NUCLEAR - KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST

NUCLEAR - KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST

Department

of

Nuclear Medicine

Information about your visit for a kidney function test

This leaflet provides information about your kidney function test. It explains what this is and how it is performed. It also answers some of the most common questions people ask about this test. If any of the information is not clear or if you have questions not answered by this leaflet, then please ring the Department of Nuclear Medicine on 029 2031 6237.

Your doctor has asked us to perform a kidney function (or EDTA) test. This is a test in which a small amount of radioactivity is used to tell the doctor how well your kidneys are working.

What is involved?
The radioactivity is a small quantity of liquid injected into a vein in your arm. You will then have a small blood sample taken at two, three and four hours after the injection.

Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Between the injection and the blood samples you are free to leave the department and the hospital if you wish.

Will I have to undress?
You will not need to undress although it is easier to give you the injection and take the blood samples if you wear a top with loose fitting sleeves.

Do I need to prepare for the test?
No, you can eat and drink as normal.

Do I need to stop taking my other tablets and medication?
There is usually no need to stop taking your tablets or other medication. If there is, we will tell you in your appointment letter.



Will it hurt?
Only the needle ‘pinprick’ might hurt a little. You should not feel any after effects from the test. It will not make you sleepy and will not stop you from driving a car.

Is the radioactivity dangerous?
No. The amount of radiation you receive is very small (less than you would get from an X-ray examination).

Do I need to do anything after the test?
You can eat, drink and go where you wish.

What happens to the results of the test?
The information we get from the blood samples is sent to the doctor who sent you to the Nuclear Medicine department.

Is there anything I should tell the staff before the test?
Yes. Please tell us before you have your injection if you:

• are taking any diuretic (‘water’) tablets
• are, or think you may be, pregnant
• are breast feeding

We hope you have found this leaflet helpful. If you have any questions or want further information, please phone the Department of Nuclear Medicine on 029 2031 6237.

Velindre Cancer Centre
Velindre Road,
Whitchurch,
Cardiff,
CF14 2TL

This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
To view the original leaflet CLICK HERE

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

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Gemcitabine and Carboplatin Chemotherapy - Leaflet!

Gemcitabine and Carboplatin Chemotherapy - Leaflet!

291 and 322

Information leaflet on gemcitabine
and carboplatin chemotherapy

This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called gemcitabine and carboplatin. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on this chemotherapy are given at the end of the leaflet.

This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet. If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for a copy.


What is gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy?
This is a chemotherapy treatment which consists of two drugs which are given in a drip:

• Gemcitabine
• Carboplatin


Why am I having gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy?
Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.

How often will I receive my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective it is given at specific time intervals. These intervals are known as cycles. It is usual to have a cycle of carboplatin and gemcitabine every four weeks for up to six cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you the exact number of cycles you will receive.

In each cycle you will receive chemotherapy twice, these are known as day 1 and day 8 treatments. The gemcitabine is given on both day 1 and day 8. Carboplatin is given on either day 1 or day 8. Your doctor or nurse will explain this in more detail.


How often will I have to visit the hospital?
Your chemotherapy treatment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. You will usually need to visit the hospital three times in every four week cycle:

Clinic appointment – at this outpatient clinic appointment you will have a blood test and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed. This appointment is usually a few days before your chemotherapy appointment.

If you live far away your chemotherapy may be arranged for the same day as your clinic appointment. There is always a delay between seeing the doctor and being given your chemotherapy. If your chemotherapy is on the same day as your clinic appointment you should expect to be in the hospital for between four and six hours.

Day 1 chemotherapy appointment – you will spend up to 1½ hours in one of the day case treatment areas. Please allow 30 minutes longer for your first visit. We will give you anti sickness medicine and your chemotherapy.

Day 8 chemotherapy appointment - You will need to allow 2 - 3 hours for this visit. You will have a blood sample taken. The result will be checked before pharmacy can make your chemotherapy. We will give you anti sickness medication and your chemotherapy.

