News of NEO
Good news - keep it up! I look forward to hearing more good news soon
Nigerian In Law
Promising Outlook
Just thought I'd update you on my progress.
I was discharged from hospital for the fourth time on Friday afternoon, having been re-admitted for severe small bowel pain and nausea (couldn't even keep water down), and this time I hope and pray they have finally found the cause and sorted it. Yesterday was my first pain free day since this whole sorry affair began in March and I slept the whole night without any sudden starts due to turning over and causing tumour compressions.
I am now on (only !!) nine various drugs to alleviate pain, bowel convulsions, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and fatigue. But they are all temporary, some until the post operation scars heal, some until the end of the chemo, some for longer, perhaps years or even life. but Hey Ho, the operative word in this situation is life. And none of them affect me work wise if I have to keep taking them.
I had the fourth full chemotherapy cycle on Thursday and on Friday was confronted with a bunch of very happy consultant surgeons, haematologists and nurses who told me that I was being discharged. I have a number of bowel dilations caused by back pressure from the previous blockages, the small bowel is less inflamed but still healing and may take months, years or never return to its normal size, but the primary tumour is either so small it was hidden from the CT scanner by intestinal overlay or is too small to see. In all absolutely splendid news. The other lesser tumours were all undetectable.
So after another four cycles it is a good bet that remission will be the order of the day and I'll be back on that bar stool (or more realistically in my case the plastic chair by the pool) sooner than I thought. One troubling issue is that my sons took me to the local and I tried a half of bitter just before I went back into hospital; couldn't drink it as I didn't like the taste ! Is it worth continuing this treatment if I'm going to end up teetotal ?! Your thoughts please.............
During the week I was visited in hospital by a very nice lady from Redhill HR who had made the effort to drive all the way up just to see how I was getting on and pass on best wishes and encouragement from herself and my bosses in Lagos. I emphasise that these were personal messages, not the stock text book stuff. Unless you've been in this sort of situation it is hard to express the lift a visit gives, and such messages, especially from people who have very big fish to fry, mean an awful lot.
I have had literally hundreds of communications, mails, texts, calls and visits and it is impossible to quantify the positive effect these have had and are still having. People who are well don't wake up full of sweetness and light every day of their lives, so I reckon I'm entitled to have the odd "down" day, but when I get a mail or a call it lifts me up again if I'm feeling discouraged.
Once again I thank those who have done this from the bottom of my heart, especially those who have hundreds of people to think about, but still spare a thought for one small cog in the machine.
All in all, barring some unforeseen obstacle, all I have to to is endure four more chemotherapy cycles, build myself up a bit (well, lot actually) and get on the plane back to work.
One thing I have learnt among many other life lessons is that although there is no loyalty on the corporate or commercial fronts, there is still human loyalty. People have jobs to do but they are still human beings with human feelings. This was demonstrated to me in practical terms last week. Maybe we should sometimes look at both sides instead of always taking the cynical approach to everything our bosses do ? Just a thought.
Be safe guys and gals, I'll see you soon.
NEO
I was discharged from hospital for the fourth time on Friday afternoon, having been re-admitted for severe small bowel pain and nausea (couldn't even keep water down), and this time I hope and pray they have finally found the cause and sorted it. Yesterday was my first pain free day since this whole sorry affair began in March and I slept the whole night without any sudden starts due to turning over and causing tumour compressions.
I am now on (only !!) nine various drugs to alleviate pain, bowel convulsions, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and fatigue. But they are all temporary, some until the post operation scars heal, some until the end of the chemo, some for longer, perhaps years or even life. but Hey Ho, the operative word in this situation is life. And none of them affect me work wise if I have to keep taking them.
I had the fourth full chemotherapy cycle on Thursday and on Friday was confronted with a bunch of very happy consultant surgeons, haematologists and nurses who told me that I was being discharged. I have a number of bowel dilations caused by back pressure from the previous blockages, the small bowel is less inflamed but still healing and may take months, years or never return to its normal size, but the primary tumour is either so small it was hidden from the CT scanner by intestinal overlay or is too small to see. In all absolutely splendid news. The other lesser tumours were all undetectable.
