Today I had my “final” review at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge, six weeks since the end of my 6 radiotherapy sessions. I invited son Paul & daughter Mary to join Lavinia and myself, so they would be party to any decisions.
A great session. The consultant answered all my questions in great detail. I confirmed that I have no interest in having a further scan to observe progress, as the only treatment option would be chemo, which I have no interest in as I want to maximise my quality of life in my remaining time. So having made a future phone appointment, I will have no further need to travel to Addenbrooke’s again.
The consultant generously offered to show my last MRI scans to Paul & Mary, explaining in some detail how my glioblastoma multiforme extends between the two main tumour focii. To my surprise, she revealed two pockets of air, created when both focii were biopsied.
I was so delighted with the quality of answers that I blurted out: “Brilliant!”, at which point Mary laughed and said “Only my Dad would consider his current situation to be “brilliant”. This caused hysterical laughter which almost let me to tears, a hilariously funny moment. I think the clarity of my situation is what helps.
After a quick check on my blood sugar, Paul drove us all home. Lavinia’s son and girlfriend arrived back from a week’s holiday, so we had quite a family gathering, followed by a delicious Takeaway.
Love your new hat Rich! …and
I get your ‘brilliant’, I let out something similar when I finally got sarcoidosis diagnosed… it is much better to know than not, and I love getting some understanding of WTF is going on.
I think of you often every day, I hope you are having the time of your life for the rest of your life. I miss you, and send love as do Linda and Adam
Love
Jonathan
Richard,
Late to this, a linked in search for someone completely unrelated to you, linked me on to you and from there I arrived at your blog to read of your predicament. All the very best Richard, have mentioned before the importance I place on my time at STL in the early 80s and the influence you and all the guys there had on me, sad to see time catching up with us all.
all very best wishes
Phil Gardener