Here comes the sun ...

It’s been a largely positive week.

Annoyingly, I am still waiting on the CT scan results but I’m taking that to be a good sign, i.e. that there isn’t anything immediately concerning that needs follow-up or investigation. I will, however, continue to chase …

I did, though, get the full histology results. Good news: I don’t have any genetic defect that puts me (or any of my family) at higher risk of any other cancer – specifically, colon cancer.

The pathology also showed a high level of hormone responsiveness (quelle surprise) in the endometrial tissue – although less so in the tumour itself. This baffled me, somewhat. Fortunately, in my extended circle of very talented friends, I do know a lovely oncologist who was able to offer an explanation to this. It certainly helped to put my mind at ease.

On top of this, I had a good chat with one of the Breast Cancer nurses at The Royal Marsden. There is a very high likelihood that the Tamoxifen that I took to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer has contributed to the development of this second cancer (given its propensity to act like oestrogen in the uterus) and so I will be speaking to the ‘Marsden’s oncology team on Friday.

The main thrust of this discussion will be what, if any, breast cancer drugs I should now take. There seems to be three main choices: Tamoxifen (as no more risk of womb cancer!), Letrozole (which has a whole different set of potential issues) or nothing at all.

The plus side with Tamoxifen is that it will now build bone density strength rather than diminish it (like Letrozole), so a final decision will probably need to be made after my bone scan on 28th. Of course, I could opt to go without – although, with my risk averse nature, that’s unlikely.

Nonetheless, it would be fair to argue that my risk of another oestrogen-responsive cancer is now quite small. My ovaries are gone and while I believe the hypothalamus can create oestrogen, the levels are low and largely drawn from androgens converted from excess body fat – of which, thankfully, I don’t have a lot at present. [Apologies, if I’ve got this science bit wrong!]

So, progress is being made and I’m feeling much more upbeat about things. I think the relaxing of lockdown restrictions and the improvement in the weather has definitely helped too. Last night, the Winey House was open for garden visitors (Chinese takeaway and prosecco … nom nom) and I’m sitting outside now, watching the birds with a cup of tea, as I type this blog.

As Mr P (remember him?) said to me earlier: “The sun is coming out – literally and metaphorically.”

I couldn’t agree more.