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The Post Treatment Assessment:

     I was more anxious waiting for this clinic appointment than I had been waiting for the original diagnosis. After getting through the worst part of the radiotherapy, I would be emotionally shattered if it were in vain, and further options would be limited. December 11th arrived, and we drove to Mount Vernon hospital to hear the news.

    Shortly after arriving, the nurse called us into the consulting room where the cancer team was waiting. The news was good, in fact very good. Neither of the recent scans showed evidence of the original tumour, it appeared to have been completely destroyed by the radiotherapy.

     We were shown the scan images taken before and after treatment to illustrate the dramatic success of the therapy. The difference was clear to see and very impressive. All the careful planning and skillful execution had produced a result which fulfilled all our hopes and wishes. Needless to say, I was very, very pleased with the outcome, but also aware that this was only the successful end of the first battle against my cancer.

     Another biopsy was performed on the tumour site and, as expected, proved negative. I was now officially in remission, that uneasy ceasefire period before peace is hopefully and finally declared. My regular hospital visits would continue to monitor my progress and check for any signs of reoccurrence until, statistically, I am cured.