So after another four cycles it is a good bet that remission will be the order of the day and I'll be back on that bar stool (or more realistically in my case the plastic chair by the pool) sooner than I thought. One troubling issue is that my sons took me to the local and I tried a half of bitter just before I went back into hospital; couldn't drink it as I didn't like the taste ! Is it worth continuing this treatment if I'm going to end up teetotal ?! Your thoughts please.............
During the week I was visited in hospital by a very nice lady from Redhill HR who had made the effort to drive all the way up just to see how I was getting on and pass on best wishes and encouragement from herself and my bosses in Lagos. I emphasise that these were personal messages, not the stock text book stuff. Unless you've been in this sort of situation it is hard to express the lift a visit gives, and such messages, especially from people who have very big fish to fry, mean an awful lot.
I have had literally hundreds of communications, mails, texts, calls and visits and it is impossible to quantify the positive effect these have had and are still having. People who are well don't wake up full of sweetness and light every day of their lives, so I reckon I'm entitled to have the odd "down" day, but when I get a mail or a call it lifts me up again if I'm feeling discouraged.
Once again I thank those who have done this from the bottom of my heart, especially those who have hundreds of people to think about, but still spare a thought for one small cog in the machine.
All in all, barring some unforeseen obstacle, all I have to to is endure four more chemotherapy cycles, build myself up a bit (well, lot actually) and get on the plane back to work.
One thing I have learnt among many other life lessons is that although there is no loyalty on the corporate or commercial fronts, there is still human loyalty. People have jobs to do but they are still human beings with human feelings. This was demonstrated to me in practical terms last week. Maybe we should sometimes look at both sides instead of always taking the cynical approach to everything our bosses do ? Just a thought.
Be safe guys and gals, I'll see you soon.
NEO
Hang In There NEO
Good news - thanks for the update!
Is it worth continuing this treatment if I'm going to end up teetotal ?! Your thoughts please.............
Very glad to hear you are well on the road to recovery....in time you will regain the appreciation for the foaming ale....but it seems you've already got your spirits where you need them!
All that being said....a dear friend had a real fight with Hepititus many years ago and was on a "Water Only" routine for a full year. Twenty years later and he still cannot drink Coffee because he cannot stand the taste of it.
Scary thought in your case should you be the same.....off Beer for life!
Nigerian In Law
Not Again ?!
I was admitted to hospital (for the SIXTH time) on Friday with uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. This so called journey has a lot of speed bumps in the road !
So they have all that under control and I'm able to eat a bit, except I've now lost a total of 75 pounds since this whole thing started. The dietician and nutritionist are due to see me tomorrow morning then Ill be discharged once again with another load of drugs to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Once again, thank you for all the support, you have no idea what it means to me.
NEO
So they have all that under control and I'm able to eat a bit, except I've now lost a total of 75 pounds since this whole thing started. The dietician and nutritionist are due to see me tomorrow morning then Ill be discharged once again with another load of drugs to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Once again, thank you for all the support, you have no idea what it means to me.
NEO
.
Hi NEO, we don't know each other but I've been really captured by your story. Have had a few friends in a similar boat to you and it's bringing back a lot of memories both bad and good. I really glad to hear was your comments on what it means to get visits and encouragement from your mates.
On the subject of beer - can't they put stout directly into the chemo cocktail?
Good luck mate.
On the subject of beer - can't they put stout directly into the chemo cocktail?
Good luck mate.
Nigerian In Law
Nearly There - Hopefully
Last week I had the 7th of 8 chemo treatments. The normal schedule for my type of cancer is 6, but because of the gap caused by the bowel operation they decided it would be better to "over treat" than not do enough. I can take the chemo and its' well known side effects, it's the steroids they make you take for days afterwards (to bolster the immune system) that knock me sideways.
The last cycle is schedule for 28th December then a full body scan to see if if the scourge has been eradicated. Assuming (as I must) that Ill be clear, I then get an intensive programme of dietary input and physiotherapy to build me back up, although I am managing to eat even though this has made me unable to digest fibre as well as Lactose intolerant. Hopefully they will pass once the chemo stops and the bowel gradually returns to something approaching normal size.
