Day 42

We had a long chat with the Oncologist today. Unlike last time the Hospital was fairly quiet. The blood test is done as a priority where you are due to see a specialist. That system went well.

Our appointment was for 1120. We showed up 10 minutes before that time and it did seem quiet. We were ushered straight into see Dr. Cave. We had what I can only describe as a very friendly meeting. The good Doctor admitted that if I could detect no easing in my ability to swallow that probably meant the tumour thus far has not shrunk. She did make clear that if I genuinely felt a third session was not what I wanted she wouldn't insist on it. Indeed she actually offered to see if the operation could be brought forward.

Dr. Cave then looked on the bright side and said that if my swallowing difficulties were no worse than before the chemo started that meant the tumour hadn't grown. She also mentioned that the chemo could still have a good effect as far as the lymph nodes were concerned. In any case all would be revealed when I have the CT Scan which is booked for 22 June.

I indicated that though I had had some doubts(as aired on here) I was prepared to go through with the third bout. At the back of my mind was the thought that if an operation proved impossible and I hadn't completed the course I would probably never forgive myself. We agreed a timetable as follows

22 June Have scan.

29 June Scan results available to Consultants in Southampton

01 July Results to be discussed by Oncology Team in Southampton and decision taken on whether operation can proceed

02 or o3 July Joya to discuss with us results and Southampton's recommended solutions.

14 Sept Appointment to see Dr. Cave one month after operation

Back to the needles and pills(almost cue for a song) tomorrow