Here are some FAQ that are more relevant to where i am right now rather than the list i put together at the start:
1. So dude, how you doing!
By the grace of God, i'm doing very well indeed, almost at the end of the chemotherapy. I've hardly suffered at all, had good energy levels, had lots of support and overall feel positive about things. I still have some hair left and can almost see the finishing line.
2. Your treatment is still going on? When is it due to end?
Chemotherapy officially ends on the 25th of December and then i'll have a 3 week break before the radiotherapy starts. That will last 3 weeks too. Hope to finish start of February 2008.
3. Are you better now?
Tough question - as i never felt unwell before really! All i've had to deal with has been the side effects of the chemo drugs. The real question of if the cancer has gone is still to be answered. The lump i had vanished after the first treatment but i will need a PET scan to see if there is still cancer about.
4. How and when will you know if the treatment was successful?
After the chemo finishes i will have a PET scan. This will be what will say if the cancer has gone or not.
5. If the PET scan is clear could the cancer return again?
Sadly yes, relapses or reoccurances can occur. I think i read the chances of it are about 30% - so it happens to 1 in 3 people. PET scans will take place every three months for the first year after treatment at least.
6. Will you be returning to work anytime soon?
I hope that once i am done with the radiotherapy that i'll be ready to go back to work.
7. Any precautions when visiting you?
Once the chemo is complete my immune system should recover to its full levels and i'll be out and about again and no restrictions on visitors regards illnesses etc. That will be just after xmas.
8. Is the radiotherapy given to the whole body or just one area?
The radiotherapy will only be applied to the right armpit. Hopefully this will mean minimal side effects too.
9. Is radiotherapy dangerous? Can it not increases the chances of other cancers?
There is a risk that organs close to where the radiotherapy is applied can develop cancers, yes. As mine will be at the arm pit it would increases the risk of me developing lung cancer at a later date. Having said that my plan is for just 3 weeks of radiotherapy (i've heard others having about 8) so hopefully that is low risk.
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