All done part 2. Semi-colon

Emptied my bowels. Then around 11am taken round to be given a cannula, an Epidural, (in case keyhole was not possible) and then breathed in my anaesthetic. mmm 😴.

On waking in recovery (5 hours later) I was told that the cannula had been removed from my spine as the surgeon had done the whole operation via keyhole. Yeay. 

He had removed a section of the colon either side of the withheld cancer and stitched the colon back together. That was sent off for biopsy. 

I waited for around 4 hours in recovery as they could not find a bed on the wards for me. Tommy was waiting outside to see me. In the end, as they could not give us any indication of the wait, Tommy headed home having not been able to see me.

Well, was my wait worth it? I was wheeled into a separate side room on the ward, with a balcony and the most lovely sunset view! This all inclusive room, in Saint Evenage, with 24 hour room service, will do me!

Being hooked up to drips, morphine, leg massagers and catheter, I did not sleep at all in the night, what with people and tests and pain relief. 

As soon as the hospital made me put on one of those gowns… I knew that the end was in sight.

All Done!

 More info tomorrow xx 

it went very well.

Operation Day

I have been feeling so much more worried about this cancer than the previous two. I think it’s because the outcome may make a difference to the way in which I live my life (I know,… at least I will have a life). I was saying to a neighbour recently that I see myself as a person who never gets ill. We summarised that is because cancer doesn’t make you feel unwell and I have not been a sickly person (that’s a matter of opinion)! 

I am sitting here in admissions in my paper knickers and white anti - embolism stockings, all finished off with a backless hospital gown. I have seen many people, doing different tests on me and explaining things. 

Off to theatre now, see you on the other side xx 

❤️ 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?