.

I must confess that I still have suspicions regarding NAMA especially in the way it is to be managed. In a hut shell, MAMA is the new "organisation that is being formed in Ireland to take all the sick assets from the banks and give them to the taxpayer in return for billions of euro.
Also, the Government that caused much of the economic mess, suddenly claims to have the solutions to the problems that they've created; admittedly the incompetent bankers & greedy developers also share the blame. But we understand that criticism of those responsible will not remedy the situation but it's also arguable that neither will NAMA. Whilst it helps many failed individuals keep & protect their wealth, it is at a huge cost to the man in the street. Also, the 50 or 60 billion the Irish taxpayer hands over will possibly not be enough to get the banks lending again even though it will far in excess of what the "poisoned assets" are worth.  Maybe the AIB and Bank of Ireland should have been allowed to fail or get completely nationalised! Or maybe some group or consortium would have purchased them when they became penny shares. The NAMA thing has effectively bailed out and rewarded incompetent people many of whom retain their jobs, high incomes and potential bonus payments!

However the economic quagmire exists & must be tackled. Let's hope NAMA is being done for the right reasons and will have the desired effect but don't hold your breath!!! I now have an appointment to see Mr. Mulligan (the excellent surgeon who carried out the operation on January 12^th 2009) at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown on 2^nd October 2009.

Meanwhile I still have the very dull ache to the right side area, although I realise that my right side large intestine was removed; it is a very minor thing but a little strange; also, the numbness in the hands and feet persists or even gets worse – I will wait and mention this neuropathy problem when I see Mr. Mulligan in Blanchardstown.

During the chemotherapy treatments, the numbness to hands & feet was more pronounced after each treatment but quickly dissipated prior to the next treatment; however since the last treatment (12^th chemotherapy) the peripheral neuropathy to the fingers & toes especially has become more severe and continues to be so. It is possible that this will eventually diminish; however it seems if neuropathy diminishes, it is a gradual process usually requiring several months.  However, in some cases it may be irreversible and never diminish in intensity or the area of the body affected. I’m hoping that in my case, it will disappear completely but only time can tell.

Meanwhile Andy Murray failed at the US OPEN after three very strong rounds; he was thrashed by the Croatian Cilic, who was then well beaten by Argentine Del Potro in the next round.  Andy is inconsistent; he seems to do well in the shorter tournaments (mainly best of three sets) but certainly appears to struggle in the longer 5 set slams. Maybe he doesn’t have the stamina? I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever win one of the big four events? Certainly his number two ranking looks generous & he’s bound to start sliding down the rankings unless he takes a major title. It sounds critical especially as Andy is the best British player since Fred Perry but it is tough at or near the top!

14^th September. The neurological complications to the hands and feet continue. Meanwhile Del Potro makes up for his under performance at Wimbledon by handing out a straight sets thrashing to Nadal who managed just 6 games over the 3 sets; the tall Argentinean will certainly be a match for Federer if he continues in this form. The US ladies final went to the fabulous comeback girl Kim Clijsters.

The neuropathy in my hands & feet worsens; it is difficult putting on socks or doing up buttons; when I see Mr Mulligan in a week or so, I will raise the matter but it is particularly worrying as it has only developed into a serious problem since I completed my Folfox chemotherapy; similarly I am now dropping things & have problems getting cards and notes out of my wallet for example. It could be a small price to pay if the cancer has been beaten!

On Friday 25^th September, I went to Drogheda to have the portacath (powerport) flushed; a bit of a wait today which was a nuisance as Glenys was waiting patiently in the car. But the unit still warrants the highest praise as usual. Meanwhile in the UK, Mr Brown has promised “patients are to get key cancer tests within two weeks of their GP expressing doubts about their condition”. That’s great news; during the week the UK premier also was voted “statesman of the world” with a motley crew such as Henry Kissinger & Paul Hewson in attendance; it seems a bit like Eddie the Eagle winning the Winter Olympics but it appears to be true in the case of Gordon Brown MP.

