Diagnosis.

thinking of you

For you both xx

for you harrigran - thinking of you. x

Thank you all for your very kind messages and support, it will be invaluable in the coming months.

Harrigan I cannot even think what it must be like to be the person diagnosed, just being on the outside of it all is bad enough. Have they said any more about it? What treatment, etc? Where are you being seen, which hospital? We are going to The Christie in Manchester, luckily we live not very far away and the ambulance transport have been wonderful, as have all the staff at the hospital, we could not have asked for better. I do hope you are able to have treatment and to beat this awful disease. What support do you have at home? You can PM me if you want. Just remember that new treatments are being discovered all the time now. Keep your chin up, being possitive is half the battle, I think. I try to keep my dad laughing, his body will fight it better with a positive attitude, maybe? I will think of you and wish you all the best, obviously, do little things which make you feel good. Oh, and by the way, my dad has penile cancer, so maybe not the same one as you. (meant as a bit of a joke, but true).

Yes, my dad has penile cancer, they are operating on his pride and joy in the morning to take the growth off, but it has spread to his lymph nodes in his groin, hence them needing the CT scan to see if it has spread anywhere else in his body. One step at a time though. I have just phoned him and he had forgot that we were going even though we only went yesterday, so he is now getting washed and ready and I will pick him up in a taxi for 6.15 am to get there for 7 am.

He takes in what is said and understands at the time, but will then forget all about it afterwards. My LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) is up and running and the hospital have it in place, I have signed his consent form for tomorrow and will stay with him until the docs are happy for me to leave. Then I will come home, go to bed for a while and get up and have a large brandy!

to all.

What a positive message ruby lady. It's good to read the local hospital has been so good and that the ambulance is available for transport to the Christie. You are so right about the skill available there. I have a close family member in treatment there currently and a friend who is part of a research project there. My dad was successfully treated there - we're so lucky to have it in our area. Enjoy that brandy

Rubylady and Harrigran.....a hug and a hand to hold

Harrigran

& {{hugs}} harrigran, I'm so sorry to hear this, you must be reeling.
My thoughts are with you x

Harrigran and ruby sending and hugs to you both. Always a hand to hold here.

Judging by our experience Rubylady you should find that the hospital take quality of life very seriously and won't want to use any treatment just for the sake of it. Such a worrying time for you though

Ruby will he remember to be nil by mouth?

rubylady, I have a very loving DH who is supporting me. DS lives 45 minutes away but DD lives abroad. Although I saw a consultant privately I will now have to revert to NHS so that treatment can be coordinated. it will be 10 days before I have a full body scan and then they will discuss what treatment I will have. I am in the north east and I will probably be just treated at the local hospital.

I'm thinking positive thoughts harrigran and sending hugs. I'm sure your lovely DH will give you strength and be there to shoulder your worries. It's a blessing to have your son nearby as well. Children seem to be remarkably able and comforting in these situations. I'll keep you in my prayers through these trying days.

Harrigan One step at a time, eh? That's how I'm doing things. It's too much to think about going further than the next appointment really. I am glad to hear that your husband is supporting you, giving you the hugs you need, along with your children and all the good wishes from everyone on here. My dad is due his body scan within next two weeks too, he thought today that once he had had his operation it was all over and he didn't need to go back. He was sad when I said that wasn't the case, until I had him smiling again. I'm not blowing my own trumpet saying that, it's hard to keep coming up with corny jokes to make him smile but I do try. Keep posting on here, let me know how you are doing and I will send good thoughts your way.

We had to be there this morning for 7 am, my dad up at 1am as he has no alarm clock and didn't want to overlie (I have bought him one now) and I was up at 3.30 am to get my tablets etc before picking him up in a taxi. Luckily he was first on the list at 9 am so it was soon done, the waiting was for his discharge and medication. As it was done under local, we could go home soon as these were sorted. We arrived back at 2pm just in time for coffee and mince pies and seeing the Christmas tree being finished decorated and everyone there in the sheltered accommodation where he lives. It was nice, songs playing, people chatting, being supportive but looking forward to Christmas too and the events which they put on in next couple of weeks which I will join in on to make some memories, a choir coming and a brass band.

I think it is important to share other times too and not just be seeing him at hospital times as this will alter our relationship. We need to have some fun too. It's his first Christmas living in the accommodation, last year he was in his other flat with no one around so I want him to have a good time this year. Everyone has been so kind to us both, which at Christmas gives it the true meaning, giving of yourself and your love. X

Harrigran - I am glad that DH is there beside you - you must both be going through such a difficult time. Good luck with the scan. I think the waiting for these things is so difficult to deal with.

Very difficult times Rubylady ((((hugs)))) A lot will depend on how far the cancer has gone and how much his dementia my affect his ability to make informed decisions about his treatment.

I would suggest talking to the Macmillan nurses as well.

Harrigran (((hugs))) for you as well.

We're back at The Christie on Friday for a full CT scan to see it the cancer has spread further than his groin.

I've done nothing but sleep all day today, I'm really shattered. I know my dad is a bit sore after his surgery last Friday but he seems in good spirits, which I'm happy about at least. He does keep thinking though that when he comes home, he doesn't have to go back again until I tell him that he does, that's not good, but I soon have him joking about again.

Thinking of you rubylady. I am having a full body CT scan on Friday night and an MRI next Thursday. The waiting is awful, you have the diagnosis but they won't talk to you until all the test results are back

ruby being positive and making him smile is the best thing you could do at the moment

harri I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Keep your chin up and think positive until those results are through.
((((Hugs))))

Hi harrigran hi went through same diagnosis last year I felt better once plan for treatment was in place I have finished treatment had my first haircut since hair returned take care of yourself and if you want to rant and rave I am here ??

Thinking of you Rubylady and Harrigan. (((hugs)))

Harri I have only just read this thread. I am so sorry to hear your awful news and send my love and To be supported by a loving family and friends after a devastating diagnosis is half the battle. Keep positive....

Dear harrigran and rubylady sending you both very best wishes.
My mum (also in Manchester ruby) had a very successful operation to treat cancer of the pelvic girdle earlier this year, so there is always hope of a full recovery. As a family we also found the MacMillan nurses are a great source of support and advice.

for all who are struggling. My DH was diagnosed with cancer last year and thankfully is now in remission. I totally understand all that this terrible diagnosis brings with it.