Blood Sample #5

Yes! Had my blood taken for the fifth time in the last 2 months today! I should be earning points or something, maybe get a free milkshake once I get to 6?

So I had my chat with Mr Andrews today, the surgeon that did my operation and also the consultant urologist in charge of my case. Arrived at MK hospital around 11:50am, and was called in at about 20 past 12. Not too bad.

He asked me some basic questions while bringing up all my files and images. He had the image of someone else's testes on the screen when I came in. It was kind of strange. Finally once the computer stopped freezing every 5 seconds, he got the files he needed.

He asked how the implant was sitting, and I got to ask him a few questions about it. I explained how it remained swollen for over a week, but that antibiotics fixed it. I asked exactly.. how it was sitting in there, and if it was stitched in. He told me they "attach" it to the skin, but didn't use the word stitch. He also told me they "close the hole" to stop it from floating back out. He told me I didn't want to cough it up one day. So I think I am stuck with how it feels now, which is very different from the other one.. but at least it helps my balance, right?

Then he started discussing the results of the scan. He said it was all good, and that it showed no spreading whatsoever. Good news. He also told me I needed another blood test today (number 5!) to check for tumour markers. If they've gone down too, there's a good chance I am in the clear. Regardless of result, my further treatment is up in the air at the moment, I could still need a round of chemo, or "a few packs" of radiotherapy. We'll see.

He told me about the tumour that was removed - it apparently had several types of germ cells within it, not just a single type. I thought tumours were always a specific type, teratoma, seminoma etc. But apparently mine contained both of those and more! Terrifying. But it hasn't spread. According to the scan. So that's good.

I told him that Mr Choudhary had booked me an appointment at Northampton before I even saw anybody. He said he shouldn't have done that, and asked him to be called in to ask why, but he was with another patient. He told me I should have had my chat first, and then had this blood test, and then further treatment discussed. He also said they don't work with Northampton anymore - any further treatment will probably be up in Oxford! But I'll worry about that if the time comes.

Oh, and the lady who took my blood today managed it first time. I was quite impressed. She then told me what great hair I have. As if I didn't know that already..

So.. for now, more waiting. But at least it's almost certain that I am fine now, instead of just hoping I'm fine.

Oh, and also, I have a cold. My throat is killing me. Megan has been sick for nearly a week now, so I have that to look forward to too! Hooray!