Also Stavros Flatley is reportedly earning £200k per week; not bad for the very mediocre competitor in the “Britain’s Got Talent” thing. But perhaps he is as talented as some of the overpaid footballers? Even if you were a big fan of this act though, it’s hard to see how you could watch them for more than a couple of minutes. It just goes to show that you really can fool most of the people all of the time. Arguably Louis Walsh started it with Boyzone. He realised that people are predominantly foolish and if you exploit them then you’ll make plenty of cash & children are perhaps even easier to dupe.

Simon Cowell then turned into an art form and hasn’t looked back with X Factor supposedly outperforming Strictly Come Dancing in the viewing stakes. The later definitely looking stale & losing much of its appeal this time around.

Sunday, 27^th September. No improvement to the numbness or peripheral neuropathy in the hands and feet. I mentioned Paul Hewson mixing with the politicians & world leaders. Prompted me to think of U2’s humble beginnings and their very poor political songs such as Bloody Sunday! Then they suddenly had these really good songs around the period of Joshua Tree but then reverted to mainly mediocrity again. Are they really Irish I wondered? They certainly sold the idea that they were especially in the States. Well Bono is actually Hewson as we all know and Hewson is an English name it would seem.

“Old Hewson the cobbler. Colonel John Hewson, who (as Hume says) “rose from the profession of a cobbler to a high rank in Cromwell's army.”

(Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894)

Certainly Paul was born in Dublin however; so what about the other lads? The Edge? Well, Dave Evans to be precise. David was born in 1961 in Barking, London. His parents being Welsh but moving to Dublin while David was still a child. Then there is Adam Clayton, the bass player. Adam was born in Oxfordshire, England in 1960.

I don’t think there is much doubt about the drummer Larry being Irish; he was born in Artane and is likely the founder member of the band. So one should perhaps state that U2 are Anglo Irish, not that it really matters – it’s just a bit weird. It just goes to show yet again, that you can fool most of the people most of the time, for whatever reason!

It conjures up a few potential debatable points: “I knew they were English and that’s why they’re great!” or “I knew they were English and that’s why they’re rubbish!” or they’re Irish and therefore brilliant!” or “no wonder they’re awful, they’re Irish!”

It all depends on what part of the fence you are sitting!

I’m in the school that doesn’t really understand this entire politics thing. Where we are born is often an accident and to be categorized because you were born in a particular country is ludicrous to me. There is good and bad everywhere.

Whilst it may be currently true that the devil is in charge and consequently he looks after his own, there are many good people doing brave and courageous things; sadly most of the leaders & law makers do not fall into this category. We have had bad economic times and general strife due mainly to a combination of hopeless, corrupt, selfish or incompetent leaders of government, industry and business in many major countries all at the same time. Maybe things will change; is Obama likely to lead the new breed or is he more of the same? I have to believe he is the former.

We saw Mr. Mulligan very briefly and Val  in Blanchardstown, today 2^nd October; he seems pleased with progress but there is nothing than can be done about the neurological problems to the hands & feet – it’s something that will go on its own in several months (and he’s confident it will) or it could be permanent nerve damage.

Val had not received the results of our scan from Drogheda (done on August 27th). I had blood tests and Val booked a colonoscopy and scan for 18^th January 2010.

So that’s about it for now; maybe I’ll be back for an update NEXT YEAR!!

We had a brief break during October/November in the sun – while we were away the saddest news was that U2 won the best live band award; the funniest news was that U2 won the best live band award and the most ludicrous news was that U2 won the best live band award. It seems that X FACTOR graces (or rather disgraces) the screens again proving yet again that “you can most certainly fool most of the people all of the time” and that, if you have the nature to exploit the more naïve and less intelligent people in society, you can indeed make a lot of money. I accept that many people enjoy this type of programme but it’s a shame that we can often find extreme mediocrity promoted on TV at the expense of real talent and initiative but that’s the way things are going in this world it would appear. Could it be that those that don’t care about ability and music or even understand it, have total control of it. Certainly it seems that the music scene is not too good at present - can acts make it or get mass exposure without going through Simon Cowell? - perhaps not & that can't be a healthy situation..

