In true London bus fashion, we’ll do another update even though
John posted the latest news last week.
My last blog was after our oncologist appointment in
December, which left us feeling rather deflated (see Dec 18 post). I don’t know why, but we haven’t been quite
so anxious in the preceding few days before this appointment. Maybe because John is still feeling well, and
we have accepted that the PSA will have reached a level to warrant a change in
treatment. Who knows? We set off this morning in glorious warm
sunshine, with the temperature showing 17˚C – bizarre for February. The usual checks were carried out by the
trial nurse; blood pressure – normal; weight – 2kg lighter than three months
ago (marvellous result – happy with that); waist measurement – no change. The long questionnaire which is used to
evaluate the trial drugs was completed with truthful, positive responses for
how John is feeling. We went through to
see the oncologist on time. We almost
dread being told what the PSA level is, and as John said last week, we were
expecting it to have risen to around four.
Today’s result: 2.87 – 0.03 LOWER
than 3 months ago. 0.03 is indeed a
very small, and some may say insignificant number, but it IS significant in
that it’s a decrease, which was not expected.
We had to ask for confirmation in case we had mis-heard the result. The consultant seemed suitably impressed too,
and explained that it’s quite unusual to see a lower number at this stage, so
we should indeed be very pleased. We
have to accept that the level will most likely rise in 3 months, but in the
meantime we will revel in the delight that a reduction of 0.03 brings!
In contrast to the last appointment where we felt very
rushed, we were able to ask questions today, such as: when a new treatment is
introduced are we likely to see a drop in the PSA level [there’s no telling
really – if it does bring the level down – hurrah!]; is another round of chemo
possible when the PSA starts to rise more sharply [yes, it won’t be ruled
out].
John will continue on the Metformin trial and have another
blood test in 3 months, and depending on the results may not need to see the
consultant until 3 months after that (ie go to 6 monthly appointments with
monitoring blood tests every 3 months).
Next week he has a 24 hour ECG monitoring to check for a possible
irregular heartbeat, but we’re not getting unduly concerned about that.
So we are pleased to confirm that after a ropey appointment
in December, normal service was resumed today, and we certainly left the McMillan
unit with a spring in our step.
We’ve celebrated by ordering a pink velvet Chesterfield
sofa, and will be partaking in a small G&T on a school night – has to be
done!
Happy days.
