Final (hopefully!!!) Entry

Dear All,

Apologies about the delay between blog entries. No excuses apart from me being slack!

Based on my recent consultations, I am planning this entry to be my last at least for the time being. My last consultation (Monday 15th November) with Dr Nutting confirmed that the tumour was completely gone and that the two offending lymph nodes (which presented when the cancer was first diagnosed) had resumed normal activities. The result of the recent CT scan confirmed that no further treatment was required - all good and very welcome news.

There was a 20% chance I would need to have the two lymph nodes removed (supposedly a fairly straighforward surgical procedure - not sure there is such a thing!), however, thankfully the scan showed no abnormal activities and I was allowed to remain intact.

The recovery process continues, albeit slowly, with energy levels returning. My weight is still 10kgs below where I would like it to be, although it has been stable for a couple of months. I am planning to do something I have never done before which is to join a gym and to try and put on some weight in the right places (tough when you are over 50!). Time will tell if I get the desired results.

I still have some pesky ulcers in my mouth plus tingling toes and hands (result of the platinum in the chemo). All should return to normal in due course. No problems sleeping or eating most foods which is good. My taste buds are non existent although my sense of smell is normal. It can take up to 18 months (85% of people who have had similar treatment to me recover full saliva plus taste buds within 18 months) for taste and saliva to return to normal. I am involved in a saliva study at the hospital and even though they couldn't extract any from me on the 15th November, my parotid gland was actually producing some saliva which they were impressed with. I am hoping normal service resumes in the next few months. One bonus will be to be able to drink wine and to have a decent curry which I am unable to at present. I am able to drink the occassional guiness for some reason.

The day before my most recent consultation, I woke up with a very swollen neck which freaked Lucy and I as we automatically thought the cancer had returned. Thankfully, as I was standing in front of Lucy, the swelling in my neck literally drained away. Dr Nutting explained that radiotherapy constricts the lymph vessels which can cause fluid to accumulate and there was nothing to worry about - phew! It is comforting to note that what you are experiencing is all part of the process.

With Christmas looming into view at a frightening rate, life is busying up. We are disappearing to Chamonix for Christmas which will be a welcome break. Not sure how much skiing my body will be able to cope with, however, the plan is also to go to a few spas/thermal pools to help the recovery process. With life speeding up all the time, I am committed to increasing the amount of 'slow' time opportunities to enjoy with friends and family. This is especially important as Poppy our eldest daughter heads off to Uni next year.

I hope you all have a wonderful festive season and get to spend quality time with your loved ones, family and friends.

It just remains for me to say a huge thank you to all of you for the suport you have given me, Lucy and the girls throughout my illness. We could not have got through this period without the generous support of you all. We look forward to thanking you in person (including everyone residing outside the UK) over the coming months and years.

God bless you all.

With love and thanks.

Stephen, Lucy, Poppy, Ruby and Ella.