The nerve damage to the hands & feet continues into mid November, I’m taking B6 and hoping it’ll improve as we move into 2010; this seems to be a long lasting or possibly permanent side effect of the Folfox chemotherapy. I’ll keep you all posted.

I visited the oncology unit 16th November 2009 for a port flush; it seems that with Folfox, they now can provide an additional drug during the chemotherapy that will hopefully alleviate the numbness or neurological problems; it’s too late for the people who previously had folfox chemotherapy but it’s good news for the future patients.

I was back in Drogheda on 22nd December for a port flush & mentioned the peripheral neuropathy again; I tried not taking B6 for a few days either side of Christmas and the condition got slightly worse, so I'm taking the tablets again from new year's eve, 200mg per day. I'd be very pleased to hear from anyone with any insights, suggestions or comments regarding the neurological problem as a result of Folfox chemotherapy.

New Years honours in the UK? I don't want to start the year on a negative but if they award achievement, loyal service, initiative and success , should they not penalise or punish extreme failure, incompetence or dishonorable and inappropriate behaviour?  Why do people like Sir Victor Blank, Sir Tom McKillop and Sir Fred Goodwin etc not have their knighthoods removed (after all they cannot have their heads taken off as would have been the case a few centuries ago!) Perhaps there should be a "red card" system in place! Just a thought - I'm not intending to start any negativity as we begin the year in optimistic vein - has anyone any views on this?

The B6 tablets. I am trying 400mg for a few days from 5th January 2010 as the neuropathy persists. Has anyone any advice please?

18^th January 2010, colonoscopy and scan in Blanchardstown went fine and I attended the day ward; well looked after in Connolly; they’ve introduced parking charges which I suppose had to be expected; the government could not let that “loop hole” go any longer and people in or visiting hospital are such an easy target; the charges will gradually increase; it’s tough on all struggling to get by especially in these difficult times for the economy.

I get results on the 5^th February; meanwhile Andy Murray lost to Federer in the Aussie Open Final which was a pity but Roger is such a great player & Andy probably failed to get his tactics right in the final & did not attack enough but Andy’s day will come hopefully.

Visited Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown today Friday 5th February, all ok; they have parking charges now & clamping if you don't prepay adequate amounts, so you have to rush a bit!

 So the meeting to discuss the scope & scan! We're feeling positive; Val Connolly saw Glenys and myself around 10am & she tried to locate a biopsy report from 18th January; after 15 minutes or so searching for same, Val then commented that there wasn't one apparently as a biopsy hadn't been necessary! We were puzzled but thought that this was really great news! Val said she would speak to Mr. Mulligan & she'd try to locate and reload scan details and discuss with Mr. Mulligan whilst we returned to the waiting room.  Meanwhile I suggested I could have a blood test to check CEA  ( carcinoembryonic antigen) or other tests as required.; Val agreed this was good, so I went off & got this done. Subsequently we saw Mr. Mulligan & Val - it seems the scan I had in Drogheda at the end of August may have had something suspicious & also similarly with the January 18th scan at Blanchardstown; I now have to wait for a more comprehensive PET scan at St. James Hospital in Dublin soon (maybe within 10 days) and then back for results to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown on 26th February;  but I forgot to question the results of previous blood tests especially those taken in early October at the Connolly. I rang Val when I got home regarding this and left a message on her answer-phone. I am not sure why they did not react sooner to the August scan in Drogheda if there is something strange but maybe they did not see it as a problem at the time  (hopefully they are right!) & perhaps Mr. Mulligan is being especially careful and just making sure! Fingers crossed! 

