We have a date...

[Lucypuppy]

Just a wee update for those following my husbands journey.

We have a date for the PET scan on Tuesday 5th September and the results the Friday that week too.. He's been provisionally booked in for an endoscopic-ultrasound too just incase he needs it. The nurses organising everything have been great and say if things are booked in advance and we don't need them then it's easier to cancel than trying to get appointments if they aren't booked.

We are both in a more positive place. Just little steps every day talking about things and getting organised. But at least things are moving along and that's all we can ask for just now.

Husband is doing really well, he's managed to put on 4lbs since Friday which is amazing.

We're away for a little break next week which the nurse suggested was a good idea to still go and rest, relax, get some fresh air and continue to build himself up. Its also a change of scene for us both and will ease the anxiety of waiting a little bit.

Thanks for reading guys.. will have more news in 2 weeks, which in the scheme if things isn't all that long. We're also very thankful that the time between husband going to the GP and being diagnosed is a relatively small compared to what I've read others have and most of that time has been waiting for the initial appointments, but we are moving along now. It was only 4 weeks from having the endoscopy to being diagnosed.

Thanks again. This group has been great .

[brucemillar]

Lucy

I wish you both well.

The ultrasonic endoscopy is a very, very, good thing to have done in conjunction with the PET scan(s). My surgeon told me "it's as good as being inside you" for giving a true picture of (1) what is going on (2) How, if required, they can best tackle it.

If your husband is not great with having the endoscopic camera put down his throat (gagging) or is in any way unhappy about the prospect of that? Insist in advance on having 'maximum' sedation for the procedure. Do not wait to "see how you are getting on." Once they start, they do not like stopping , for all the the right reasons. He is unlikely at that point to able to change his mind.

The procedure itself is painless, but it does carry high risk of 'gag reflex' and panic, in people who are simply not good at that kind of thing. By insisting on maximum sedation in advance, you are helping the team who do the procedure and, most importantly, you are ensuring that hubby gets a good couple of hours sleep and no recollection of any procedure or discomfort.

Have a great holiday and do not stress. What will be will be. You are now in the right hands having done all the right things. You can do no more other than what you are already doing.

Bruce

[Lucypuppy in reply to brucemillar]

Thank you Bruce.

Your help and advice has been invaluable to both myself and my husband this past while. Great information about the endoscopic ultrasound too.

We're trying to stay off google and believe it or not the Macmillan forums too. Too much trying to out do one another and worst case scenarios. Not saying it's not a useful place to go for resources etc we've used it for that, but the support forums are not for us.

We're just gonna stay here.. we like it here!

Yes plenty of rest on holiday and mission "get husband fat". So far it's working. I know he shouldn't weigh every day, but he's up another 2 pounds. Another little step in the right direction.

[brucemillar in reply to Lucypuppy]

Lucy

Thank you. Google can be soul destroying at this stage. I used to find it addictive and could not resist a "final" try. I would always immediately regret it. This site is a testament to fact that it is not a death sentence, that there are people who survive and most importantly, lead a normal healthy life after Cancer.

Like you, I like it here. There is a shared bond and understanding that gives out real life experience's be they good or bad.

Enjoy that holiday.

Bruce

[AMLux]

Hi Lucy.

That's great that hubby is gaining weight. I wish that I could. After years of trying to lose weight I now find myself on the other side of the fence!

When I had my endoscopic ultrasound it was done under general anaesthetic. I wasn't given a choice. It was ideal for me because I regularly gag when brushing my teeth.

Wishing you both well.

Anne Marie x