You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited in the waiting areas and treatment room so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children



How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into one of the large veins in your upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you.

We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines. Please ask your nurse for a copy.


What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctor, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.

Hair loss
You should not lose your hair with this chemotherapy. However, a small number of people experience some hair thinning. We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.

Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.

Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment. Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.

Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is not common with this chemotherapy. However, if you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.

Tiredness and fatigue
Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.

Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.

Flu like symptoms
Approximately 20% of patients may experience flu like symptoms in the first 48 hours following gemcitabine treatment. This is usually mild and short lived. Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aching, headaches and tiredness. If your temperature is above 37.5oC please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is on page 7 of this leaflet.

Skin changes
Gemcitabine may cause an itchy rash in some patients. Medication is available to treat this so please tell your doctor or nurse if this occurs.

You may also notice some swelling of your ankles. This is usually mild and will stop when your treatment is completed.


Allergic type reaction
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to carboplatin. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your carboplatin. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Other side effects
Some patients experience some discomfort along the vein when gemcitabine is being given as a drip. This problem may occur more frequently as you have more treatments. Having a PICC line inserted will prevent this problem from occurring. If you would like more information please speak to your nurse or doctor.

Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment can affect their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.

It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby.


Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Copies of drug manufacturer’s patient information leaflets are available from the Velindre Pharmacy, or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk These leaflets provide detailed information about individual drugs. They are not given out routinely as they do not usually provide information on combinations of drugs, and can be difficult to read. Please ask if you would like a copy.

Contact telephone numbers

Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home and need immediate attention at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
• Are sick more than once in 24 hours
• Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above
• Have diarrhoea


Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm for queries about your medicines


Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30 for general queries on cancer



This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. The leaflet has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated annually.


Prepared September 2004
Reviewed September 2009

For the original posting CLICK HERE

For leaflets on other Chemotherapy leaflets CLICK HERE

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

. If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order. . Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help. . YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way. .

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

Related articles

• Dry Skin and Chemotherapy (everydayhealth.com)
• A Second Helping of Chemo (everydayhealth.com)
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BONE SCAN - NUCLEAR

BONE SCAN - NUCLEAR

Department of Nuclear Medicine

Information about your radioisotope scan

This leaflet provides information about your radioisotope scan. It explains what this is and how it is performed. It also answers some of the most common questions people ask about this test. If any of the information is not clear or if you have questions not answered by this leaflet, then please ring the Department of Nuclear Medicine on 02920 316237.


Your doctor has asked us to do a radioisotope ‘scan’. This is a test which uses a small amount of radioactivity to produce pictures of bones, organs and other parts of the body.

What is involved?
Usually a small quantity of radioactive liquid is injected into a vein in your arm. However, for thyroid tests the radioactivity may be given as a capsule or a small drink. For lung scans we may ask you to breathe in an aerosol, which does not make you feel ill.

You will have a wait whilst the radioactivity travels to the part of your body that is being scanned. We then take pictures using a Gamma Camera.

How long will I have to wait?
The waiting time depends on the test. It will vary between 5 minutes and 72 hours. This time will be clearly written on your appointment letter.

Do I have to wait in the hospital?
You will be free to leave the department but we may ask you to drink more than usual before the pictures are taken.

How are the pictures taken?
We will ask you to lie on a bed (or possibly sit in a chair) whilst the pictures are taken using a Gamma Camera. It usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to take the pictures. There may be a short delay whilst the pictures are shown to a doctor to see if any further tests are needed during your visit. You are then free to leave the department.

Will I have to undress?
No, but you may need to remove metal items, such as belt buckles, money, keys or jewellery. It is easier to give you the injection if you wear a top with loose fitting sleeves.

Do I need to prepare for the test?
Your appointment letter will tell you if you need to do anything special before your test (for example, stop eating or drinking). You can usually eat and drink as normal between the injection and pictures.


