I guess it's about time to make a truly serious post and let everybody know the latest about what's going on. Unfortunately it's not the greatest of news. The extent of the cancer is worse than previously thought and the PET scans have shown presence of cancer cells in my lung and bones.
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| I'll show you mine if you show me yours... |
The PET scan above shows the spread. They have found evidence of lymphoma in my neck, chest and abdomen, plus the lung and bone. This means I have been restaged with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage 4B.
In terms of treatment, this changes nothing except the period of time spent having chemotherapy. I should be starting ABVD chemotherapy on Tuesday. Instead of four months of treatment, I'll be looking at eight months minimum. Bugger.
It shouldn't really make a massive difference to my everyday life compared to what was expected before, however it obviously comes with a slightly worse prognosis. But I won't go there.
Finally, I'd like to quickly thank everybody who has phoned, texted, emailed, Facebooked, sent cards and so on. It's amazing to know I'm so loved. And thanks to you all for letting me reach over 3,500 unique visitors to this blog. Insane. I'll make a new blog entry when there is something to report. Keep checking!
In terms of treatment, this changes nothing except the period of time spent having chemotherapy. I should be starting ABVD chemotherapy on Tuesday. Instead of four months of treatment, I'll be looking at eight months minimum. Bugger.
It shouldn't really make a massive difference to my everyday life compared to what was expected before, however it obviously comes with a slightly worse prognosis. But I won't go there.
Finally, I'd like to quickly thank everybody who has phoned, texted, emailed, Facebooked, sent cards and so on. It's amazing to know I'm so loved. And thanks to you all for letting me reach over 3,500 unique visitors to this blog. Insane. I'll make a new blog entry when there is something to report. Keep checking!
Hi! I’m the 'star' of Livin' With Lymphoma. The blog was founded on the 31st October 2013, on the day I was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's lymphoma. I hope you find it funny and informative.
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check it out mate xxxxxx PK
Hi Joshua
ReplyDeleteWe don't know each other (your parents have a friend who I went to university with, Mich) she contacted me because I had what you have. I don't any more.
I think your blog is brilliant. It made me think about my time with Hodgkins.
When I went to give my sperm someone had cut the heads off all the women in the porn that was left in the room for me. That's messed up. It's all ready hard to get in the mood, you know what I mean. Now I'm just thinking about why anyone would cut all the heads off. And where are they now?
I was diagnosed on my 22nd birthday. The nurses got me a Sara Lee gateau. Which as everyone knows is a shit cake. Cancer and crap chocolate cake.
On my tenth anniversary I exploded a Sara Lee gateau. Here is a video of that. http://alanlaneblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/blog-post-the-result-of-the-cake-explosion/
I don't know how I can be of any help to you, but if I can in any way holler at me at alanATslunglow.org
It's hard fella. But it's doable. Take any opportunity to smile. When it gets really bad pinch a nurses bum, it'll be the only time in your life that no one will get shitty with you about it.
Hang tough, keep writing, smile when you can,
Alan x
Josh, You're blog is soo inspiring, you're such a brave dude! Haven't quite figured out how to 'follow' on blogs yet but I've saved it to my favourites and will check it daily. Really hope the treatment goes well and I will be praying it's successful! All the best, Andy
ReplyDeleteYou write about your experiences beautifully Joshua. I hope the treatment goes really well. x
ReplyDeleteHey Joshua,
ReplyDeleteFirstly - good name, my son is also Joshua. Secondly, I work with your lovely sister and she told me about your blog. I really wish you all the very best, keep smiling, Antje xx
Sister ?
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