MY NASTY SURPRISE...

2020 was quite a year for us all. For me, though, the worry, impact and general inconvenience of Covid was completely overshadowed by events of the day before Christmas Eve.

Earlier in the year a routine ultrasound scan had highlighted something ‘suspicious’ in my liver. Whilst this unwelcome development caused me some mild short-term anxiety, I managed to channel any concerns into the deepest recesses of my mind and life continued as normal. I was feeling great and keeping mega busy so, I assumed that the consultation had been arranged in order to give me the ‘green light’.

If only... The news was as grim as it gets.

Follow-up CT and MRI scans had confirmed the ‘suspicious’ object as a large cancerous tumour. Worse, it was accompanied by ‘multiple’ small ones throughout my liver. Because of the location and number of tumours surgery was not an option. Traditional cancer treatments, e.g. chemotherapy, were also rendered impossible due to the risk of causing further damage to my liver. So I immediately reconciled myself to the likelihood of a couple of years - at best - before things would run their natural course. Things were looking pretty bleak.

AND NOW THE GOOD NEWS

On Monday 29th March this year I was fortunate enough to receive a relatively new form of minimally-invasive chemotherapy known as T.A.C.E . In simple terms, tiny embolic particles coated with chemo fluid are injected selectively through a catheter into the artery directly supplying each tumour. The plan being to zap the tumours whilst starving them of their blood supply.

My most recent Oncologist consultation was a relaxed and almost celebratory affair! The treatment had been successful insofar as the large tumour has stopped growing and there’s been no further growth of the smaller ones. So my life is back on track and I’m feeling better than I have in ages. The medical professionals at Leicestershire Hospitals are simply amazing. I’m blessed to have such a wonderful team keeping a watch on me.

SCANS SAVE LIVES

Early detection is vital in the battle against cancer. At the time of my routine ultrasound scan I was feeling completely well and, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t have known anything until it was too late. Thanks to that 'early warning', the awe-inspiring skills of the operating team and the loving care of my wonderful partner/'Guardian Angel', Jo, I'm able to celebrate days I truly thought I might not be around for.

After the procedure back in March, I wrote a heartfelt letter to the surgical radiologist who performed the operation, thanking him for prolonging my life. I also offered to make myself available for anything that may help others in the same situation. His team came back to me asking for my support in their quest for a new, much needed ultrasound scanner. These amazing machines cost £80,000 which is slightly beyond my reach! However, with your support we may be able to get the appeal off to a promising start.

PLEASE SPONSOR ME!

I've agreed to do my bit by abseiling down the Windsor Building at Leicester's Royal Infirmary on Sunday 12th September. Your sponsorship will go direct to the scanner appeal. Please help. One day it might be your life - or the life of someone close to you - that gets saved thanks to early detection.