To anyone diagnosed with any variant of this cruel condition I have one vital message; never give up, no matter how painful, nauseous or long it may be. Some are "lucky" and have 6 cycles as outpatients then go straight back to a relatively normal life, some are less fortunate. But I'm convinced that there is a psychological aspect to the whole issue of serious conditions such as this, and that maintaining a positive mental approach can make a significant difference.
Once again, the loyalty, support, true friendship and contact from colleagues and my bosses has also made a huge difference. Statistically one in three people either have, have had or know someone with cancer. Support is a huge bolster. I am unsure how I would have fared this far had I been compelled to face this alone. Food for thought.
I'll report again when the last chemo has "worn off" and the scan results are out.
All the best,
NEO
The last cycle is schedule for 28th December then a full body scan to see if if the scourge has been eradicated. Assuming (as I must) that Ill be clear, I then get an intensive programme of dietary input and physiotherapy to build me back up, although I am managing to eat even though this has made me unable to digest fibre as well as Lactose intolerant. Hopefully they will pass once the chemo stops and the bowel gradually returns to something approaching normal size.
To anyone diagnosed with any variant of this cruel condition I have one vital message; never give up, no matter how painful, nauseous or long it may be. Some are "lucky" and have 6 cycles as outpatients then go straight back to a relatively normal life, some are less fortunate. But I'm convinced that there is a psychological aspect to the whole issue of serious conditions such as this, and that maintaining a positive mental approach can make a significant difference.
Once again, the loyalty, support, true friendship and contact from colleagues and my bosses has also made a huge difference. Statistically one in three people either have, have had or know someone with cancer. Support is a huge bolster. I am unsure how I would have fared this far had I been compelled to face this alone. Food for thought.
I'll report again when the last chemo has "worn off" and the scan results are out.
All the best,
NEO
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Hello NEO,
dont really know what to say beside that I really admire your strenght....you're setting an example here...just wanted to give you a "pat in the shoulder"...even in a virtual way...thanks for sharing and get well soon buddy.....
Dario
dont really know what to say beside that I really admire your strenght....you're setting an example here...just wanted to give you a "pat in the shoulder"...even in a virtual way...thanks for sharing and get well soon buddy.....
Dario
Sarkozy and I raised a glass to you last night Lad!
Good news and thanks for the update!
SAS - judging from your comments on FB, you raised quite a few glasses!!
SAS - judging from your comments on FB, you raised quite a few glasses!!
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NEO,
Looks like you are well and truly in the wars. One more chemo treatment and then some rehab should have you on the path to recovery. Easier said than done but you seem to be making a good fist of it.
I look back at my time at Calabar with fond memories.
Manic production crew changes, radio wars with Uko, rude emails to Lagos demanding money, trying to balance the petty cash, epic VIP flights and most of all many nights of merriment at the bar.
Great base you ran there. The Cercopan crowd always let it be known that you were the better host.
Best of luck for a complete recovery.
Phonic Wheel
Looks like you are well and truly in the wars. One more chemo treatment and then some rehab should have you on the path to recovery. Easier said than done but you seem to be making a good fist of it.
I look back at my time at Calabar with fond memories.
Manic production crew changes, radio wars with Uko, rude emails to Lagos demanding money, trying to balance the petty cash, epic VIP flights and most of all many nights of merriment at the bar.
Great base you ran there. The Cercopan crowd always let it be known that you were the better host.
Best of luck for a complete recovery.
Phonic Wheel
Nigerian In Law
Nearly There ??
Hello All,
Well, what can I say........ Emergency admission on 10th January after a fall in the kitchen left me with a gaping head wound, only to be told I had a 25% chance of survival due to severe malnutrition. I couldn't believe it; in a developed country under constant supervision and observation I ended up weighing 41KG (those who know me will testify to my "normal" shape and size !) and needing intravenous feeding.
