Will they shave your head?
This is something I get asked A LOT before I head off for neurosurgery. But no, they go in through my nostril!
How cool is that?
I think it was late 80s early 90s that they started doing the procedure this way, prior to that it was via the head and required a shave.
Not that I'd say no to them shaving my head as my poor fringe has been cut with paper scissors since August 2020 and my whole head of hair is thinning because of the bloody tumour.
Another question I get asked is:
Is it cancer?
No, again. The last three have been benign. They always test is after surgery. There's nothing suggesting this one is cancerous, but tests will be carried out post surgery.
Will it come back?
Given its history, that is likely, which is why they'll be doing a bit more this time while I am under, then radiotherapy followed by some chemo drugs. This will hopefully stop it coming back 🤞🏼or at least give me a bit more respite than nine months.
How do you feel now?
Exhausted ALL THE TIME. I've gone from doing a little bit of exercise six days a week in early February to only being able to get showered, dressed and sit on the settee working. I go for a little walk every day but not far. If I do too much I am in bed for days afterwards. I am hoping this will all sort itself out as soon as the bugger is out.
How long will recovery be?
The first time (2012) it took me ten weeks before I went back to work, about the same after radiotherapy (2014) and the last time (Oct 2019) it took four months. They have said recovery will be a little longer so I am making plans for my businesses to be covered without me for 4-6 months this time.
If you have ANY questions you'd like me to answer I'd love to answer them, or you can find everything on the >> Pituitary Foundation's website <<
Oh, PS... Did you see I upped the target to £3k and we (you and me) are almost there! OMG.
Please feel free to share the link for others to donate on your socials: www.buymeacoffee.com/catherineuk
Much love, Catherine x