Week 32: another visit to the oncologist
14 Nov 2011
Last week I had to return to see my oncologist for the 6-8 week check. Inevitably, as the day approached, some anxiety crept in. To try to keep the radiation from CT scans to a minimum this check-up was only preceded by an X-ray. The usual long wait to be seen (some two hours plus) did not help alleviate the worry.
However, the wait was worth it. I'm very happy to report that, on the evidence of the X-ray (which, it has to be said, is not as precise as a CT scan) there has been no apparent further growth in the tumours. So that's three months of stability now since my last chemo in early August. And, most importantly, I am feeling pretty well.
I was due to have another check (and CT scan) before Christmas but, after a little bit of pressing, my consultant agreed that we could wait until the New Year, which is great as it means no pre-Christmas hospital appointment.
So, I've been back at the furniture-making and can report that the collection of mortise-and-tenon joints is beginning to resemble a table (see picture).
It was also good to be back on the road chairing education conferences in Bristol and Birmingham last week as well as attending a trustees' meeting at www.villierspark.org.uk/ (a great charity if by any chance you're looking for a good Christmas charity to donate to!). However - to all those kind people who're quite rightly telling me not to overdo it - I promise to take it easier this week.
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Allison Allen - 14 Nov 2011
Week 32
Well done Mike! Such a relief. And well done too on the worthwhile activity:-)
Fiona Montague - 14 Nov 2011
Congratulations
Such good news - and you are certainly on top form - fabulous hosting once again at the Academy Network event - Looking forward to April already - keep well Fiona and Maurice
mary - 14 Nov 2011
thats fantastic news Mike. Im so pleased to hear it! keep in there and keep up the good fight. !
Huw Marks - 14 Nov 2011
excellent news!
Sounds to me as if we need to put together a BBC veterans hockey match to celebrate!
Ivor Gaber - 14 Nov 2011
Progress
Excellent news, means you'll be fighting fit for the chapter in our 'Universities Challenged' radio programme.
Ivor
Laurie Robathan - 15 Nov 2011
Good news
Well done uncle, now you can concentrate on choosing my christmas present. See you next month
Chris Marlow - 15 Nov 2011
cancer blog
Dear Mike so happy to hear your latest result
Keep up the carpentry
Best wishes to you and your family
Chris.
John Sayers - 15 Nov 2011
Great news,Mike.I hope things continue to go well for you,
John.
Kelly - 15 Nov 2011
Thank you!
Dear Mike, thanks so much for promoting Villiers Park - we do need all the support we can get! So glad to hear you are stable, just what you want to hear before the holidays. I'll be in touch soon. -Kelly
Emily Selvadurai - 15 Nov 2011
mike baker's cancer blog
This is fabulous news. Really delighted for you. All the very best Mike
Emily xx
Richard - 16 Nov 2011
would you buy this table?
As ever, Mike, inspirational to read your blog and to be heartened by your progress. I liked your Guardian article comparing university fee with Eurozone chaos! Thanks for the reference to Villiers Park.
alison daeppen - 22 Nov 2011
the good bog news
Hi Mike ,really happy to hear that your last check-up was stable and that you're feeling quite well too.You will have enjoyed some lovely mild weeks down in your haven in Devon.All the best and carry on the same track Mike, love Ali. p.s the missing l in blog was not intentional, but it amused me, so I left it for you too!!It could be a good title for a newspaper
Trevor - 07 Dec 2011
Cancer Blog
Mike
Just wanted to say thank you for writing your cancer blog. I had my bronchoscopy on Monday 5th Dec and am now awaiting the results. The doc keeps saying it sarcoidosis but i'm not convinced and can't stop thinking about it being cancer. I have read loads of waffle on the net about both but nothing (until your blog) that tied the two together and it has been great to read some positive news about it for a change
Hope you and yours have a great xmas and new year
Trevor