Good Bad News
I am not a lover of the adjectives good and bad. They often seem inadequate and lazy. However, when coupled with the word news they become universally understood. Over the last week many of you have sent positive thoughts for good news from the hospital investigations. Finally, I have an update and I believe that it may be good, bad news.
We met with the bowel surgeon yesterday and the first thing he said was, “It’s all curable with surgery.” Phew, deep breath, but what is all? I wondered. Mr Chandra Sekaran was thorough, calm, and explained the detail of what was to follow with great clarity.
The bowel tumour will be removed first, hopefully on 4th April, if all the complications around giving me anaesthesia are resolved. They want to know more about my throat operation in 2019 and how they can pass a tube safely through my airway. Fortunately, I am in direct contact with my LTR surgeon and he has agreed to provide the information they require.
The bowel surgery will resection my bowel, removing all traces of the tumour, part of the bowel and a few lymph nodes. I’ll be in Singleton Hospital for around 5 days, then recovery is about 4 weeks or so. Nothing there that we didn’t expect.
We have also been holding the news, for a week or more, that my liver is also compromised. That was revealed in a helpful conversation with my GP. During the week of waiting for more detail we imagined very difficult scenarios. So, it came as a little bit of a relief to be told that they believed there to be only one small nodule on the liver, and that it can be removed with part of the liver quite easily.
Now, that is all true at present, but there is more investigation to follow before any surgery. I have an MRI of the liver booked for next week and a PET scan will follow shortly. The latter is to double check there is no other cancer elsewhere. There’s a lot to take in and things may change, but we left the consultation thankful that it wasn’t any worse.
The liver surgery will probably follow after a couple of months, all though that may be delayed by a possible round of chemotherapy. All of that will become clearer after the bowel operation. At the moment I am just focussing on the first stage. One step at a time.
Part of my coping strategy for starting to process all this news is to talk to family and good friends. It helps just to talk through what we know and what we believe will happen. Often, they ask questions that we hadn’t thought of and of course it’s really helpful to connect with loved ones emotionally. And of course, there’s writing, photographing and sharing this blog. The feedback and comments I get back here, on FB and through direct messaging are all tremendously helpful and supportive. Thank you all so much.
thinking of you for Monday x
Thanks Jo
I am so sorry to find out this news. As ever you are inspiring with your honesty, and creativity is a valuable ally.
Wishing the very best for you,
Jo
Thanks Jo
Hello Lee,
Sorry to hear your news and, of course, thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Stay strong,
Ian
Thanks Ian
I’m so sorry Lee that you are going through this, I’m wishing you the very best for your treatment starting on Monday, may you recover speedily and well… All my best, Rachx
Thanks Rachel
So sorry to hear about this unexpected chapter. Though a tough chapter, your photography, creativity and vision pared with your resilience and network of support will bring you through this. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Thank you for sharing. Get well soon!
Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl
Dear Lee.
I am sorry to hear about your cancer. Your approach to mindful photography has been an inspiration to me. I have read two of your books and have enjoyed receiving your email news letter.
I hope your operation goes well and that you recover well.
Kind regards
Fran
Thanks for the kind words Fran
Lee
I will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts over what will be a tough time.
You already have the tools you need and have been passing them on generously so if I can return the favour let me know.
Huw
That’s very kind Huw. Many thanks
Hi Lee, only just caught up with your news. So sorry to hear of your troubles. We will be thinking of you. xxx
Thanks Ailsa x