I then caught "hospital acquired pneumonia" (WTF ?!) and spent three weeks in the High Dependency Unit. Straight afterwards a "Groschen" line was surgically inserted into my chest (it's still there) to feed me and take blood samples etc, but during the procedure my left lung was punctured. Talk about bad luck.............
I was finally discharged last Friday. I've had two CT scans to check on the condition of my small bowel, neither of which showed any sign of cancer. Of course this was an incidental observation, the "official" verification can only be obtained from a PET scan which I am yet to have. The good news is that I am finally pain free and able to move around (albeit with a walking frame temporarily) on my own. My muscles and especially Achilles tendons have wasted after three months enforced bed rest. But I weigh 60KG and gaining and am learning what I can and can't eat etc. Little and often is the order of the day.
The PET scan should be fairly soon (I need to be strong enough to take the radioactive injection), and barring any unforeseen obstacles I hope to be back in harness in sunnier climes in a couple of months. I get stronger and more flexible every day with the exercise regime; a very painful and stiff routine but it seems to be working.
So after a year of fighting with numerous setbacks to contend with I can finally see a light at the end of this evil tunnel. Once again, I can only say a huge thank you to those who have not forgotten me and have been checking on my progress (or lack of it) over the past year. It has been a massive morale booster, especially during the desperately low periods. And whatever people may say or think about my employer, they (or more precisely he) has stood by me and not deserted or dumped me. It is this sort of loyalty that separates the wheat from the chaff; a rare commodity these days.
Being told you only have a 25% chance of survival is an almost surreal experience; perversely it made me even more determined to beat this thing. The old cliche "There is always someone worse off" has also been brought into sharp focus. I saw a good number of people pass away over the past year. Some were simply terminal, some gave up and some couldn't withstand the chemo or radio therapy.
Onwards and upwards ! Just a PET scan to make it official, a lot of stodgy, fattening food and some exercise and I'll be back.
NEO
Well, what can I say........ Emergency admission on 10th January after a fall in the kitchen left me with a gaping head wound, only to be told I had a 25% chance of survival due to severe malnutrition. I couldn't believe it; in a developed country under constant supervision and observation I ended up weighing 41KG (those who know me will testify to my "normal" shape and size !) and needing intravenous feeding.
I then caught "hospital acquired pneumonia" (WTF ?!) and spent three weeks in the High Dependency Unit. Straight afterwards a "Groschen" line was surgically inserted into my chest (it's still there) to feed me and take blood samples etc, but during the procedure my left lung was punctured. Talk about bad luck.............
I was finally discharged last Friday. I've had two CT scans to check on the condition of my small bowel, neither of which showed any sign of cancer. Of course this was an incidental observation, the "official" verification can only be obtained from a PET scan which I am yet to have. The good news is that I am finally pain free and able to move around (albeit with a walking frame temporarily) on my own. My muscles and especially Achilles tendons have wasted after three months enforced bed rest. But I weigh 60KG and gaining and am learning what I can and can't eat etc. Little and often is the order of the day.
The PET scan should be fairly soon (I need to be strong enough to take the radioactive injection), and barring any unforeseen obstacles I hope to be back in harness in sunnier climes in a couple of months. I get stronger and more flexible every day with the exercise regime; a very painful and stiff routine but it seems to be working.
So after a year of fighting with numerous setbacks to contend with I can finally see a light at the end of this evil tunnel. Once again, I can only say a huge thank you to those who have not forgotten me and have been checking on my progress (or lack of it) over the past year. It has been a massive morale booster, especially during the desperately low periods. And whatever people may say or think about my employer, they (or more precisely he) has stood by me and not deserted or dumped me. It is this sort of loyalty that separates the wheat from the chaff; a rare commodity these days.
Being told you only have a 25% chance of survival is an almost surreal experience; perversely it made me even more determined to beat this thing. The old cliche "There is always someone worse off" has also been brought into sharp focus. I saw a good number of people pass away over the past year. Some were simply terminal, some gave up and some couldn't withstand the chemo or radio therapy.
Onwards and upwards ! Just a PET scan to make it official, a lot of stodgy, fattening food and some exercise and I'll be back.
NEO