I'm getting my stuff together for a few days at home with the family for Christmas and I'm so relieved to be going home with a good prognosis from the doctors.

I had my CT last Friday, which I found a little unpleasant, but the good news is that the Dr told me she couldn't see any nasties on my xrays. I also had a call from my mum to say that her appointment at the hospital had gone well and the lump she'd had on her throat was just that: a lump. Or a cyst to be exact - i.e. nothing to be too concerned about. What a huge relief.

It seems like a bit of respite from the last few months' stress. Although auntie Eileen is going in for chemo and radio therapy in the new year for her bowel cancer. I hope it goes as well as possible for her...

I'm really going to miss Dan (and Tilly!) over the next few days, but thankfully I'll be pretty busy, so there won't be too much time for it to drag. Plus it'll be great to see the family again. Diarmaid loves Christmas and it's always such a pleasure to see him with his presents.

I keep checking back on MPIP (the melanoma patients info page) and seeing the usual mix of good and bad news. It's so heartbreaking to see people being taken before their time as a result of skin cancer. It seems so unjust for a parent to have to post about their childs' death - I sincerely hope for a day when we're rid of melanoma.

Merry Christmas to everyone - here's to a peaceful and healthy new year...

x

A quick melanoma status update before I rustle up some dinner... I've been trying to get some time to write for days now but haven't managed to get online.

I had my wide exision stitches out last Thursday and apparently I'm healing well. The incision was quite conservative so it looks pretty good. The doctor warned me to keep an eye out for keloids (?) - the Greek for "crab" he helpfully explained. Apparently unsightly scar tissue was likened by them to a crab's claw. What a bizarre image. My doctor is a little eccentric but really great. Anyway, I see the scar as a battle mark that I'm quite proud of, so as long as I don't end up with something that resembles a crustacean's mitt, I'll be happy.

Next stage is the results of blood tests, and I also have a CT booked for two weeks' time. Apparently its nil by mouth on the day and I'll need to take a pill to "dye" the parts they're scanning. I was also told by the lady on the phone, who seemed to be dividing her time between me and an unruly child in the background, that I'd be given an injection that would make me feel like I needed to "pee". Brilliant. As long as it's just a feeling eh...

On the nutrition front, I'm feeling great after a few really rubbish days of missing wheat-based food tremendously. I have to admit that the chocolate so far hasn't been obliterated from my diet, but it's the next thing to go... I've already denied myself chips, pizza, take away curry, and countless other goodies. Choccie is the last bastion. It'll be a sad day if i have to say goodbye to something that's given me so much pleasure over the years. Maybe just a chunk a day will be OK...

More soon... good to read other contributors' entries - hope everyone's doing ok x