Thursday, October 24, 2013

My ill health and diagnosis


On September 6 th I collapsed I. Work throwing up blood, I was taken to my doctors where it proved difficult to find my blood pressure at one stage there were three doctors around me trying different equipment, they got a cannula into arm and hooked me up to a saline drip while the ambulance took me to the nearest hospital,  
I had an endoscopy next morning where a bleeding ulcer was injected and biopsies taken. These biopsies proved to be inconclusive. The next few days saw my haemoglobin levels yoyo and I was eventually allowed home. I was weak again on Thursday 12th a d was re admitted on September 13 th, the morning of the 14 th I suffered a seizure when my haemoglobin dropped to 7:9.
I got two blood transfusions the next day and had another scope on Thursday the 20 th, with further biopsies. I had a CT scan that came back normal. My haemoglobin was still like a yoyo going between 9 and 10, I went home on Monday 24 th.  I returned to see my consultant on Friday October 4 th to get my biopsies results, I have stomach cancer, the ulcer is cancerous and has come from the wall of my stomach. My haemoglobin was 8:9 that day and I returned to the hospital for two more blood transfusions the following Sunday. My case has been referred to the top IG surgeon in the country Professir PAul Ridgeway, Senior Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin. I have been told my cancer is treatable and I am young enough and fit enough for it. I have remained positive and strong throughout, knowing I have faced many challenges in my life and I know I can do this. I met my oncology team, and had a port put in. I had a laparoscopy and staging done with a washout. Yesterday I started ECF chemotherapy, the first day of a twenty one day cycle, I am on three doses, two administered at the hospital and one on a pump will pass through over the week.i will get that changed every seven days during the 21 days. I am on lots of anti sickness meds and am likely to lose my hair. I will have three of these 21 day cycles befor surgery and three after. Results of washing came back all negative. I plan to take this one day at a time and would welcome your support. I did some crochet yesterday when I was hooked up to the chemo. I am not sure how much crafting will go on here. I have changed my diet for the last few weeks eating small amounts often, six meals a day, I cut out tea, alcohol, sugars, cakes, crisps, biscuits, dairy, I have not eaten meat for 25 years, I so eat fish, I am enjoying smoothies, raw kale pesto  twice or three times a week, porridge with almond milk, rice pudding and semolina with soya milk and honey, beet root in various ways, fish stew and quorn bolognaise,I had raw wheatgrass shots also and I am drinking lots of water too. 
Big hugs 
Margie ❤️

7 comments:

Thedarkerside73 said...

Margie,

Words fail me, really they do. What an awful time for you and your family. I am sending all my positive hopes and thoughts to you. You have an amazing strength and attitude.

Wishing you lots of love and strength for the journey to come.


P x



my4lilgirls said...

Oh my goodness Margie what a brave lady you are. I only know to say I will be praying every day for you, your recovery & strength & for your family.
God bless you & keep you in everything that's ahead
Lots of love Karen x

Deborah said...

I am heartbroken for your and for your family. You have been on my mind a lot and you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, strength, prayers, and hugs to you, Margie.

X Deborah

Stephanie - My Calico Heart said...

I am so sorry to hear you have been so ill. I am sending lots of healing and positive thoughts your way. Love and hugs to you and your family.

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Dearest Margie...I'm so sad to hear your news...keep strong and hold on to those positive words from your doctors...you are clearly in the best of hands.
Creating some of your beautiful crochet when you feel up to it will definitely help you along the way too..
Sending love to you and your family...you'll be in my thoughts...
Love Susan x

Edel said...

Hugs to you and your positive words, behind you all the way, loving the colours you are using in your new crochet squares.
xx Del

Vee said...

Margie~

I stopped by on your current post to wish you a Merry Christmas and soon realized that you were up against some great challenge. And here I learn what it is. I have been too much a fair weather friend I am afraid. Please know, that I join all those who are cheering you on. I am so pleased that you are already so far through your treatments. I am delighted also to learn of the new baby in the family, but I'll pop in on that post and say so. And I shall pop in on the proper post to wish you a Merry Christmas.