It is great that "Researchers from Scotland have reported that xaliproden (SR57746A) reduces the risk of grade 3-4 peripheral neuropathy associated with Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin) in patients with colorectal cancer" see link. but it's only for new FOLFOX patients or so it would appear; any one who had Folfox during the Spring & Summer of 2009, and obviously prior to this, seem to have the neuropathy problem. There's also talk is some quarters of GLUTAMINE being of use to people with peripheral neuropathy and I hope to investigate this; meanwhile I'm still taking the B6 tablets and have increased to 300mg daily! 

It's 11th February 2010. Glenys drove me to the PET SCAN today at St James in Dublin; It took about 100 minutes from Trim as the traffic was very slow if not all that heavy; we had some tractors on the road causing single file traffic & huge tail backs; these vehicles seem to come out in the rush hour and never want to pull over or let people by; maybe they are a victim of circumstance but they must cause great difficulties and much frustration & stress to drivers; it seems to be especially bad on the N3 section where there are 2 lanes but one of these being a bus lane, it creates very long queues for drivers; it must be tough for those commuting everyday -  but I digress! The scan went ok & everyone was very pleasant;  - I should get results next week. There was an interesting article in the Limerick POST about "jobs for the boys" in the new NAMA setup. It's somewhat alarming. It seems there is a possible conflict of interest in the appointment of LIMERICK solicitors Dermot G O’Donovan, three of whose partners are directors of the Fordmount Group, now in receivership; they have been appointed by NAMA to provide legal services it would appear; see. http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1461:fordmount-directors-are-nama-solicitors&catid=37:local-news&Itemid=60

The problems in Greece are beyond belief but it hardly excuses the politicians here in Ireland or Britain for the mess they've made of their own economies; we seem to have had a series of  very poor leaders worldwide generally which has combined to make things really bad; the expression PIGS for the especially bad boys of Europe (Portugal, Ireland, Greece & Spain) is not very nice but does indicate the general contempt for the excess & foolishness of these countries leaders. I'm pretty sure that several of the member states shouldn't have qualified for either entry to the EEC or entry to the Euro - the books were probably cooked to achieve membership - now we'll see the results of this.

The latest opinion polls (February 25^th) in the UK indicate that Labour could win most seats at the May or June 2010 election. An Ipsos-MORI poll of those who are definitely going to vote, found support for the centre-right Conservatives on 37 percent, while Labour was on 32 percent and 19 percent said they would back the centrist Liberal Democrats; due to anomalies and the electoral system, this could translate into a Labour win!

I just think this will be remarkable under the circumstances – I thought Brown & his predecessor had done pretty poorly – just shows what I know.

And has there been method in Gordon Brown's arguable madness? It just makes you wonder; Blair & Brown are Scottish; Scotland will likely vote on independence. Is it possible that the prime minister’s true allegiance is north of Hadrian’s Wall and that he is deliberately undermining England?  Surely not but England does not have its own assembly whereas Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do!! Will he (Brown) subsequently return to an independent Scotland to victorious acclaim? Will he be a hero on one side of the border and a villain on the other - or a villain on both? I'm really not sure; certainly some of the things he has done might be considered weird but on the other hand he has become the Prime Minister which is an amazing feat.

Will England be left in turmoil with insurmountable debts; after all Brown, albeit in what appears to have been some sneaky collaboration with Sir Victor Blank, helped instigate the events in which HBOS (Halifax Bank of Scotland), with all its toxic assets, was dumped on an otherwise healthy Lloyd’s Banking Group, which continues to struggle and will do so for several years, leaving many loyal Lloyd’s investors deceived, disgruntled and very much poorer.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has been almost completely saved by the British taxpayer; meanwhile the trade in ABE (Anyone but England) world cup shirts is thriving in Scotland but could and should be stopped on “racist” grounds.
It’s all very strange.
But meanwhile in Ireland Mary O’Rourke, whose nephew Brian Lenihan is Ireland's minister of finance, claims that leader Brian Cowan may be doing a cabinet reshuffle in the Dáil; she insists that Fianna Fáil has so much in depth talent to choose from. Anyway Ireland's problems seem even more difficult & dire than those faced by the UK and probably similar to the mess created by the leaders of Greece and Portugal.
It's going to be a very tough year wherever you are in Europe and the politicians & leaders are going to have to think way beyond their own personal interests if there is likely to be even a modest recovery in our struggling economies.
I suppose the proof will be in the pudding for Mr. Brown - now just how good a cook is he? A pretty smart one judging by recent opinion polls

