Hi there!
I will be going
for radiotherapy treatment. Please keep
this information private and confidential for now. I will let you know our progress as a family,
as we go along. Martha and Katy have looked at images of my brain only so far.
The operation
During the
operation they removed bone, a cover to the brain ( I think) and drained and
removed most of the tumour. The bone has been replaced and is held together with metal pins (It is numb too). They are
very pleased with the work that they completed.
It took 3 – 4 hours. The formal note
of the operation was written by registrar at 1800. The surgeon was very pleased with the
condition of my scar and the rate of recovery.
She liked my hair do, too.
Radiotherapy treatment
The next step
in my treatment is a meeting at Salford Royal tomorrow with oncology. At this meeting we will discuss
·
Radiotherapy
treatment
Radiotherapy
will make me very tired – extremely tired.
People who are positive usually respond well to radiotherapy. Tomorrow we will discuss, and plan my ongoing
treatment. Radiotherapy treatment takes
place for 6 weeks; a patient has to attend
every day. The tumour that I have keeps
growing (this is what “aggressive” means). Radiotherapy stops the growth of the
tumour.
Regular MRI scans
Regular scans
will take place to monitor the progress of the tumour. These will be used to decide on use of
radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and to assess whether or not to conduct another operation. I may have another operation in the future.
Possibility of chemotherapy rests with
results of a test
The tumour is
currently being tested to see if it contains 1p19q. If it does contain this chromosome, then it
would respond to chemotherapy.
It is also
possible that the tumour could convert to a grade 4. Nothing is certain.
A happy symptom-free life
The removal of
the tumour has given me time. The
registrar expects me to live a full and normal life. Their aim is to keep me symptom-free.
My tumour - Shirley
I have ANAPLASTIC
OLIGODEDROGLIOMA. She is grade 3. She is
malignant.
Grade 4 is the
most aggressive malignant tumour, and my prognosis would be 1-2 years. The registrar says that they were surprised to
discover that my tumour was not grade 4, and is grade 3.
I don't know what to write, I wish I was with you right now to talk to you and give you a hug . It is a scary thought but I think let's focus on the positives it's not a grade 4, medicine is advancing at a massive pace and so who knows what is round the corner that will truly destroy Shirley once and for all. Infact let's find out what is round the corner and get in quick. The other great news is that you can live a normal life, so we can do all do fun things together and keep you positive & strong to tackle this . You are so amazing how you hare handling this, My Mum always admired you and she would
ReplyDeleteContinued from above -
ReplyDeleteShe would often talk about you to her friends as a great example of determination, you will get through this and I and all your
Wonderful family and friends will be with you on this journey !
I love you
I actually can't remember you ever doing anything by the book! Time allows anything to be possible especially when you have the family & friends you have around you & him up there. We all love you. Xxx
ReplyDeleteThat's a hell of a lot to take in. You're very brave to be up to posting today.
ReplyDeleteRemember that all a prognosis is is a guestimate of an average person's reaction to a Shirly type thing on a given day. It's not personal to you and can change because of a hundred different things.
Remember that your friends are all here for you if there is anything at all that we can do to help.
Sallyxx
Hi Sarah, your faith is obviously very important to you, so keep that in mind as you go forward free of Shirley for now. Also you have two lovely girls who need you to be there, for you to enjoy! XX Julie Matthews.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah
ReplyDeleteThe best news is she it's not Grade 4. Helen, Ed and Alan are all spot on. Let's focus on the positives you have a future although you probably won't get a letter from the Queen for getting to a 100 ( you will probably prove me wrong on that one!!) It's incredibly scary but you have so much love and support around you and we will all be there to support you in whatever way you need.
I want to help you achieve one of your 'list of life's to do's' so let me know which one (or more) I can best help you achieve over the next few years and I will be there for you. I love you Sarah and you are incredible.
Jackie xxx
Thanks for the detailed update, Sarah - as always you are amazing!! I hope you're OK - wish we could be up there with you right now. It's a lot of information to digest at the moment but it sounds like you are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteCall me anytime if you need to chat.
Don't forget, I'm not running the Marathon in our 50th Year on my own!!! I need you there with me!!!!! Let's do it, Sarah.
Big Love to You and a Whopping Gert Lush. xx
Difficult to add to the above comments other than to reiterate our support and complete faith in you to not follow the normal rules and exceed whatever would normally be expected! The bit about responding to positivity is you down to a T on this blog so go for it! Will support you however we can.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing strong and determined, and well loved. If anybody can surprise doctors and beat the odds it's you. You have lots of time to do tonnes of things. Stay positive and enjoy planning your volcano adventure!
I look forward to hearing about your martahon success too!
James (Canada) x
I am struggling to not repeat what everyone else has said but I think it's good for you to hear it anyway :)
ReplyDeleteI'm completely gobssmacked in the utterly impressed sort of way at your wonderful attitude and positivity. I think this will be the key to your story of the future than any boring statistic.
It is obvious that there is love pouring out to you at home and from all corners of the globe which is a testement to how you live your life. Sending all our hugs and kisses from the house on stilts in BrisVegas!
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteBig hugs from McWhirter clan. You are brilliant to be keeping this updated - just a great example of how technology can be used to keep us more connected. But it also reminds me how crappy I am at staying in touch with people I care about... Not just you but lots of people. Not just virtually or electronically but in all ways. So Times like this when everyone is worried about someone as lovely as you is a good time to kick myself up the arse! So thank you! Lots and lots of love. Gavin xx
Sarah
ReplyDeleteYour strength and determination shine through. Shirley can do nothing to these. Sending you all the love in the world.
Lizzie x