The Results!!!

Well after a lot of running round in circles and a bit of whimpering at the PALS service. The results were faxed over to my GP yesterday. I allowed them til today to get the information onto their computers.

I saw the GP this afternoon and the results are that all is clear. There is no return of the DFSP and no evidence or any other malignancy. There was evidence of localised inflammation and the lump was a hypertropic scar (a raised scar to you and I). Absolutely nothing to worry about thankfully.

So this last week's worry over letters has been not necessary.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the results, it is very good news indeed and as its Yule its just an added welcome present for the day. Now to celebrate (Like I need an excuse! lol)

Letter received

Well I received a letter today, advising me that the consultant wished to see me and that an appointment had been made for March 2011. Considering I was advise that he would only wish to see me if I needed further treatment it doesn't sound too promising. I'm hoping that my ability to read between the lines is very wrong in this instance, we shall see.

I've decided that I cannot wait until March to find out the results for sure, I'd rather they just tell me so I've made an appointment to see my GP on Thursday to have a chat. I'm hoping that they have the results. I need to call the GP surgery tomorrow to confirm the appointment, to be honest I may just call in in person and ask if they'd received any results from the hospital regarding the biopsy. The receptionists don't need to tell me what is in the letter (though I'd like it if they would) but at least I'd be seeing the GP knowing he has the information I'm after.

Wish me luck!

Biopsy done

Ok, so today I had the biopsy taken from my thigh. All seems to have gone well and now I'm "resting". The anaesthetic has now worn off and its a little uncomfortable but not unbearable.

Will get the results in 3 weeks time hopefully. I'm hoping I just get the letter telling me all is fine and not the letter telling me the consultant wishes to see me which will mean its come back and more surgery is required.

More tests

Recently I found a tiny lump in the op site scar. Understandably I headed straight to my GP who decided that due to my history to refer me straight to the hospital. That was two weeks ago.

I saw the consultant on Tuesday and I'm now scheduled to have a biopsy taken on Wednesday 17th November. Fingers crossed this is all for nothing, but I'm better getting it checked and removed just in case it is the cancer coming back.

A Year On...

Today it is a year since my final op that successfully removed the cancer. Here is a little picture of what my leg looks like now. A lot better than the very first pictures I posted don't you think.

I'm very happy that this was the final result as it could have been so much worse. I'm a very lucky lady.

Love and Light

Check up - looking good

I had my follow up appointment with my consultant. I'm pleased to say everything is looking good. He had a good prod and poke around the op site and there is no evidence that a lump is returning.

I thought this would be my last appointment, but the consultant has asked for me to return for another check up with him in a years time. All in all its all good and I am really pleased.

I continue to consider myself so lucky to have got through this all, scary as it was at the time. :)

6 month update

Well its update time. I have a follow up appointment with the Consultant on Tuesday. I think this will be the last time I see my Consultant and I will be left to monitor myself. The good news is there is no sign of a lump returning, operation site is healing well.

One thing I have noticed though is that my scar does not like the heat and feels a little irritated by it. The grafted skin is still settling and changing back to a normal colour so it being sensitive to heat is probably to be expected. The skin graft donor sight is still visible, and turns pinker when warm also, but it doesn't bother me.

I'm now on the look out for some swim shorts that are long enough to hide the scar on my leg. I admit to being a little self-conscious about the scar, even though I'm proud of dealing with all of this the way I have. However I don't wish for my scar to be on show to everyone at the local swimming pool (funny because this blog shows it in its goriest state), its not the most attractive of scars after all.

Check up

I went to see the consultant again today for a check up. Everything is healing well, he says another 6 months and the donor site should be back to normal skin colour, and the op site should also look more skin coloured and the scar tissue should soften down.

I am also happy to report that there are no lumps or bumps found during his examination, so I can celebrate that the lump isn't growing back as yet. Another check up in 6 months time and then I should be able to monitor it myself.

Here's another picture of my leg and how its healing. Next update will be in 6 months time unless I have something to report in the meantime.



Again, anyone out there who has just been diagnosed with this, you will be fine. Be strong and if you want to contact me please do, I would love to hear from you and offer my support.

Love & Light everyone.