 But more important than even the great in depth genius of our leaders is the result of my PET SCAN!!! Just scar tissue it would seem – hooray!!! No more scans for 6 months or so; thanks to everyone for their support.

 I was at the oncology unit in Drogheda yesterday 25^th February 2010 for a flush of the powerport – the staff there remain outstanding and a credit to the country; thank you so much. I may have the port removed soon – I’m awaiting an appointment.

So I’m left with peripheral neuropathy but this may diminish in time; no other side effects now apart from my "chemo-brain"!

If you think this was a bit boring then check out my articles at HELIUM http://www.helium.com/items/1984259-collectible-artist-bears-and-old-antique-steiff-merrythought-teddy-bears-at-teds-eclectic-lot   Or WORDPRESS  http://frankobserver.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/2011-six-nations-rugby-england-meet-their-nemesis-as-ireland-party-with-style/

Update: JUNE 2011. All going well. I've had lots of scans & checks but "fingers crossed".  The "power port" was removed & I've a little "war wound" but no problem. Next scan in July 2011 to check lungs & abdomen. The peripheral neuropathy persists especially to the toes and I guess it's likely to be permanent at this stage.

So in 2011, I had several scans and 3 bronchoscopies. 2 of these were at Connolly in Blanchardstown (flexible types) and one at St.Vincents (near the RDS in Dublin). The latter being the rigid bronchoscopy type with Mr David Healy. The reasons for three being the first two and scans were inconclusive apparently plus the biopsies were unclear too!!! Anyway, there was something on the lung and it turned out to be a non malignant growth and not a return or spread of cancer from the original source (which would have been unlikely due to its position in the lung) or from a new cancer entirely. So it's very good news even if there were worrying times again as nobody seemed to be able to decide!! The growth may yet prove problematical but we'll keep it under review. Another bronchoscopy awaits me around Valentines Day, 2012 but it is undecided if this will be at the Connolly (under Dr.Liam Cormican) or at St Vincents under Mr David Healy.

Meanwhile, I have a scan and a colonoscopy on January 9th 2012 at the Connolly. Mr Mulligan, the surgeon who performed my colon operation (colectomy) in January 2009, has now taken a years break from the Connolly. This is a great shame as he is a great surgeon but perhaps he needs a rest and time with his family. Mr Mulligan is replaced by Mr Hugo Prins whom I shall hopefully meet on Monday 9th January.

The peripheral neuropathy continues to be the major side effect of the treatment (folfox chemotherapy) and little or nothing can be done about it. Small price to pay perhaps but any suggestions and comments would be most welcome. Someone recently suggested AMITRIPTYLINE but I'm not sure and will continue with B6 vitamin supplement for now. This seems to help a little.

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!! On the 9th January, I have the colonosocopy followed by the CT scan (CTPA). The Picolax had worked during the fasting on the Sunday 8th and I was pretty dehydrated I guess by the time I was on my way home on Monday evening. It had not been a smooth day as although the colonoscpy seemed to go fine, the afternoon saw me wheeled down to Xray/Scan and sitting around on a wheelchair while a lady consultant kept getting her patients in ahead of me (jumping the queue). I don't mind at all if there's an emergency but that's not right in the general order of things. Soon after I arrive home, the phone goes and it is the hospital in Blanchardstown. Dr. Bobby requests I return to the hospital urgently & immediately as there is apparently a worrying indication in the scan.  I'm obviously not happy as I'm hungry and tired but I feel I have no option but to comply. Louisa (my daughter) takes me back to A&E Connolly Hospital within the hour (as instructed).

