The 'R' word

So yesterday I (finally) had my first appointment since finishing treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) with the haematologist...

He's very pleased with how treatment went, he searched and poked for any bumps around my body and could feel none, asked about side effects from treatment and how I am, had bloods taken, and all that general doctor stuff.

I had assumed (probably from ya know, television, as even still, that's where most my cancer experiences and ideas have came from!) that as it's the end of treatment he'd wana book me in for another PET scan as I had had a mid-way PET scan (after chemotherapy finished/ before I started radiotherapy). But this isn't the case. He explained that while every doctor is different, he doesn't see the need for having a PET scan so soon. His reasons include:

Mid-way PET scan, exercise and other shenanigans

Sorry to my followers that I haven't been on here in a while -all is still good in case yous thought I was too ill to type :) Have just been trying to enjoy my time off college and work (have decided to defer); although still feel a bit like a useless bum!

So, the latest cancer news: Had my mid way PET scan last week and received results today from the haematologist.... everything is on track, the cancer is reducing and he said he's happy with the results/ it's what he'd expect at this stage. So, brilliant stuffs! I wasn't very worried anyway -I know from the online groups I joined, that even if the cancer had spread, Hodgkin's lymphoma is still very treatable and can just sometimes take longer than expected. But this is great news altogether! Continuing with the plan of 4 cycles of chemo, then radiation. Still to have a meeting about the latter and find out how much. I'm now on my third cycle of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy side effects: Still doing relatively well with the whole side effects -have been very much so blessed in that way. Previous hip/ leg/ back pain, spasms and stiffness are still actually benefiting from the chemo drugs and have yet to go through a 'bad phase' since starting my treatment.... I'm going to be such a bitch when I finish and the pain comes back, har!
The dry rash on my hands has now progressed to swelling, mainly around the nails, and is causing some pain and numbness. This is apparently due to the drug that burns the hell outa me.

PICC insertion: The haematologist has said that I really should get a PICC line inserted because of this, and my general shit veins, so he's booking an appointment. For those that don't know, the PICC line is a semi-permanent tube inserted into the vein in my arm and up my chest, which will allow for a much handier drugs treatment as they won't have to poke the feck

Radioactive Kitty

Just a quick post to show a funny picture that my mate Tasha edited.

Back story to it: When I was going for my first PET, myself and friends found it quite amusing that I would be technically radioactive for 6 hours after it because of the dye they inject into you -was as bit scary getting it done; scarier than my first chemo session, actually. Everyone kept asking me, the nurses included, if I was nervous when I went to the first chemotherapy appointment. Wasn't at all... why would I be? It's to KILL the cancer! -I was simply excited! :)

Aaaanyways, back to the PET: I was even advised to not be around kids and pregnant women for the few hours after it. In her usual humorous spirit, Tasha did this and posted it on Facebook, and I looove it! (as you can imagine, Simon was less impressed with the photo of him that she choose for it, hahaha!). Oh and if you like it too, have a looky at Tasha's Facebook page, Tasha's Paintings, and give her a 'like':