Do I need to stop taking my medication?
For most tests there is no need to stop taking your medication. If there is, we will tell you in your appointment letter.

Will it hurt?
Only the needle pin-prick might hurt a little. You will not feel any after effects from the test. It will not make you sleepy and will not stop you driving your car.

Is the radioactivity dangerous?
No. The amount of radiation you receive for most Nuclear Medicine tests is at most double that which you get every year from natural background radiation.

Do I need to do anything after the test?
Usually you can eat and drink as normal and go where you wish. We may ask you to drink more than usual to help clear the radioactivity from your body. During the test we may give you some medication called a diuretic. This will make you want to pass water more often.

We may ask you to avoid long spells of close contact with children and pregnant women for the rest of the day or for several days. This will depend on the test and the amount of radioactivity you have had. This will stop them receiving any unnecessary radiation.

Who will give me the result of my test?
Your consultant, or someone who works in his/her team, will give you the results of the test. The Nuclear Medicine Department staff will not be able to give you the results of the test.

Is there anything I should tell you before the test?
Yes. Please tell us before you have your injection if you:
• are, or think you may be, pregnant
• are breast-feeding.

Velindre Cancer Centre
Velindre Road,
Whitchurch,
Cardiff,
CF14 2TL

This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.

To view the original of this leaflet CLICK HERE

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar.

You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

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06-Apr-2011 - I've SEEN Dr. LESTER (Specialist) & HAVE THE VERDICT!

06-Apr-2011 - I've SEEN Dr. LESTER (Specialist) & HAVE THE VERDICT!

Hi,

with some trepidation Lee and I set out with enough time to be there at about 11:45hrs. for a mid day appointment with Dr. Jason Lester, who is to be my new consultant I gather.

Dr. Jason Lester is a specialist Oncologist on the staff at Velindra - the specialist cancer facility in Cardiff.

As ever not a scrap of parking so now we are running 'tight' but I know a back street off of the Permit Parking Zone but in my haste modified the side sill of the car on a near invisible wall on the left below my line of sight - annoying but it is only tin!

Just made it in time to find Dr. Lester was running 15 minutes late!

In we go and Janet and I think Dr. Button also there and met Dr. Lester.

Much more relaxed in manner and easy to chat with - assured me he would tell it like it is etc.

He made a point of including Lee and making sure we understood details etc.

Well it is 'somewhat' better news as it is confirmed they could not find trace of cancer in the bones anywhere - it seems the area on my right thoracic spine is still not making sense but is not cancer - an old trauma of some sort? Lester seems certain it is completely unrelated to the cancer, which is a relief.

So the aim is chemotherapy with a possible follow on of Radiotherapy.

Best case scenario is that this shrinks and destroys the cancer and buys time - with no reason against it buying years but in the realisation that chemotherapy as the art is now rarely has a good outcome a second time!

Worst case scenario is that chemo plain doesn't work and then I have less than 6 months so lets hope it works for me ;-)

There is no doubt that cancer concentrates the mind and it is astonishing to think that there are currently around 2 Million people in the UK with cancer at the moment!

The plan of action is that first he needs to know accurately, how efficient my remaining kidney is, this will be done at Velindra within 2 weeks in their nuclear medicine facility.

On the outcome of this he will ajust the dosage of chemo accordingly: I need X amount of chemo for Y hours in the blood stream so if my kidney is tacking toxin out fast I will need a larger dose and vica versa.

The chemo I am to have is Gemcitabine and Carboplatin administered in a drip. The dose and mix is varied but is administered once a week 7 days apart and takes about 1.1/2hrs. the first time and around 45 mins. subsequently and a cycle is two weeks being dosed and one week off.

The aim is to start out with 6 cycles with CT scans to see the progress when Dr. Lester deems apposite.

He is fairly upbeat as I am clearly not one to quit after keeping 'The Bastard' at bay for 13 years now and he liked the way I was facing it!! He also felt I had general health on my side but obviously stated there are no guarantees.

