Info overload

 Friday we spent most of the day at Lister hospital. My first appointment was to meet with a stoma nurse, who explained about the operation and what to expect afterwards and how to deal with any changes.

We then went on to another department to see a colorectal nurse who went over the plan on being in hospital after the surgery and the recovery plan.

At one of my many recent visits to one of the hospitals we unexpectedly bumped into Chris, our sister-in-law (who lives 100 miles away)! Then yesterday, when in the lift from one appointment to another, there was my aunty! 

On leaving the hospital, more leaflets, letters and information on board, we popped in to speak with a McMullen nurse. I wanted to enquire about my 3 different cancers and if any of them were related, hereditary or genetically viable to other family members. Her derogatory, nay brusque, bedside manner, left me fleeing in tears! 

But the many lovely constant messages keep me going. 

Taught Tommy where to water the garden

A man with a Can -

or should that be Can’t?

 

NHS Waiting Lists

Today, Thursday, I had an appointment to meet the surgeon. He wants to operate on Tuesday, yes Tuesday. That’s only 5 days away!

He said that he will try and do keyhole surgery, but, due to scarring from previous cancer operations, may end up having to do some, or all, of the operation full incision. Depending on the type of surgery I will then stay in hospital for between 3 and 8 days and then home to recuperate. 

I was rushed off for form filling, pre-op screening and more blood tests, sent home with pages of reading material and have two further appointments tomorrow. 

Neighbour popped in
with some lovely
flowers and a chat

I am feeling very overloaded with all the information I have had to take in today, but glad that cancer will soon be removed. 

Who would have known that I would
be so happy when the surgeon said
‘See you next Tuesday’!

Sue, soul, sick & sun

 

Today I found this printed in Dad's church magazine - God bless him.

Yesterday I bumped into an old school friend Sue, she was aware of my cancer, my third (I am catching up with her four times). 

I did a bit of pottering in the garden (it works as a therapy for me). But felt faint so came in, but was then violently sick. I sipped water but that too came up later. I called the nurses team at the hospital who said it was probably not related and sounded more like Heat Exhaustion. I now understand when people say that they are ‘sick of this heat’!  Lots of cooling ice packs helped to regulate my temperature. 

Getting booked in

I didn't sleep well last night worrying about the call this morning, I felt that things were about to become real. 

When I had the call from the hospital, they said that the recent scan had found no further cancer, but a couple of polyps (which they can remove after all is done with the cancer). Polyps

I am booked in to see the consultant next Thursday to go over the Colon Cancer operation plan and then the procedure will probably happen on a Tuesday within the next few weeks after after that meeting.

It all feels so far away, I thought that I would be packing my hospital bag today.

Captions Please

Pepto BISMOL

Yesterday I had to take another dose of the 'clear your bowel drink'. So I was up most of the night emptying everything.

This morning I felt like probably a lot of English people... tired, drained and very dehydrated.

I had to be at QEII in the morning for another CT scan. 

My nurse was Irish so had not stayed up for last nights football game.

How old is that hand???

I felt quite ill in the afternoon, but I think the heat did not help. Had another long sleep to catch up.

Back to the waiting game whilst they decide what the next steps are. I should hopefully hear by Wednesday.

Just like England, I'm getting closer. I am going to win this!

A Colourful Day

Today I had to start another diet, which consists of generally white food. 

Bland Blanc

I have another type of CT scan on Monday. So have been given a diet sheet, consisting of generally white foods with no salad or veg. 

But my day was brightened up by visiting the garden centre with Tommy and then receiving a lovely delivery of a beautiful bright coloured bouquet of flowers via courier from Shepherds of Hertford, who I had worked for for 16 years, up until August 2024. They were with me through my other two cancers. 

Thank you Team Shepherds x

 Selfishly, I am a bit disappointed that the England football match has not been changed to 7pm instead of 1am on Monday,   as I could have watched it at the earlier time...  and am now worried that on Monday morning for my scan, that some of   the staff may be a little worse for wear. Let’s   just hope that whoever has to stick a tube up my derriere supports another team!!

I hope that when you RED this, it BLUE you away, I hear you YELLOWING, ‘it’s all WHITE Paula’

You've Got a Friend in Me

After the football we went to see Toy Story 5 with friends. Thursday lunchtime Heidi came to visit, had a special time chatting with coffee and cakes. Another afternoon rest for me, still waiting for the iron to kick in.  A lovely visit from neighbours in the evening.

Sunflowers from Heidi

I did a bit of therapeutic gardening today

.but again ended up sleeping in the afternoon

I am enjoying watching the men's football World Cup

🎵 Three C-lions on my shirt