So, at least I now know I am not going mad, but the symptoms I am experiencing are not just real but are indicative of having liver cancer.
I was diagnosed with it a year ago and was at that point asymptomatic.
Now, after 16 sessions of Chemotherapy over last summer/autumn, and a scan indicating Horace has shrunk - so I apparently have had a 'partial response' I am now unable to eat more than a few mouthfuls of food (accompanied by liquid) before feeling full, and have almost constant nausea and bloating/abdominal pain.
According to the NHS Website:
Symptoms of liver cancer
Symptoms of liver cancer are often vague and do not appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage. They can include:
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unintentional weight loss
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loss of appetite
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feeling very full after eating, even if the meal was small
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feeling and being sick
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pain or swelling in your abdomen (tummy)
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jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes)
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itchy skin
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feeling very tired and weak
Fortunately, I haven't as yet shown any signs of jaundice, and my bowels and bladder are functioning normally but Ron and I are obviously both concerned. I haven't had any unintentional weight loss, indeed, despite eating very little I am struggling to lose any weight at all!
I sent an email to my so called Macmillan Nurse last week (using the email address on her card) but have heard nothing back. My GP surgery website has absolutely no appointments available at all, and my experience with the 111 phone service was not particularly inspiring when I contacted them recently. I have a scan and blood test due on 15th April and see the Oncologist in the first week of May.
I will contact Macmillan online today for advice to see what course of action they recommend. We have our trip to the mainland booked and paid for, for next month, which may as yet need to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak - I am obviously at increased risk of complications should I become infected. Whether the Ferry companies will be allowing those at risk to travel in their cars by then remains to be seen - otherwise touching hand rails, seats, tables and counters will be potentially risky. I do carry hand gel obviously and will wash my hands regularly whilst onboard, but ...
It never rains, but it pours as they say. I am hoping the symptoms are in part a response to Horace shrinking but the fact that until recently I wasn't really experiencing any at all means I am, for the first time, concerned.
Hopes, and prayers guys please xx
i
