So, we take one step closer to "the treatment plan". The most likely scenario is that "my darling husband" formerly know as "old grumpy" will have a 3 to 4 month course of aggressive chemotherapy followed by surgery. The first stage of this is to test easly next week that his kidneys can cope. If it proves that his kidneys are up to the job the chemo to start within days. If not they will go directly for the operation.
One of the specialists who will be treating him said "we are going for a cure here" and as "old grumpy" (sorry, habit) will be in the care of one of the best teams in the country there is no reason to doubt this statement. However, until we get to "the cure" life will be very rough for him. As one of our medical friends put it "bladder cancer is a vicious disease".
In the meantime, bizzarely, life goes on. This morning we took delivery of our "loop" radiator for the en suite in our newly built bedroom which is within weeks of being finished. That only leaves several months work to finish the new kitchen/family room and then on to refurbish the part of the house we are living in now! Still it gives us something to look forward to. As my old Dad used to say "the only good thing to say about banging your head against a brick wall is that it feels so good when you stop".
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
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*Many of us will already know this poem TO AUTUMN by John Keats. It is a
celebration of autumn when the mists descend and the land is swelling with
over-ri...
2 days ago
22 comments:
Hey, it isn't too often we hear specialists talking about 'going for a cure'. And laurie backs him up, so there must be hope.
Thanks for your good wishes Laurie. The worrying thing is that when we went to the hospital on Friday TWO consultants greeted us ON TIME in the reception area. The first was the original who was passing us on to the second who is from the specialist team.
When the new man took our coats from us and hung them up I thought "shit, this means real trouble". In America you may be used to this type of care, but here the specialist is God and you take HIS coat and hang it up for HIM!
You are right Stinking Billy, it is very rare for a consultant to commit to this, and we are so fortunate that we have been referred to Addenbrookes in Cambridge which is one of the foremost reasearch and teaching oncology departments in the country.
We have all faith in them, but until we know for sure that it hasn't passed into any other organs we are not quite out of the woods.
I do feel for you both. Harry was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2002. He had an op that unfortunately was not successful. He has been on various treatments ever since. I have gone through a whole range of emotions, from anger, "Why us", to feeling sorry for myself. Harry plods on & doesn't discuss it or appear to worry about it.
One day at a time & enjoy it. Hopefully the chemo will put an end to the whole thing! Makes you ill to make you better.
Thank you for sharing that Maggie May. Old Grumpy and I have been on a "one day at a time" programme for 34 years ever since he stopped trying to drink the country dry and are finding it a godsend right at the moment. Good wishes to you and Harry too.
I hope the treatment goes well. One day at a time is good advise for anyone.
Hi Ann,
Great to hear that you have got Davy into Addenbrookes, as you have mentioned they are a great bunch with a very good reputation.
Love to both of you :o)
Wayne
Sorry to hear about this cancer. I hate the word. It frightens the hell out of me.
The specialists are there for you. Make damn sure they treat you like royalty.
Crystal xx
I feel you are in good hands. I think it's good that you have the remodeling to look forward to and take your thoughts some place else. Being a believer in one day at a time,we don't have to anticipate the future..just today. Love you two.
I'm not quite sure how I stumbled across your blog, but it's made for interesting reading. :) I hope the cancer treatment for "old grumpy" (feels a bit weird to type that!) goes smoothly.
Just wanted to back you up on the "life's too short to stuff a mushroom".. comment. My mother says that all the time....and blogging is infinitely good at reducing any time spent cleaning, food shopping, general house maintenance, etc. Lulu x
Thanks, MaryMary, one day at a time has stood us in good stead many, many time - but this has been our biggest challenge yet.
Yes Wayne, we are really greatfuly that we have managed to get taken up by Addenbrookes. We feel much "safer" now. Good luck with the carting, loved you last email.
Hi CrystalJigsaw - specialists think THEY are gods, so why would then treat us like one?
Flagmaker, you are the one that introduced me to one day and a time living and I am eternally grateful. Love you two too!
Welcome Barrie, anyone that knows my "beloved husband" understands why I call him old grumpy. Thanks for your good thoughts
Dear LuLu, enjoy your mushroomless existence.
"Welcome Barrie, anyone that knows my "beloved husband" understands why I call him old grumpy."
Well, I don't! I've known him for over 20 years now (even walked across the Swiss Alps with him once) and it's a rotten name you have chosen for him!
To me, he's a great guy!
And so are you!
All the best to you and the family - this will be hard for you all.Fight that bloody disease with all you have
A good attitude to the fight is key
I have a friend who took this attitude to breast cancer that had spread to various other of her bits -15 years on she is still here
spoke with your old grumpy known to me better in his other persona Sean C.today. Love him &u.U 2 have always thrived on adversity.Why should this be any different? U both have always been our guiding beacon and we are always here. u both have the answers. Use them.Polish Contessa would like to hear from retiredandcrazy,but not computer literate. nor am i.Love u 2 youngsters.
spoke with your old grumpy known to me better in his other persona Sean C.today. Love him &u.U 2 have always thrived on adversity.Why should this be any different? U both have always been our guiding beacon and we are always here. u both have the answers. Use them.Polish Contessa would like to hear from retiredandcrazy,but not computer literate. nor am i.Love u 2 youngsters.
Thanks for your comments pea in a pod. The Polish Contessa? That's a new one on me! I will 'phone her immediately.
Old Grumpy hasn't masquaraded as Sean Connery for a while now, which only goes to show how out of sorts he has been.
You and the Contessa have also been our guiding light and inspiration in the good and the bad times.
Love ya too. Ann xx
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