We went to the Churchill today, following Jo's MRI scan on Monday. Unfortunately today's news was not good. We were hoping that the complications of the last couple of weeks were a reaction to the radiotherapy, and would improve in time. However, it wasn't to be, and the tumor has grown, despite the radiotherapy. Sadly Jo now has a short time with us. The consultant's best estimate is 2-3 months. Meanwhile they have doubled the steroid medication in the hope of reducing the swelling from the radiotherapy and improving speech and co-ordination.
Obviously, this is devastating news, and we need a bit of time to let it sink in. We will update the blogg weekly.
Bernie
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Sunday 10 May 2009
The last bank holidy was not such a good one for Jo, we had to have the out of hours doctor to her on Saturday, and again on Sunday. The outcome of that was that she was referred to the Churchill again on Wednesday last week, where she saw the consultant. Her symptoms were longer and stronger fits and speech problems and problems with use of the right side of her body.
The consultant considers these rather nasty symptoms were quite normal considering the amount of radiology she has received. Originally they did not expect anything to start improving for a couple of weeks more, however, they agreed to give her another CT scan and thereafter make a decision if the tumour has grown. This should happen next week.
Meanwhile this weekend has been fraut as the symptoms continue to worsen, insomuch as she is unintelligble and she has lost the use of her right hand, coupled with the inability to read or write properly sheer frustration.
Last Thursday she had her first trip to Katharine House Hospice for physio and massage, which she enjoyed.
We are also grateful for volunteers belonging to the Cinnamon Trust who have added to the dog walking rota run by Stephanie.
We are happy with the improvement of the weather which allows Jo to get out in the garden a bit more.
I celebrated my 65th birthday last Tuesday at the hospital, it's one birthday that I want to forget. I was hoping that my dis-allowing my birthday means that I can remain at 64!
Bernie
The consultant considers these rather nasty symptoms were quite normal considering the amount of radiology she has received. Originally they did not expect anything to start improving for a couple of weeks more, however, they agreed to give her another CT scan and thereafter make a decision if the tumour has grown. This should happen next week.
Meanwhile this weekend has been fraut as the symptoms continue to worsen, insomuch as she is unintelligble and she has lost the use of her right hand, coupled with the inability to read or write properly sheer frustration.
Last Thursday she had her first trip to Katharine House Hospice for physio and massage, which she enjoyed.
We are also grateful for volunteers belonging to the Cinnamon Trust who have added to the dog walking rota run by Stephanie.
We are happy with the improvement of the weather which allows Jo to get out in the garden a bit more.
I celebrated my 65th birthday last Tuesday at the hospital, it's one birthday that I want to forget. I was hoping that my dis-allowing my birthday means that I can remain at 64!
Bernie
Sunday 3 May 2009
Sunday 3rd May 2009 Update
Until Thursday, Jo seemed to be making good progress after treatment, which finished 3 weeks ago. However, things have started to go wrong.
She is experiencing fits and her speech has deteriorated in so much that today it is difficult to understand what she is saying. The doctor and MacMillian Nurse saw her on Friday and they are of the opinion that the treatment has not worked and that the tumour continues to grow regardless.
This obviously is not good news, so the GP is going to review her on Tuesday, with the intention of sending her to see the specialist again earlier than 27th May, which was the date the hospital had given her.
I will post a further update on Wednesday.
Bernie
She is experiencing fits and her speech has deteriorated in so much that today it is difficult to understand what she is saying. The doctor and MacMillian Nurse saw her on Friday and they are of the opinion that the treatment has not worked and that the tumour continues to grow regardless.
This obviously is not good news, so the GP is going to review her on Tuesday, with the intention of sending her to see the specialist again earlier than 27th May, which was the date the hospital had given her.
I will post a further update on Wednesday.
Bernie
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