The aim of this blog is to chart my passage (not my back one) as I undergo complete cytoreduction surgery in connection with a recurrence of my bowel cancer. It is primarily intended as a medium by which Ali and myself can update family, friends, colleagues and anyone with a passing interest in this particular surgical procedure. To that end I hope that it will prove useful as a support page to others who are currently or in the future undergoing cytoreductive surgery.
Why Short Sharp Scratch?
Anyone who has undergone or is currently undergoing chemotherapy or regular blood tests will be familiar with this well trodden phrase which is used by medical practitioners across the UK prior to sticking a needle in your arm. I thought it seemed quite apt (and dare I say original) to use this as the name for my blog.
About the Writer
Ali and Simon – Happy Times
I am a 49 year old middle aged ‘blob’ married to Ali, with two grown-up children who lives in the South West of England. In early 2016 I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer with a small focus of peritoneal disease and some lymph node invasion.
Following a successful bowel resection and intensive chemotherapy I returned to ‘normality’ in January 2017. The routine of regular CT scans and checkups followed every six months and what would have been approaching 18 months from diagnosis it was identified that I had a ‘reoccurrence’.
This blog picks up the story as I am on the cusp of having major cytoreductive surgery at the Peritoneal Institute in Basingstoke…
Warning!
- This site may contain adult content and flashing images (middle aged men in their boxers).
- This blog does not aim to offer any professional medical advice and merely represents the views of the writer. It does not represent the views or recommendations of any NHS trust, past or present. No animals were hurt during the production of this blog (apart from the writer).
- Whilst every effort has been made to avoid ‘vague booking’ and attention seeking posts the writer cannot guarantee that some of these have not crept through the filtration process. Particularly during periods of anaesthesia.