The Big C

I have once more been diagnosed with cancer. I had a tumour removed by surgery in 1998, followed by two weeks of radiography near my stomache to kill off secondary tumours in the most likely area of development. Since then I have had regular check-ups at Christies Hospital to check it doesn't come back. Indeed, I had been checked just a month ago and as always no sign was found.

When I found a lump just above my groin, it seemed to me that a tumour was a distinct possibility as it is where the doctors often check me. But my GP thought it was probably a glandular infection. Then, when it didn't respond to penecillin, the GP favoured a hernia. That mad me feel old and decrepit.

However, the GP arranged a recall at Christies. The young registrar wasn't sure what the lump was but didn't believe it was a tumour, but the consultant have decided it is 99% sure that it is a tumour.