BOB JK My diary of kidney cancer (to be continued)
FormerMember
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Hi, My name is Bob and I live in Cambridgeshire. I am married with an 8 yr old daughter and three older step sons. Up untill the end of last year everything was tickety boo having recently moved to a new house which we love. Work was busy but enjoyable. I am Manager of an electrical companys maintenance department and my Wife, Linda was enjoying her job as a Nurse. The three boys are buying there own house nearby and all work locally. In November I went to my Doctors with a small "cyst" on my chest. After a couple of referals and many Xrays, pet scans, bone scans and CT scans I was told the news everybody dreads. My lump on the chest was a secondary cancer of which the primary was in my left Kidney. I was fast tracked to the Royal Brompton, under the expert care of Mr Laddas who informed a long and complicated operation would need to be carried out to remove the bone tumor and surrounding bone which involved two ribs,my collar bone and chest bone. I did not have time to panic, the operation was carried out the next day over 10 hrs. After nearly two weeks in the Brompton I am recovering well from this op but I have since been told that the Cancer is in both kidneys as well as small mets in both lungs. It seems at the moment further ops are out the question and i have been put on the drug Sutent. I am one week into this and so far so good. I do not know what the future holds but I have to remain positive.
A real struggly day today. Ive been to work which in hindsight was probably not a good idea considering our day in London yesterday. Luckily out computers at work have been down for most of the day so I couldn't do much work even if I had the energy to do so. My sister and mum picked me up at four by which time I was shaking as I was so cold.I couldn't wait to get back home. I have borrowed a mobility scooter which will be a great help. It sits in the garage fully charged ready for action. It will be really useful and im so grateful to the people that have lent it to me. I am in bed now after really being a bit silly and attending a meeting about the ongoing problems with our drains. Time to catch up on the news and then sleep. Im thinking I might not go in to work again this week as i am struggling so much. I might have to admit defeat here
Not defeat Bob just common sense, give your body time to catch up after going through all the treatments it's undergone. You have to allow time to let the batteries recharge a bit that's all. The motobility scooter sounds a good idea! I have given in to my wheelchair more lateley, I try to push it and then have to admit I can't do anymore and sit in it to get my energy back again.
We're taking my rollator on hols this time and the airline allow it to go free of charge! it will be a godsend as I can walk a bit then sit a bit! plus with it's underseat storage it's brilliant for that bit of shopping.
I have given up on what others may think of me and just do what I have to and make the most of everything.
Spend some time with Linda and Kate just doing family things and let work sort itself , I cannot imagine any gp not giving you a long overdue sicknote.
Bless you love, not going to echo the above post from Porkie it is so right love. Just going to send you the warmest of (((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))
I could get a sicknote easily Jackie but not sure if that will do me any favours in the long run. Had a fair day today after running a temperature last night. No wonder I couldnt stop shivering. I am dosed up with paracetamol as we are off for a meal tonight with some old St John Ambulance colleagues. Although I have felt better im looking foreward to it.
Sir Bob, shouldn't you be on antibiotics if you are running an infection, as it sounds like it? I know Lady Linda will be keeping a very close eye on you, so maybe that is a silly thing to say......my love and hugs, get well soon, my love and hugs to you all
Take care Bob, if it's your job security you're worried about they could not sack you under a doc sicknote! They wouldn't have a leg to stand on against a tribunal.
Small world , John and I also have many friends from years spent with St. John Ambulance, he was a divisional cadet officer for ages and I 'helped out'.
Now he runs a scout group, joined as a parent helper and stayed on for another 15+ years so far lol. Hope you had a lovely evening.
Not been the best day for Bob, very sleepy and cold, and completely lacking in energy, spent a good majority of it in bed. Popped out this evening to family for tea, which he did eat a little, but slept most of the time there, thought it was going to be interesting trying to get him home!!, now tucked up back in bed.
Going to speak to Dr in morning. Will keep you updated.
