Not the best day ever..... Today I had another scan of my brain followed by further discussions with the neuro-oncology team who continue their wonderful care. There seems to be further progression of my brain tumour (glioblastoma) affecting brain functioning (as me and a few close friends can feel/see). Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it's not the end of the road and I’ve got more to do! I love and enjoy challenges. I certainly haven't stopped yet. Hopefully I can share more special times with family and friends, and continue to advocate for cancer patients.
#cancer #patients #glioblastoma #braincancer
@nthsydhealth@sydneyLHD@COBLH@Sydney_Uni
Overhauling the MIPS program is critical to fixing Medicare payment. We applaud @RepMMM and @RepHerbConaway for introducing the Medicare Physician Data-Driven Performance Payment System. @PresAmerMed shares his thoughts on this landmark reform. https://t.co/sSjp82mRlj
Loving Dr. Beth Ruben's (ASDP President) talk on ethics in dermpath! Make sure you are using the ASDP AUC app everyday! https://t.co/bZMub6a4bP
#ASDP25
Thank you to Dr Rocky Yapp @RockyYapp for a fantastic update on Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) (formerly known as NAFLD). The session was hosted by the amazing DuPage County Medical Society https://t.co/ZEtV0DRN28
Earlier this week, I received my 10th (& last) dose of a personalised anticancer vaccine. It started more than a year ago. Whilst on each occasion I had quite a sore arm for few days afterwards, thankfully I otherwise felt fine/had no systemic complications. I hope the vaccine can stimulate my immune system to fight my wretched brain cancer. But who knows if it is effective.
As has happened with each vaccination, I also had approximately 150ml of blood taken for research purposes! Many thanks to everyone involved and their kindness & care.
@ausoftheyear@SydneyLHD@Sydney_Uni
#glioblastoma
The AMA is leading the charge to reform the Medicare payment system, advocating against payment cuts, working with Congress and pushing for urgent reform. Learn more. https://t.co/ud7hAFtg5z
A perfect storm created by a shrinking physician workforce and aging population threatens patient access. Congress should pass pending legislation to expand residency training slots, along with related proposals to address the projected physician shortage. https://t.co/doPZQr11fI
With high medical student-loan debt, doctors entering Indian Health Service face low pay. It's time to improve their access to loan forgiveness. https://t.co/mfNH1kdyVW
Physicians deemed to be information blockers will see their #MIPS scores take a hit. Catch up on the new #healthIT rules with the AMA. https://t.co/aHmI5L41oC
My next #MRI#brain#scan looking for #recurrence of my #glioblastoma (&/ or #treatment effects) is very soon. I’m getting more anxious now as it gets closer (“scanxiety”).
Scanxiety describes the #stress, #worry & #fear some people (especially #cancer patients) may feel around the time of a scan. With #scanxiety, some people get physical symptoms too, like nausea, appetite changes or diarrhoea. For me it’s worry & fear.
I get more anxious about my scanning now than I did earlier in the course of my disease for a variety of reasons. I think I’m a little more moody & irritable as we get very close to my next scan so it’s harder on those closest to me, especially Katie. One of the principle reasons I’m anxious is probably because it’s the test that determines whether or not we can see my tumour is growing back and if it is, how long I’m likely to stay alive and when & how my functional state will likely deteriorate.
I find my scanxiety is greatest after the scan waiting for the results. I don’t know the best way to manage the pre/post scan anxiety & it’s likely different for different people. For me keeping busy & my mind occupied & exercising each day are probably what helps me most. But sometimes I just want time on my own.
I am so fortunate to have such a fabulous caring team looking after me so well especially my wonderful wife Katie & family, friends & colleagues.
Here are a couple of pictures from my last MRI brain scan from a couple of months ago.
@NthSydHealth@SydneyLHD@Sydney_Uni