The first of the three scheduled 2014 appointments was last week.
I went slightly unsure and apprehensive;…I didn’t know what the appointment was for. The letter said an appointment with Professor Middleton’s Melanoma Clinic….but what did that mean. Was I just going to officially sign off the trial…who would look after me now…would I get passed back to Gloucester (a prospect I was dreading) or would Oxford take me on as a patient with them?
The Cancer Centre waiting area was crammed which in itself is indicative of just how many people are facing Cancer these days.
They called my name, we went through and they weighed me; …..backtrack…yes I did say that. Scales : the enemy – should I take my boots off…yes…was I wearing jeans last time because they add a few pounds. Is the jumper I am wearing heavy? It’s ridiculous to be concerned with such trivial issues when there is this big picture you are in the middle of….but I’m normal…ish!
In walks a familiar face…..Dr Nick Coupe….remember invasion day…he was the unfortunate doctor that had to perform various Invasive tests whilst I was knotting my tummy muscles prior to the Colonoscopy.
So….The Melanoma Doc talks about the end of the pre trial tests and how I have been feeling since then. We discuss how low it felt to have fallen at the last hurdle & he comes out with the most unbelievable of facts that I wish I had known right at the start…..the Trial criteria is so strict that in a year of testing various people like me, who are potentially eligible, they have only managed to get 2 people onto the Vem trial through the Churchill hospital!
So across this region there are several other “Imogen’s” feeling that in one way another their body failed to let them onto the trial. I don’t think I would have felt so blue if I had known just how few people actually make it past the tests stage.
The best part of the appointment was being told that I will now been seen routinely by them. I will see the Melanoma Clinic every 6 months & Dermatology every 3 months. I will also get a CT Scan every year.
What an outcome – it was all I could have hoped for. I desperately needed to know where I am to be cared for – who I should place my ongoing trust into – who I should think of as the people to call if I find or feel something of concern. I might not……but if I do….I am pleased that I can call on them.
I do lead a topsy turvy existence!
My Thursday started in co-ordinating underwear and by the end of the day I was wearing a sports bra & Neon.
You did read that right!
I have joined a running club with a friend…..we run in the evening & currently the evenings are dark…hence the Neon.
It’s not the best of looks granted…but every other person there seems to be equally garishly attired, so I can blend in somewhat. The lack of waterproof mascara mixed with torrential rain however provides for less blending & more…ha ha look at that Panda wearing Neon Pink lycra.