That said Lee and I are far more relaxed about it than we have been for a while.

Frankly if The Royal Gwent managers weren't on a bloody silly ego trip weenie waggling about being 'clever dick' Welsh this conversation could have been in mid January but the incompetence of over manning and over managing in the NHS means they have been much too busy making fools of themselves with new names, uniforms and livery for their tiny corner of the NHS to pay attention to the health of patients!

There is a mismatch in supply of radiography and nuclear medicine facilities that would have saved more lives with better funding and better management rather than the management showing their insecurity and inadequacy by wasting time and money on fashion and frippery.

There is every reason to believe that if the Hospital management had been doing their job competently I would have had the result of my biopsy from the op on New Years Eve and the relevant CT scan so that I could have had the tumour on the uretic stub removed with a coin/cuff around it and the bladder resealed by mid January without ANY spread to the lymph glands.

What the clowns in management don't seem to get their head round is that whilst they make the Trust and the idiots in The National Ass for Wales look good with silly new names and uniforms they have potentially cost a small fortune in treatment that they need not have spent and have had more to invest in health and well being of patients - who cares what they call their trust or what livery they waste money on.

Surely it is a NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE - not some foolish parochial Welsh life style and fashion industry!!

Mental midgets at the levers of power will eventually destroy the health service as they have so much else in Britain!

 Please Be Sure To
 ..

To Spread The Facts World Wide 
To Give Others HOPE

I Have Been Fighting Cancer since 1997 & I'M STILL HERE!

I Have Cancer, Cancer Does NOT Have Me

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar.

You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help. . YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com  
TWITTER: Greg_LW  
Health/Cancer Blog: http://GregLW.blogspot.com  

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• Blood Test Holds Hope for Spotting Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers (cherished79.wordpress.com)
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6-Apr-2011 - NHS Modernisation - The Boy King - Dave's Speech!

6-Apr-2011 - NHS Modernisation - The Boy King - Dave's Speech!

Wednesday 6 April 2011

PM’s speech on NHS Reform

The Government has today launched a “listening exercise” to hear the public’s views on NHS modernisation.

Read the transcript:

[Check against delivery]
We’re here today to talk about the NHS and its future.
What our reforms mean, why we’re doing them and how we want to involve NHS professionals in making them work.
Before we get into the detail I want to say this.
I believe passionately in the NHS.
And for me – I make no apologies about this – this is a very personal thing.
I know what it is to rely on our health service, to put the people you love in the hands of our brilliant doctors and nurses, to arrive at a hospital in the middle of the night and know there will be people there to help.
We all know why the NHS is our most precious national asset.
It’s because in this country we don’t take our credit cards along to A & E.
We don’t have the poorest dying of treatable diseases because they can’t afford medical insurance.
No. We have an institution – a precious idea – that says we are in this together.
So let me say this again: I am in politics not to take risks with the NHS, not to threaten the NHS, but to safeguard and improve the NHS.
Now to some people this might beg a question: if you love the NHS so much, why are you so determined to change it?
There are two big reasons why we need change.
The first is about how the NHS is doing today.
We enjoy healthcare in Britain that is the envy of billions around the world.
But if our NHS was performing at truly world-class levels, we could save literally hundreds more lives every week.
It’s estimated we would save an extra 5000 lives from cancer every year.
An extra 2000 lives from respiratory disease every year.
These facts alone compel us to modernise and improve our NHS.
And the second reason we need change is not about what’s happening today but what’s coming up tomorrow.
Every hour more than 25,000 people walk through the doors of a surgery or hospital to get treated and with our population ageing, those numbers are set to rise dramatically.
Already the cost of advances in treatments and medicines alone put around £600 million of extra funding pressure on the NHS every year – and those costs are set to rise too.
Taken together these pressures threaten a squeeze on NHS resources down the line.
So if we want to keep a health service that is truly free at the point of use, not just this year and next year but in the decades to come, then we have got to make the NHS more effective.
Pumping in a bit more money and sticking with the status quo just isn’t going to cut it.
So no change is not an option and this coalition has set out what we believe the change should be.
Shifting money from the back-room to the frontline.
Passing decision-making power from bureaucrats to doctors and nurses.
Giving patients more choice over where they get treated.
And already these changes are having a positive effect.
In under a year the number of managers in the NHS has fallen by 3000.
The number of doctors has increased by 2500.
Thousands of people are able to access life-saving drugs thanks to a new cancer drugs fund.
So we are making progress.
But we also recognise that there are some big questions about what we’re doing.
Doctors and nurses are asking what our plans will mean for them.
We hear that – and we want to work with you, not against you.
Now that the Health and Social Care Bill has passed through committee stage in the House of Commons, we’ve got a natural break before this legislation reaches its final stages in Parliament.
We’re taking this time to pause, listen, reflect on and improve our NHS modernisation plans.
Let me be clear: this is a genuine chance to make a difference.
Where there are good suggestions to improve the legislation, those changes will be made.
But let me be equally clear: the status quo is not OK.
Modernisation is not just a good idea to save money and build a better health service it is essential to a strong future for the NHS.
I believe passionately in the changes we have set out – but I also know we need the people who work in our NHS to get on board.
We will listen and make any necessary changes.
So this is my message to you today: let’s work together for a stronger NHS.

