Day 85

Well then.. what news do I have to tell you today.. let me see. How does the chemo is working grab you??!!! Saw the oncall oncologist this morning and initally he didn't have the MRI results which he was very disappointed about (as was I) but he let me see my tumour marker graph. When cancer cells grow they put out a chemical which they measure in my blood tests. In April that was 9.7, in August it had increased to 17.4 which indicated there was cancerous growth. When I started chemo it rocketed to over 60 - now this is normal, the cells kick out more chemical in defence. But my last marker before round 5 of chemo which I had today was 19!! That puts me back under normal parameters. In addition to this, my liver function has been normal all the way through - my liver has never known it's been under attack which is incredible. I then had my chemo and it was a nightmare getting the cannula in - 6 attempts. My arms are black and blue tonight. They have said that if I need to have more intravenous treatment such as the Herceptin they are going to put a permanent line into me under my skin so I don't have to keep being cannulated. It wasn't too bad today, just fed up with being a pin cushion - the nurse laughed and said I shouldn't have a bath in case I leaked! Anyway, I was sat there having my chemo and the oncologist came and found me - he had called the MRI department and they had told him there was definite improvement! I still haven't wiped the grin off my face. You have no idea how I am feeling, such a massive weight off me. I knew I was winning as I have been feeling better but to have it in black and white is fantastic. My phone was hot all this afternoon and to all of you who have been supporting me through this - thank you. You will never know how much you have given me. I can now start to live again, to plan things and isn't it just the best Christmas present ever!! I feel like me again. I was also chatting to another patient yesterday and he told me about his sister who had cancer 17 years ago and is still with them. I needed to hear that. Thanks friends. Love you all.