Peter’s Hospital Diary

Just after I published yesterday’s blog, I had a visit from the haematology consultant to say that the results were back from the scan and they showed several lump nodes were lighting up. These are in a band round my abdomen and along the top of my bowel . Just got good measure, there was a little activity in my prostate which may or may not be related, so I’ll have a blood test (PSA) for that.

Not the best of news, but she did go on to say about the new treatments that have been developed in the last 12 years, one of which has only been available for 2 years. These are given in tablet form, but I’d probably be treated initially as an in-patient because the breakdown products from the cells can put a high load on the kidneys. She also said I would have a biopsy to confirm that it is the mantle cell lymphoma.

So this morning was bright and I was nil by mouth for the biopsy (not sure why as it was to be an ultrasound guided procedure) and I waited… and waited until I was told it had been postponed until tomorrow and I could eat and drink.

Fortunately I didn’t because 5 minutes later it was back on so my trusty chariot was wheeled down to ultrasound where the biopsy took place. Not too painful except when the first (outer) needle went in, but I was told to have 4 hours bed rest afterwards.

I’m still a bit sore and getting in and out of bed is tricky as it’s painful lifting my right leg up, but where there’s a will… 🙂

Rachael popped in for an our on her way home from work, and then a quiet evening until a doctor’s visit to say I probably need to have a chest x-ray. I think precautionary as the occupant on one side has pneumonia in one lung, and the other side has something similar. Unhealthy places, hospitals!

I’m still trying to get a 24 hour escape pass so I can go home and pick up some clothes and other bits and pieces for a longer stay. The biopsy will take 3 or 4 days to analyse so I hope that might be an opportunity!

Meanwhile, onwards and upwards!