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar.
You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

Related articles

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• Full transcript | David Cameron | Speech on NHS reform| 6 April 2011. (newstatesman.com)
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• Fury at plans to hand over three hospitals - including birthplace of the NHS - to private sector (mirror.co.uk)
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• NHS reform timetable could slip, David Cameron says (telegraph.co.uk)
• Modernising NHS vital, says David Cameron (independent.co.uk)
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• David Cameron promises changes to NHS reform plans (mirror.co.uk)
• Cameron: NHS modernisation is vital (mirror.co.uk)

We Spent Some Time Together In The 1970s & She Saw My Blog ;-)

We Spent Some Time Together In The 1970s & She Saw My Blog ;-)

Like so many old friends around the world our shared memories are mutually good!

What if there isn't "anymore"?

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore".

No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say “good-bye”, say "I love you."


So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage.....And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.


Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce, etc. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.


Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!


I received this from someone who thought I was a 'friend'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "friends" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?


Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow:


I LOVE YA friend!!!


Live today because tomorrow is not promised.

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way. .

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

06-Apr-2011 - I'm Seeing The Specialist Later!!

06-Apr-2011 - I'm Seeing The Specialist Later!!

Hi,

Oh damn!

After a truelly rotten night last night counting bones ;-( I found an awful lot that ached and must therefore be riddled with cancer!!!

Now here I am again trying to pretend tomorrow isn't coming - it is almost 4am. I really must go to bed - pretending tomorrow will never come just doesn't seem to alter the alarm clock!!

Keep you fingers crossed and lets hope the bad news isn't too scarey!

Regards,
Greg_L-W.

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

. If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order. . Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help. . YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way. .

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

04-Apr-2011 07:15hrs. I SUPPOSE I'D BETTER FACE IT ALL! BONE SCAN

04-Apr-2011 07:15hrs. I SUPPOSE I'D BETTER FACE IT ALL! BONE SCAN

Hi,

To view The Scan Images CLICK HERE

having eventually gone to sleep last night (well actually this morning) I had the alarm set for 07:15hrs. so that I would have time to get up have a shower and leave at 08:00hrs. although it is only half an hour to Newport I had no idea what so called rush hour would be like and I had to find parking so not wanting to be late the day started early for me.

Lee had slept in the spare bedroom partly because I have become a VERY restless sleeper and I didn't want to wake her leaving but she was up making me coffee when I stumbled out of bed at 07:30hrs.

