I woke that morning with confidence, showered and dressed. A friend of mine bought me this epic t-shirt when I was diagnosed – it says ‘Life’s a bitch and so am I’ and I defiantly promised I would wear it to chemo. But when it came to it, I wasn’t feeling quite so brave. Maybe … Continue reading 08 October 2020 – Chemo, ROUND 1
Author: bryony82
01 October 2020 – Maggie’s
After my chat with the lovely Focus Centre, it was time to get me mentally prepared for chemo. If honest, I was getting really pissed off with the communication, it was all really negative, every discussion was worst case scenarios about symptoms and emergency protocols, surely it’s manageable? HA! God I’m stupid…. The reason the … Continue reading 01 October 2020 – Maggie’s
30 September 2020 – Pre-chemo (part II)
I had another trip to the hospital today, more bloody blood tests, a chat with my chemo nurse, a Covid test and my implant. So many appointments spread over the day. In-between appointments I went to the Focus centre, it’s a service for cancer patients and WOW. I came to the centre just to pick … Continue reading 30 September 2020 – Pre-chemo (part II)
28 September 2020 – Return to Work
For my first day back at work, I wanted to keep my head down and avoid people and all those questions, however well-meaning. I managed to get a fitness to work note from my GP, which I’d encourage you to do too. Due to cancer being an Equality Act issue, I was sent to Occupational … Continue reading 28 September 2020 – Return to Work
25 September 2020 – Haircut
I had my haircut today, the first time (professionally) for a while. I asked for a complete change, I wanted to feel different post-surgery. I had a bob, about 4 inches cut off my hair. It looked awesome! The reason I mention the haircut, no it’s not to say about the importance of treats and … Continue reading 25 September 2020 – Haircut
17 September 2020 – Pre-chemo Appointment
Pre-chemo appointments required yet more blood tests. I met my chemo specialist and he was so nice. He explained about the type of treatment he was giving me, but the frequency and type of treatment would depend on my next decision. Would I want a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line which is a tube … Continue reading 17 September 2020 – Pre-chemo Appointment
10 September 2020 – Post-op meeting
I was lucky, the oncology team allowed my Mum to attend the meeting with me. We both knew something was amiss and you can’t stop a tiger mum protecting her cub (or a mother shark defending her “baby shark”…you can thank me for that ear worm later)! I was delighted to see my favourite surgeon; … Continue reading 10 September 2020 – Post-op meeting
09 September 2020 – An unexpected phone call
I had a phone call today from my oncology nurse, asking me if I would come in to the hospital the next day to meet my surgeon and discuss next steps. Bile started rising in my throat and panic set in. I asked whether or not there was anything to worry about and was told … Continue reading 09 September 2020 – An unexpected phone call
05 September 2020 – home time
By the time I was discharged that day it was time for evening tea, I had managed to give away some of my tea bags and books / magazines I had read to my fellow inmates. When my parents came to pick me up, I cried, I had to go back to a reality I … Continue reading 05 September 2020 – home time
05 September 2020 Friday – My first post op pooh!
I was feeling much better, I was on solid food, and getting my bed fellow opposite to come walkies with me (I said to her we would check out the totty on the ward – you can probably guess that was a joke). The key issue that day was my first bowel movement and my … Continue reading 05 September 2020 Friday – My first post op pooh!
04 September 2020 – Barbara
Essentially it was exactly like Wednesday but with more excitement. I finally started eating liquid food (e.g. soups/ ice-cream), I was getting out of bed with some ease and I requested to shower. I’m not normally one to request assistance, but I swallowed my pride and a lovely nurse (who probably went blind having to … Continue reading 04 September 2020 – Barbara
03 September 2020 – my new friend, the toilet
I made a friend, she was 80 years old and had a full hysterectomy via key hole for ovarian cancer. She had her operation the day after me, so I recognised how she was feeling and ensured I checked in with her to make sure she was ok. Unfortunately, today was the day they took … Continue reading 03 September 2020 – my new friend, the toilet
02 September 2020 – the attack of the Linda
I woke the next day groggily. I had a little scan of my body and saw no stoma but my belly was on fire and I must have had a catheter inserted during surgery. After breakfast (consisting of tea and juice as I was nil by mouth) and a couple of blood pressure and temperature … Continue reading 02 September 2020 – the attack of the Linda
01 September 2020 – The big day
Do you remember that scene from Dumbo where the cute little elephant is torn away from his mum. Having my operation in Covid times means you are not allowed anyone to sit with you, comfort you or support you. Once you are in the hospital, limited visitor hours are allowed only once you are on … Continue reading 01 September 2020 – The big day
25 August 2020 – Pre-Operation Catch Up
I had a letter from the hospital saying my operation was booked for 01 September, so I had to go back to hospital for my pre-op checks. Essentially it was a chat with the surgeon, some blood tests and a really pleasant conversation about stoma bags. The chat with the surgeon was interesting, mainly because … Continue reading 25 August 2020 – Pre-Operation Catch Up
24 August 2020 – Boob checks
The following Monday, I had a call to come to the breast clinic that day. I dropped work, and drove to Cheltenham. One thing to warn about breast exams, it is basically going in to a room and taking your top off multiple times – my advice - pick clothes and bras that can be … Continue reading 24 August 2020 – Boob checks
21 August 2020 – CT Scan review – the boob people!
Apparently Oncology meet every week in a board meeting to discuss patients. A few days after my CT results, there was a weekly review and the clinic were concerned about an anomaly in both my breasts. My surgeon phoned on a Friday at 4pm, I have to say this phone call was the start of … Continue reading 21 August 2020 – CT Scan review – the boob people!
11 August 2020 – CT Scan
A week or so after the diagnosis, I had to go for a CT Scan – to see if the cancer had spread. I’m going to tell you this now, I found it hilarious. I was only at the appointment a short amount of time, but they inject this dye in to you to take … Continue reading 11 August 2020 – CT Scan
August 2020 – In-between diagnosis
I knew I was terrified, but I did not want to dwell on the potential implications. I have a tendency to overthink and knew this news would consume me. I was lucky the day after the colonoscopy and diagnosis I offered to dog sit for two weeks for a friend. Bobbi (dog) managed to keep … Continue reading August 2020 – In-between diagnosis
17 July 2020 – My diagnosis and tests
At A&E, I was seen and sent to a surgeons ward, where I begged not to be admitted (hospitals scare me) and for some pain relief. After some Oramorph I managed to chill out a little, although I still had severe pain. The surgeons examined my abdomen and they said that I likely had adhesions, … Continue reading 17 July 2020 – My diagnosis and tests
Bryony vs. Bowel Cancer 