Hi All, I saw my Haemo woman yesterday for an unscheduled consultation. She was apparently contacted by my GP regarding a growing node in my groin, which is now a little sore, with accompanying yellow patch, which has since cleared.
She took fresh bloods, and give me a good physical, she says that my lymph nodes are getting larger.
As I am having a CT Scan on my neck, and a full body scan, on Monday, she will wait for the results of that, and the bloods, before she determines what treatment I need.
She mentioned that a Bone Marrow biopsy is likely, but she will know better when she has seen all the results, including the Ultra Sound two needle neck biopsy, which I am getting on the 12th September regarding the tumour found in my neck.
The thinking at the moment is hat the tumour is unrelated to my Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or a new Lymphoma. She did however say, that the palsy I have, could also be as a result of a Lymphoma, and sometimes (Albeit rarely)Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
I am wondering also if I have an infection in my groin as I have been having mild pain for about three weeks.
I am also interested in anyone who has had a bone marrow biopsy, she explained in detail what it entails, and it does not sound very pleasant.
She also arranged for me to have a the Pneumococcal, and Meningococcal whist I was there. I was supposed to get a Shingles one also, but as I was a little nervous about having so many at once, she said she was happy for me not to have it.
I seem to remember some years back, about an adverse comment on the Shingle Vaccine, can anyone elaborate.
At the end of the month I am getting another two vaccines similar to the ones I had yesterday.
I have to say that so far I have been impressed with this Locum Haematologist, she appears to be experienced and has recently moved here from London.
She was very attentive and has called me at home two times in the short time I have been referred to her. She stated that she will call me periodically for an update, and to call her if I feel any radical or concerning change in my symptoms.
She reassured my somewhat by explaining that she was getting everything in place, prior to the results of the Tumour Biopsy, and I am getting the impression, that regardless of the result, my Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) will be promptly treated.
It is also worth mentioning, that many ‘Departments’ within the NHS, appear to be severely stretched currently, (Both Haematology and ENT) Iin particular, at my own local NHS Hospital.
The staff I have dealt with are doing their level best to ensure best treatment. To give an example of their dedication, my locum has just had a two week break, which actually entailed her working through most of it.
She is the only Haematologist, at this hospital, and there should be three. She tells me that whilst she really enjoys this hospital, and that it is a wonderful place to work, they do have difficulty recruiting Haematologist and ENT surgeons, possibly because the hospital is in an isolated part of the country.
I expect this is happening throughout the UK in some shape or form.
Any views, experiences, or comments would be appreciated, as always.
Regards Ron.