Lee is being very stoic but it is not possible to hide her fear - understandably, she has known me since 1974 or 5 and we have been together now for 26 years for more hours of the day than most as we have worked together all of that time.

Anyway of I go and as for rush hour in Newport one wonders if ANYONE works as the traffic was light and the main bus queues were school children off to school - The industries of Newport are long cone, the tool makers, the steel works, the coal industry and the docks to be replaced by a raft of useless bureaucrats and a collection of naff lumps of tortured iron work trying to be passed off as art!

Newport is a truly horid town with nothing going for it and it has been said that if Britain was to be given an ennema the tube would be put in Newport - but clearly that was said by someone who hasn't been to either Bettws and it is Cardiff Bay that produces the largest output of noxious flatulence!!

0840hrs. in the hospital on the Urology unit saw Steph picked up a slip for bloods from Janet and off on the trek to Phlebotomy - in and done by 09:30hrs. and off to find Nuclear Medicine on floor 3.

Arrived early for the appointment and apparently my dosage has to sit and lose strength for about 15 minutes so I went for a coffee. Back spot on just as a yound woman about 37/8 emerges with her Mother and having had a Nuclear treatment is told to be back in two hours - I reminded her that although it was Newport she must be sure not to get pregnant in those two hours as it said on all the forms stay away from pregnant women and babies (My Pleasure!!).

Oh well they laughed and it broke the gloom and trepidation in the waiting room!! (It transpired later that the poor woman has had Crohn's Disease for 18 years steadily getting worse!)

Straight in and a tiny needle in the right arm this time fill with blood and then evacuate into my arm!

I gather this is Tritium and Phosphate or some such (as I recal Tritium is an isotope of water!! I presume the phosphate is to make it 'stick') - I am now sent off for 3 hours to let this permeate my bone structure where I gather it will show up hot spots!!

For a Hospital the main canteen is quite pleasant and airey so whilst I read the papers and drank my required two pints of fluid - I pondered why everyone is so horrified at the idea of reorganising The NHS.

Perhaps someone can tell me why in an NHS canteen there are so many junk tinned and bottled fizzy drinks, water in plastic sterate bottles, fatty food, fried and or with batter!

This leads to the obvious outcome - I can think of nowher I could go with an edless succession of grossly over weight people and the patients are, many of them, even fatter!

13:00hrs. and I'm well cooked and ready for the Rotisserie!

A Machine Very Similar To This!


On the bed ready to roll - well NOT really, the machine which had a new control part fitted on Thursday is now on the blink!

Back into the waiting room whilst they hit the machine with a bigger hammer and some choice 'word', after a reboot or two its off again!

The 3 huge 'cameras?' swing into position and the one above me starts to pulse up and down with my breathing 2" from my nose and then it starts and for 25 minutes I slowly emerge leaving a trail on the VDU!!

Another wait whilst the Radiographer has a look at the scan and then off to X Ray as there is an area seemingly ajoining the spine mid rib cage right hand side that they are not happy about.

NOT HAPPY!! You can guess how 'Happy' I am!!

So it is onto the big overhead XRay machine and half a dozen plates from strange angles!

I have this nasty feeling they are hunting for a soft tissue image of a possible tumour on, in or by the spine!

Sadly it is above everyones' pay grade to count me in on the Easter Egg Hunt!

I guess it is good for their figures, as if they can make you wait they have every chance the stress will give you a coronary and you die on someone else's statistical sheets!

Oh well all will be revealed on Wednesday and Janet has me in for an appointment with Doctor Lester at 12:00hrs.

I dropped the car off with Derek on the way home and he ran me home as he is going to put the car through MOT between my appointments and ensure it is reliable and won't let Lee or I down for appointments or when we need it. The last thing we need is car hastles at the moment!

