I mentioned in my last post that I had had a health scare a few weeks ago that required further investigation. Part 1 of the investigation (a gastroscopy) was a few days ago and has sent my world spinning. What was hitherto a seemingly minor one-off of no great consequence (even if I did pass a little bit of black blood) has now been revealed as quite a bit more than that. It would seem that unknowingly I have been growing a tumour in my stomach. Not just any old tumour but one that is apparently quite rare (trust me to be choosy)- only 900 cases in the whole of the UK and only handled by specialist hospitals. Great. The consultant "thinks" it is benign, but has done a biopsy just to be sure and wants a full body CT scan done as soon as possible to make sure I am not growing any more for next year's Chelsea Flower Show. An operation will follow at a Central London teaching hospital to remove it. I do have a tendency to grow these things - a fibroid 15 years ago was the biggest they had ever seen (seriously, it was of rugby-ball proportions) and I have lumpy bits of lypoma growing where they shouldn't. This is yet another to add to the list yet I am scaring myself half-stupid reading it up on Google where some articles even refer to the complete removal of the stomach. It even has a rather grand-sounding name.....Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST). The worst of it is that, living alone as I do, I sit with the thoughts churning and nobody to share it with.
I am trying to keep my head (what is left of it) and make an attempt to be jolly over Christmas, so will lie low, lick my wounds and blog again in the New Year. Turning 65 obviously has its down-side - I knew I wouldn't like it.
In the meantime, hope y'all have a lovely Christmas.
9 comments:
Oh Addy I'm so sorry to hear your news though I am sure it will be benign, and you won't have anything to worry about. But our minds do go into orbit don't they - and looking things up on line is not necessarily a good thing. Big hugs and take care be thinking of you. XX
Oh, dear. I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sure it will be benign, and that you'll be just fine. They can work miracles these days if it's not. I should know, 4 years ago yesterday my husband was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. It was devastating and we were so scared....but today he's cancer free and doing great!
Please keep us posted. Hugs to you, my friend.
Ahhhh pooey. Rotten luck. But the upside of being a 'lumpy sort of person' is they usually just take them away and that is the end of it. My mum has had 2 taken from her throat and chest area, both benign. Not much fun having them removed and the getting better bit after is hard work but the upside is once better you are better :)
Fingers crossed for good biopsy results and for an early op date to see it gone. I'd try not to read too much health stuff on the internet - it's rarely a good story people post and there are lots of good stories walking around us, people just don't talk about it in the same way.
Have an easy and relaxed Christmas, will be thinking about you. Much love to you and I am always on the end of my email if you want me xxx
Trisha E. says...
Hope the biopsy results are good and the operation goes perfectly Addy. Seems like you've had enough challenges for awhile. You might look into trying Reishi mushroom extract before the CAT scan-there is some information online that it may shrink some gastric tumors, and it is supposed to be great for bolstering your immune system. I found the article on the Life Extension website; they have great information on complementary medical treatments for all sorts of health issues, backed up by solid research studies. They also have a great magazine that we get now (I am a DVM-the vets are using complementary therapies in addition to regular pharmaceuticals more often than the MDs here in the US and are getting great results in many cases.) Best of luck with everything (I could use some myself this year). Hope you can put everything aside but the Christmas holiday and share a great time with your daughter and your Mom! Merry Christmas!
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I'm hoping nothing to worry about.
Happy Christmas and new year to you
Here's hoping that being a 'lumpy' type of person will work in your favour. Not the best time of year (if there ever is?) to be given such news, but try and enjoy Christmas. Will be thinking of you, and looking for updates once you know more.
I am so sorry to hear of your health woes! Keep us posted as you can! You have many friends around the world praying for the best for your recovery!
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