Picture: Neil & Sue in Sicily 2025

Update follow-up after treatment

It’s been a year since my last update, and there have been a few things to share. Briefly, I was diagnosed with 2 issues earlier in the year. First a hernia, then a 15mm kidney stone. Both need treatment. The kidney stone was treated with a laser in August. This made a massive difference to the pain I had been feeling for over 10 months. Then, the hernia was repaired 2 weeks later, both under a spinal anaesthetic. The hernia was just over 3 weeks ago, so I’m looking forward to driving again from this Thursday and overall I feel so much better.

I have a further update on my ongoing health. I had an annual PET scan back in July, and today I saw a professor of oncology, Dr. Sarker, at Guys. The main news to share is that my latest PET scan is showing a slow but definite progression of the cancer in the spots in my lungs, together with 2 lymph nodes in my chest, which have been there for over 3 years. But there is no new areas of disease, and it is all still part of the original type of cancer, which is a relief as we were not sure if it had changed into something else.  One of the good things about the cancer I have is that although rare, it is relatively slow growing, so that gives the doctors time to treat things.

The plan is to start treatment in a month with a Lanreotide injection, after I’ve had a couple of further scans. The drug affects receptors on the cancer, blocking the effects of the abnormal protein and should help keep things at bay. I will continue to have injections every 4 weeks, which will then be monitored via scans every 4 months. 

We have planned a 2-week trip to Japan this October and our concern was that the treatment would effect our trip; however, the doctors are happy it can wait until we get back. 

So, overall, we feel the outlook is positive, which was a big relief and there are also further treatment options down the line if needed. I’ll update you when there’s any news. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your messages, prayers, and unwavering support throughout my 12-year journey.

For the latest updates, you can subscribe to my blog site at n3il.co.uk.

Picture: Neil & Sue in Canterbury 2025

Update follow-up after treatment

It’s been 7 months since my last update in February when I had the last of 4 rounds of nuclear medicine at Guys Hospital. Since then I have felt physically very well and work and home life has been pretty normal.

I had another PET scan in July and today I finally had my follow-up appointment with Mr Obholzer, to get the results from this scan. Sue and I were unsure how the day would go, but fortunately, everything was positive news, which was a big relief. 

It has now been 10 years since my original treatment and we know now I am never likely ever to be free of cancer as it had spread to other places in my body. The good news is that most areas are now stable or shrinking except one small spot. They will continue to monitor this area and if there are any changes, there are still treatment options. 

I will have another scan in March 2025. Until then we can continue life as normal, which we have been doing this year. Thanks for all your prayers and support. xx

Picture: Neil & Sue in Lanzarote 2024

Picture: Green me!

Update post-4th round of treatment 

I wanted to share with you an update following my fourth round of nuclear medicine treatment, which took place this past Tuesday. This session, hopefully, the last for now, saw a few date changes, but I eagerly seized the opportunity when a cancellation was offered, eager to progress in my journey.

Overall, the treatment went smoothly, although I must admit feeling a bit fatigued now. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a subtle change this time around – a feeling of radiation or glowing, accompanied by a faint greenish hue post-treatment. While it’s not alarming, it has affected my sleep somewhat. However, I believe it’s largely down to the steroids and other medications I’m currently on, and I’m optimistic it will settle down in a few days. Once again, I’ll be observing a two-week isolation period.

After my scans on Wednesday, my consultant shared some positive news with me. One area has disappeared, another has reduced, and the third remains stable. While some movement was detected in the scans, especially in the area in my chest, which could be due to breathing, overall, the consultant was pleased with the stability and absence of any growth.

Moving forward, I’ll be undergoing regular blood tests every two weeks to monitor my red blood cell count. Beyond that, my next follow-up appointments aren’t until June, where I’ll likely have another set of scans.

I may not be in touch as frequently in the coming months, but rest assured, I’ll update you as soon as there’s any news following my next scan and appointments. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for all your messages, prayers, and unwavering support throughout this journey.

For the latest updates, you can subscribe to my blog site at n3il.co.uk.

Picture: Birthday meal out

Update pre-4th round of treatment 

A health update. It’s been just over 13 weeks since my 3rd round of treatment on 23rd November. My biggest gap between treatments. This was mainly down to having a few pre-planned dates in my diary.  Fortunately, the Guy’s team has been able to plan around these dates. In January we travelled to Coleraine in Northern Ireland for a surprise 60th birthday party for my sister. In the February half term, we had planned a family weekend away at Center Parcs with Dan and Sophy, 2 of our 3 kids, and both their partners. I also had to celebrate my birthday last week. February fun times. 

The date for the 4th round of treatment has been moved around 3 times, but last week I was offered cancellation a week earlier, so I’ve jumped at the chance to get it out of the way. The infusion is now tomorrow, Tuesday 20 February and again I will need to isolate for 2 weeks. 

Also, I am glad to say that since my last treatment, I have been well with very few noticeable side effects from the treatment.

I will update you all again later in the week after my treatment. Thanks again for all your messages, prayers, and support through this journey.

You can subscribe to get all my latest news on my blog site at n3il.co.uk.

Update after 3rd round of treatment 

Again another brief health update. I had my 3rd round of treatment last Thursday 23rd November and so only just glowing a little bit with a new dose of radiation! Everything has gone well and currently on a 5-day course of 5 different drugs to help with the effects of the radiation. Also checking my sugar levels and blood pressure every day!

3 days in and I’m still feeling well, with very few noticeable side effects from the treatment, in fact, I’ve been working throughout this week working around all my appointments. A special thanks to my clients this week who have been very flexible to enable me to work around these appointments.

I had a further scan on Friday and the results of this 3rd scan were to measure the effects of the first 2 treatments my consultant was happy with the results and said that everything is still looking stable. I will continue to have fortnightly blood tests to check my red blood cell count, as the radiation does affect my red cell levels.

I’m again in isolation for 14 days, but the good news is I will be out of isolation in time for the festive season of carols, parties, and family gatherings. All good news! I also put in my diary the 4th and last round of treatment, which will now be on 22nd February next year. I also have another full week of work booked for this coming week, so this will keep me occupied and out of trouble. 

I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to get this new nuclear treatment and that it is working well. Thanks again for all your messages, prayers, and support, and my faith has only been strengthened throughout this journey.

Check out the latest news on my blog site at n3il.co.uk.

Pictures: From my recent visit to Guy’s hospital.