My thanks to Derek - we have a small number of very reliable friends and it has been quite humbling that so many UKIP branch chairmen, members and etc (to prevent embarrassment) have written, eMailed and phoned to wish me well and beg me not to quit keeping them informed as I am the only source (with Junius) of honest information they trust, with a proven track record, that informs them about their own Party!

Well we can't let a bit of tedious cancer get in the way of the flow of news in defence of these United Kingdoms can we!

Thanks for your support it is hugely valued as is that of the many other friends who have contacted me.

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar.

You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

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• Prostate Cancer Gone or Just Hiding? (everydayhealth.com)

04-Apr-2011 - 01:30hrs.!! I KNOW, I KNOW!

04-Apr-2011 - 01:30hrs.!! I KNOW, I KNOW!

Hi,

I know but please have the good grace to turn a blind eye to my cowardice!

I know that not going to bed will NOT make tomorrow go away!

I also know that whatever tomorrow brings will only be a step closer to KNOWING the facts.

It is so very easy to intellectualise but - OK I'm Off!!

Thanks for the messages of support particularly those that have come in today!

Good Night ;-)

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!

.
If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar. You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way.

PS. UPDATE: I eventually got to bed at 02:40hrs. - I know 'idiot'!
.

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com

03-Apr-2011 - Tomorrow Is just daunting!

03-Apr-2011 - Tomorrow Is just daunting!

Hi,

I have to be at The Royal Gwent Hospital at 09:00hrs. in the morning - for me that time of day is quite daunting enough!

That means leaving the house for a 1/4mile walk to where my car has to be parked, due to idiotic planning by MBC. So to be sure to be on time I need to leave at about 08:00hrs. so up at about 07:15hrs.


I guess as the treatment 'beats me about' I'd better get one of those Blue Badges just in case I plain can't cope with a walk that far!

Yeah I know that is making a fuss about something all sorts of people do as a natural every day but may I remind them they haven't had this bastard disease for 13 years! My sleep patterns are crazy!

So find somewhere to park at The Royal Gwent and pick up a form from whoever is on duty on The Urology Unit and set out on the trek to Phlebotomy for them to take at least half an arm full of bloods - before we go any further My Consultant wants to know every detail he can, which is reassuring.

Then for the trek to Nuclear Medicine where I am due at 10:00hrs. to WILLINGLY!!!! be injected with a Radioactive Isatope (as if the Japanese folly isn't delivering enough already! - Well the probably will soon!).

I then have to find something to do for about 4 hours until I glow from every bone!

Then back to be scanned for a full skeletal scan - I'm told there are no side effects from the drug/injection but I must say if I am to keep away from Pregnant Women and small children (easy as it tends to be a habit on my part!!) I just have this feeling that if it MIGHT harm third parties then it can't be doing me much good!

Interestingly, as Lee will confirm, I am finding it increasingly difficult to actually DO anything or make decisions - which at a time like this is so very selfish of me but I am increasingly focusing on beating this vile disease. Perhaps it will be a bit more rational after Wednesday when I get the results and we 'Make a Plan' for treatments and what that might entail.

~~~~~~~~~~#########~~~~~~~~~~

I just want to say sorry for copping out at times and leaving Lee and friends to cope!

Any help and support YOU can give her will be hugely welcome.

I do make a lousy patient!
~~~~~~~~~~#########~~~~~~~~~~

. If YOU want to follow my fight against Cancer from when it started and I first presented with symptoms see The TAB just below the Header of this Blog. called >DIARY of Cancer< just click and it will give you a long list of the main events in chronological order.
.
Thoughts and comments will be in chronological order in the main blog and can be tracked in the >ARCHIVE< in the Right Sidebar.

You may find the TABS >MEDICAL LINKS< and also >CANCER LINKS< of help.
.
YOU are welcome to call me if you believe I can help in ANY way. .

Posted by: Greg Lance-Watkins

tel: 01291 - 62 65 62

of: Greg_L-W@BTconnect.com

on: http://GregLanceWatkins.Blogspot.com