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Jemimajinks

Listed below are comments made by Jemimajinks between Wednesday, 19th November 2008 and Wednesday, 19th November 2008.

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Cancer: Time to change our approach? 09:34am on 19 Nov 2008 In February 2006 I was rushed into the Oxford Hospital and within two hours it was confirmed I had bowel cancer which was blocking my bowel. After a minor op I had major surgery and walked out the hospital 11 days afterward the operation.

In April 2006 I started treatment after I was accepted on a phase 3 clinical trial. The drugs had been used singularly, previously, on terminally ill patients or patients with returning cancer. This was a combination of two, post operative, to see if they would kill any rogue cells that might still be in my body, even though the tumour was taken out as a whole.

I had a year's treatment in three-week cycles. One drug was given intraveneously at the start of the three weeks and the other drug, five large capsules, twice a day, for two weeks, then a rest week.

I had some hair loss, but the main side effect was the numbness, redness and skin loss on my hands and feet.

I did it to help other cancer patients and an extra insurance for myself to see my family grow up. Now, nearly a 1,000 days later I have walked Snowdon and Scaefell, plus Sydney Harbour Bridge, and been on safari. Everyday has been a bonus, which I live to the best.

My details were fed into the data for the clinical test and I was considered a suitable patient. Some patients are not, for various reasons, but still have the tried and tested treatment. Previously, relatives have died from bowel cancer, perhaps now it will give hope to relatives and other patients.

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