.......I'm glad I spent it with you
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| Ellen and Jennie |
No matter what the surgeon has to tell me tomorrow this will be the picture in my mind
On the eve of my next appointment with my consultant to discuss the results of last Thursday's PET scan, and coincidentally with Barak Obama announcing the withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq, my enemy has conversley stepped up the offensive in our battle: Over the past few days the discomfort of the dysphagia has presented a distinct sea change in its nature by becoming much less localised, spreading downwards more intensely with associated nausea, and what's more increasingly resistant to the efficacy of the doses of paracetamol. In my ignorance of knowing what to expect from these developments, this now chronic reminder day and night gave rise to a minor panic attack. My two pronged attempts to contact the hospital, in order to discuss both these concerns and the matter of my follow up appointment, initially resulted in finding out that reinforcements had either already withdrawn or were about to. Mary Townsend, Nurse Specialist, is on annual leave until 6 September and Gill, the consultant's secretary was also about to depart for a month but did inform me that the scan results had not materialised yet and to phone her temporary replacement on a daily basis. The chances of seeing Mr Singh this week were begining to look pretty slim and even more so when messages left on answer machines were unacknowledged. Finally persistence paid off and this morning I managed to speak to the chief surgeons's secretary who advised me that the results had arrived on Mr Singh's desk and my best bet was to avail myself of a vacant 11.30 slot during his Friday clinic in out patients at Frimley Park. I win again (this skirmish at least)!
With this news safely tucked under my bandolier, and after giving Chaka a good run for his money at Tweseldown with my dog walking buddy Caroline and her charges,
I headed for Windsor for lunch with my daughter Jennie and the grandchildren. In the warm bright sunshine of the afternoon we took Ellen and her bike to The Great Park where eventually, as the top photo shows, the trials and tribulations evaporated and I was ready to face the next onslaught with girded loins (well at least my knees wouldn't be knocking).
I headed for Windsor for lunch with my daughter Jennie and the grandchildren. In the warm bright sunshine of the afternoon we took Ellen and her bike to The Great Park where eventually, as the top photo shows, the trials and tribulations evaporated and I was ready to face the next onslaught with girded loins (well at least my knees wouldn't be knocking).
Gorgeous picture David and definitely a lovely vision to recall tomorrow or any time actually.
ReplyDeleteSending millions of positive vibes your way to counter attack those little blighters that are hell bent on changing things for you....Remember you are big and they are little - on this occasion size does matter, THEY can't win because they are simply too small and insignificant.
As Rose said, you will look back and vaguely remember all of this one day...
I have everything crossed for you.
Much luv, Carole xxxx
You have excellent musical taste !!What a gorgeous picture,we are surrounded by beauty if we look for it.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend
Rose xxx
What a wonderful picture Dad! Referring to composition and colour not the fact that I'm in it ;-) Although your Granddaughter is beautiful which helps! I think this has to be in my favourite top ten of your photos.
ReplyDeleteDear David, You don't know me, I am one of Caroline's friends. I have recently finished a year of treatment for breast cancer. I think you are an incredibly inspirational, strong man and you are facing your illness with humour and immense bravery. I send you all my positive thoughts, love and very best wishes and will follow your blog from now on, and am sure it will be a massive help to other cancer sufferers. The photos too, are beautiful. I know how difficult having cancer can be and I admire you hugely. Katy James
ReplyDeleteA bit late on picking up your message but so pleased to make your aquaintance Katy; just wish for both our sakes it had been under different circumstances. As they say any friend of Caroline's .... etc., and I can only add that her company and support during this time have been invaluable. As I wait to find out if I am accepted for the Real3 trial I thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes and sincerely hope that you too make the very best of progress with your ongoing treatment.
ReplyDeleteDavid x