The next step

It's been a while since my last update but I felt like I needed a break from overthinking things and wanted to just enjoy Xmas with the girls.

It was a relatively short stay in hospital for the severity of the surgery but getting back home in my own surroundings and comfort has really helped the recovery process.  I'm still in a deal of pain and discomfort with a bit of anaemia thrown in for good measure but I am making progress and haven't had any complications.  Considering the degree of re-plumbing that has gone on I'm back to eating anything I fancy,  albeit smaller portions, quite amazing really. I have to say that must be down to Mr Hilal and his world class surgery skills and team.   I've drunk some beer, wine and port as I felt it necessary to celebrate Xmas.  So, not to go in to too fine a detail the input is going well, the output is going well too! Its not something you think about day to day, you just take it for granted unless it gets interrupted for some reason!

The physical side of life is limited to what my abs will allow.  Sarah and I go for short walks around the block for my exercise routine.  I'm astounded by how little it takes to tire me out at the moment, just a short walk necessitates a sit/lie down immediately afterwards. I am still in the early stages of recovery, feeling stronger day by day and making progress which is encouraging.  One last drain to remove, next Wednesday, and I'll be tube free, that will definitely feel like progress. 

So what did the pathology reports show up?   We were given three bits of news: 

1. The cancer stage was T2 which means the cancer had grown, but hadn't spread (good)
2. The resection (what was cut out) was classified as R0 - no cancerous cells seen microscopically at the extremes of the area; the desired result (good)
3. Results from the Lymphadenectomy (removal of one or more groups of lymph nodes) showed that 3 of the 7 lymph nodes removed contained cancerous cells.  These were all situated around the head of the pancreas which was in the resected area. (not so good)

We haven't met with the Oncologist yet so don't have a clear picture of what's going on but I think there are two scenarios.  Scenario one could be that all the cancerous cells have been removed and I'm clear. Or, scenario two could be that there are some more cancerous cells that have migrated further afield that need blasting with chemo.   Personally, I think my only option is to take chemo.  There are too many unknowns not to try and reduce the risk of secondary cancer.  Its not something I'm looking forward to, far from it. I need to stack the odds in my favour to ensure I can collect my pension and become that grumpy old man I'm working towards.


More news:
In actual fact we were given five bits of news.  The fourth was the number of stitches for the whole operation.  I'll be sharing that with everyone in the new year, watch this space!  The fifth being that we have raised over £1,300 for the LAP Cancer R&D charity. Hopefully to be doubled by Microsoft fund matching!

Thank you for reading my blog, posting comments, and contributing to the charity it means a lot and  definitely helps me manage my situation.  I hope you've had a good Christmas and have a new year's eve planned with family and friends.  Its all a matter of perspective, 2016 has been a bit of a shocker but I'm sure we can make 2017 a better year.  I'll be raising a glass to you all this evening. Cheers!


Charity Page:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=LAPCancerCharity&pageUrl=2