Hi folks,  Been for pre op today, went well although his blood pressure was high (something he takes medication for - he also has diabetes and has had a minor heart attack so lots of risks attached before they start!)  We mentioned he had the tail end of a cold as he has abit of a cough but they took his temperature and were ok about it?!  Quite surprised really.  They also confirmed that his op will actually take place during the afternoon of the 7th, the day he is admitted.  Had tearful few days as he doesnt want to think about it or discuss it (not even read the leaflet the hospital gave us the last time we went) yet I NEED to talk about it to relieve my fears so strange times as we struggle to cope with it in our different ways...

So sorry Janet to hear about your dad.  You must be devastated this long after his op when you thought you had been through the worst.  Hope he gets the PET scan so you can see what is going on. Keep us posted.

Mick - wow!  You have blown their statistics havent you?!  Good for you - an inspiration :-)

Everyone else - thanks for ongoing support, info and wise words.  Hugs to all x

Hi Janet

It’s absolutely scandalous that your dad may not be able to have a PET scan when he’s known to have cancer!!  Surely this can’t be right?  I know that the NHS is short of funds and many hospitals are struggling, but surely scans are fundamental diagnostic tools.  It takes my breath away, it really does, as I’ve never heard of anything like this before, the possibility of being denied a scan which will help treat a patient.  I just hope that your dad gets his scan without you having to take out a loan to pay for one.  It almost makes one wonder what other treatment might be withheld for lack of money, not in your dad’s case, but across the board.  Anyway, I wish you and your dad all the very best in getting this thing under control.  Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Crystal xx

Hi Bacardi

I’m glad to hear that the pre-op went well and in spite of your husband having various health conditions.  The surgeon certainly wouldn’t operate if he felt these conditions posed too great a risk, so try not to worry about those.  I am surprised that he goes in and has the op on the same day and late in the afternoon.  It would seem Derby are particularly busy, or perhaps it’s just to ensure a bed.  It must be hard on you that your husband can’t and won’t discuss the surgery, but as you say, that is his way of handling the situation.  We’re all different of course, in my case I had to know absolutely everything.  I wanted to know the surgical process in every single detail and I asked to see photos of the tumour and visited Intensive Care prior to the op to see who would be looking after me and what it would be like with all the tubes.

In the group you asked about your husband needing you there at home after surgery.  I would say yes for the first two or three days.  My husband took three days off work and then I insisted he went back and I managed quite well alone.  It depends how confident he feels and whether his recovery is progressing well and as it should.  For yourself, just keep busy.  If you feel you can work on the day of surgery, then maybe that’s the best for you, otherwise spend it at home being busy, with a friend standing by for support and distraction.  Your best bet is to focus upon his return home and helping his recovery.

Take good care and look after yourself too.

Crystal xx

Hi David

Hi Steve

If my memory serves me well for a change, I think today is your birthday, and I won’t tell anyone how old you really are

Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday with Many Happy Returns of This Day and a Wonderful and Healthy year ahead.

Hi

Happy belated birthday Steve ! hope you had a lovely day ?

hope everyone elso is ok ?

A little good news dad has his CT scan yesterday earlier than expected,as  the hopsital rung to say there had been a cancellation so my sister went with him straight away.  Also they have authorised another PET scan ! which is great news.  His surgeons PA is trying to get my dad an appointment for Monday afternoon to discuss results of CT scan ! so fingers crossed the results are not too bad !

It feels a little surreal for us all at the moment,  when he was 1st diagnosed in 2009 it felt  manic, heartbreaking, devastating, totally out of control and every other horrible emotion you could imagine.  This diagnosis although devastating feels much calmer, controlled and settled not sure why that is ???? but its still very sad for us all as he is our dad and grandad, head of our family  who looks after all of us !!!

Keeping our fingers crossed for his results !!

Bacardi woman - hope you have a good weekend with hubby , will say a little prayer for him  at Sunday mass - man dad is just the same did not want to discuss anything at all about the cancer !!  stubborn eh !

take care

Janetx

Hi Janet

Sorry you dad is going through this again, you do become hardened to bad news where this illness is concerned, the trouble is it lives with you all the time and there seems at times to be no escape. I am pleased you are able to get the PET scan, just because the cancer has returned it does not mean there are no other options. As far as your dad not wanting to talk about things is quite a normal reaction for some, just ask your dad what he wants, then step back and wait for him to come to you; he knows how much you care about him and he will talk when he feels like it.

Thank-You all for your Birthday wishes they have cheered me up; well better get back to work as I am on a late shift and the work is piling up.

To everyone else looking in I hope you are having a good evening,

Steve

Hi Janet

I’m relieved to hear that your dad has been booked for a PET scan after all, and I hope the results you get today are more positive.  I’m keeping fingers crossed, so let us know how it goes.

Crystal xx

Hi Bacardi

You’ll be in my thoughts this week as I know you’ll be psyching yourself up as Thursday approaches.  At the same time, I hope all is as well as it can be with your mum.  If you need any more info regarding the surgery and recovery, send me a pm and I’ll be glad to help.  Apart from those links I sent to you a few days ago, I also have some useful info regarding post op diet, which I think you’ll find helpful.

Take care.

Crystal xx

Hi Steve

So glad we cheered you up and I hope you had a really good birthday.  Don’t work too hard!  Catch you later.

Crystal xx

Bacardiwoman

Thinking of you today and wishing your husband good luck and a fine and speedy recovery.  Let us know how you get on soon.

All the very best

Crystal xx

Thanks Crystal.  Hes in the operating theatre as I type - went down about 2.30.  The surgeon will ring me once hes out so I can pop back and see him for a few minutes.  He was in good spirits when he went down and I think we are both pleased that the day is finally here and we can get on with it.  Will report back later xx