2 July 2018 - Cancer Centre, Old QE Hospital

Deb having coffee at the Oasis Beach cafe, Weymouth, June 2018

On 21 June, Deb had another MRI scan (her 46th) to monitor what was happening with the tumour. The results of this scan were important as Deb has now completed two cycles of chemo and the scan would measure the effectiveness of the PCV chemotherapy regime. The visit today to the Cancer Centre was to get the results of this scan and also for Deb to have more blood tests before starting her 3rd cycle of chemo.

We saw Dr Allos, a doctor we have not seen before and briefly Dr Sanghera. We discussed how Deb had been during the last cycle of chemo. Her problems included severe constipation (this time they have given Deb some powerful laxatives to combat this), the deterioration in her balance and walking and her general muscle weakness.

We also discussed the scan. The radiologists report indicated that there had been some tumour growth. However Dr Sanghera and Dr Allos were of the opinion that if there were changes they were very subtle and growth is very slow. We looked at the scan and compared it with the scan 3 months ago. On some of the 'slices' the tumour did appear slightly larger but on others it seemed not to have changed. The decision was to continue with the PCV and to have another scan after 6 weeks (that's about the beginning of August). If that scan still shows tumour progression it will indicate that the chemo is not very effective and other treatment options will have to be considered - most likely more radiotherapy, 

I liked Dr Allos. He spoke simply and directly and answered all questions. Deb's blood tests results were ok and tomorrow we visit the chemotherapy unit  so she can start her third cycle of PCV.