❤️ and 👍🏻

I am so very grateful for all the heartfelt messages. As most of you know by now that my very, if at all, short replies or emojis are the norm for me!

 I would love to be able to compose lovely lengthy replies. I don't want to use AI to help me. When I'm talking no one can get a word in edgeways. But texting just won’t flow.

 Today I packed my bag for hospital, I had bought a lovely new weekend bag with birthday money, which I was excited to use, but was told to bring a tiny bag.

Am booked to arrive at Lister hospital at 07:30 tomorrow. I will try to continue with my blog from hospital, but probably won’t be able to add photos. 

I went to pack my toothpaste, but I dropped it, I was Crestfallen.

Cricket Memorial

Today we made a picnic and headed off, with dad, up to Bengeo Cricket Ground. We have been going for the last four years to celebrate the life of, and to remember, our friend Simon. A lovely crowd of cricket players (including Simon’s two sons), families and friends sitting in the sunshine watching the matches. 

We left earlier than usual as I felt so tired (I think in cricket terms that is called a Maiden Over). Again I slept solidly for over two hours in the afternoon. 

Woke up to the World Cup final - such a sporty day!

Viva España

Reflective Time

 

     A walk along the river today to get some exercise and to reflect whilst looking at the reflections.  Had a panini out for lunch with Tommy. 

Came home and slept solidly, I really don’t think that the iron infusion ever seemed to kick in. Perhaps I am exhausted from all the stress. 

Did I mention that it was hinted to me by more than one member of the hospital team, that there may not be enough room on a ward for me and that I may possibly have to stay in the recovery area until they can allocate room for me? I could end up anywhere.

Good job that visiting hours are from 8am to 10pm, you will have time to find me, (maybe try the ICU 👀)!!

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