It's good that they are concerned I think although obviously we are all very worried. I arrive at A&E and make myself known as instructed. My case file is with the reception. I'm told to take a seat but none are available. It is about 8pm and still Monday the 9th January. I'm really hungry but not sure what I should do regarding food and drink. A doctor from the team arrives at around 10pm and takes some blood samples. They'll need to test the blood to decide what drugs to give me I think. It seems there is evidence of a blood clot on or near the lung.but the blood samples will decide what needs to be done. Soon after I'm taken for a chest x-ray and returned to A&E. I'm sitting in A&E for a couple more hours. I get to lie down for a bit on an examination bed in a room and eventually get taken to the Rosewood Ward at around 4am; really knackered, tired, hungry, dry.  I'm on an examination bed in the ward.

Sleep is impossible as there is too much noise but I get to see the doctors on the team of Mr Prins, led by Dr Seamus the next morning. At my suggestion I do get a drip to provide some fluids but I am put on nil by mouth. Starving!! It's all so vague. The doctors clearly are acting in my interests but I'm irritable and tired and cannot understand what I'm doing there and why I've wasted a whole day. I'm told I'll have another scan and an ultrasound on my legs to investigate clots. That's why I must fast. By the end of the day, nothing had happened. But the team returns including Mr Prins in the evening. I'm taking off the fasting!! The blood tests are normal it seems and all is correct, including a sample taken from the main artery which indicates oxygen content and the effectiveness of lung operation. I have some tea and toast. Hopefully a scan on Wednesday the 11th January.

So they suspect a pulmonary embolism? The thorax scan on Monday had given rise to suspicion of such. I want to get this thing resolved. I keep chasing and there's a scan organised at The Hermitage in Lucan for around 2pm, Wednesday January 11th. This is a "nuclear scan" - a thorough VQ check. Bernard take me in a taxi to the Hermitage Hospital. I note that's where Mr. Mulligan now operates - Mr Mulligan was the surgeon who operated on my colon cancer three years before (almost to the day!) I didn't see him but went to the scan (xray) area where Greg looked after me. The scan took awhile and before that I had a chest x-ray (again). The VQ scan is fairly awkward as you have to stay motionless for a long time but the hour or so it took passed and I returned by taxi to the Connolly and the Rosewood Ward. I guess it was around 4pm. Greg had promised he'd rush the results through.

The team visits in the evening. They indicate I may be able to go home soon. Some were unaware I'd had the VQ scan. In the morning, it's my birthday - 12th January!!! I phoned Greg at The Hermitage and he kindly said that he would fax the results through in 20 minutes to the team at the Connolly. To cut an even longer story short, the scan information was received by the team and The VQ was very accurate and indicated some COPD (from the years that I had smoked) but a very low probability of clot.  I had several conversations with various team members.  They were all helpful and had their own views and opinions. Generally most suggested I be put on anticoagulation or warfarin. But it isn't that simple. As a vegetarian who eats a lot of green vegetables and enjoys a glass of wine or two, it's not so easy. I'll need to do more research. Anyway, I'm discharged at around 7.30pm on my birthday and I'm home shortly after.

Although it's been a nightmare week, the nursing staff were excellent under extremely difficult circumstances. It was tough and I am glad I was able to get out when I did to free up a much needed bed. The A&E is overstretched and can't cope but there is no other way into the system! Some people wait there for several days!!!

So we approach the end of January. The big four dominate tennis, Rafa, Fed, Novak & Andy and that is the semi-final line up for the Aussie open. Meanwhile, I have a bronchoscopy booked for St Vincents on Valentine's Day and the Connolly on 16th February. A scan too!! The bronchoscopy is a flexible, so I'll cancel St Vincents and have both procedures at the Connolly in Blanchardstown.

Regards, Steve Moss

Email: steve@tedseclecticlot.com

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