Cancervive diary
The Big C10 april 2007
uch, london
At long last, transport arrived for this appointment. It was first booked for December, they didn't arrive so it was rearranged, they didn't turn up again, so it was rearranged again.....nightmare....!
Still I'm here now, saw the Consultant this time not a Registrar, and he HAD read through my notes. Not all of them do this. I have had registrars in the past say "now, what is wrong with you?" and they haven't even opened the file.
More tablets to take...he did ask if I minded first, which I don't, I'm already taking quite a few a day so more won't hurt. Got a follow up appointment.
18th april 2007
the runnymede hotel, egham
I've been asked to attend a Posh Nosh Dinner to accept a cheque for CREST from a local charity called Midasplus which raises money for charities. I wasn't keen to go but as I haven't gone before it was my turn and no was not taken for an answer.
There were over 100 people there so it was rather busy, but it was a lovely evening. We had a gorgeous dinner (nothing less expected at the Runnymede Hotel if anyone has been there!). Then there was a raffle (I didn't win anything which was a shame as there was some lovely prizes there!) and then I had to get up to collect our cheque.
Luckily we were sitting right next to the stage so I only had to walk two steps...!! It was in an envelope and we weren't allowed to open it there as different charities get different amounts of money.
A good time was had by all (four representatives went from our charity) and then my brother picked us up and took us home.
19th april 2007
a special treat...!
A good friend of mine, Carol, phoned me and said we should catch up and see a movie at the same time. So the day had arrived and she collected me and we went to the movies, first of all calling in for a spot of lunch at a restaurant a couple of steps away from the cinema.
We weren't sure what to see, luckily we have similar tastes so no worries there. In the end we saw "Perfect Stranger" with Bruce Willis and Halle Berry. It was a really good one, bit slowish to start with but then it moved up a pace or two, and the ending....well it wasn't what we expected that's for sure! Well worth seeing if you're into movies.
I'm just waiting to see Spidey 3 now, also saw Shrek 3 and Pirates is coming soon...can't wait....love 'em all...!!
After the film we had a nice coffee and then went home from there. A really good time which relaxed both of us as we've had probs lately with one thing and another.
22nd april 2007
another surprise treat...!
Two in one week....lovely....!! We hadn't got anything planned for today, so John decided we were going to the coast. It was a gorgeously sunny day and we poodled off down the motorway and landed in the Brighton - Eastbourne -Hastings area. We found a very secluded country pub and had a wonderfully scrumptious dinner and I even had a pud....!!
After leaving there we went on to find the beach and we sat gently warming in the sun (in the shade of course!) whilst reading a book. I'm reading books like they are going out of fashion at the moment as I'm not sleeping too well.
We watched the world go by, saw some very strange people out, saw some crazy sunday drivers who nearly caused accidents and everyone couldn't believe how stupid they were.
Wonderful way to spend a lazy Sunday.....bliss....!
23rd april 2007
St george's day and another surprise....!!!
Yes, St George's Day is here.....do you have your flags out?? You should do - you are English and proud....tell everyone about it...!!! We are!!!
So what is the treat??? Well I received two big parcels from a well know book store today from a good friend of mine, Phil. It was a lovely surprise. Two books (Omnibus versions so huge!!) from an author I've not read before. He got me on to Dan Brown so I'm hoping these will be as good. I love trying new authors....expands the mind a bit doesn't it.
I've just started another book, so will have to wait until I've finished that before starting these. Quite looking forward to them, shame they're a bit big to put in my bag to take to the hospital this week though.
Oh yes, I didn't tell you about that did I. You remember I've had a lump appear on my leg and it was MRI'd in Jan/Feb this year? I was told to keep an eye on it and when a second lump appeared I was concerned, specially as it's shown no signs of going away.
I phoned Mr B's Clinic last week and on asking for an urgent appointment was told no appointments until end of June, totally fully booked up. Oh no, I can't wait till June I thought. I explained that a couple of lumps had appeared and I was anxious about them.
So I now have an appointment for Thursday this week....great...! It's so painful and sore on my leg that I need to find out what is going on. Pain tells me something is not right so I need it checked.
Keeping everything crossed for tomorrow now....
Had so much stress and hassle lately and this is the last thing I need right now. Life is SUCH a challenge sometimes isn't it...?!?!?
26th april 2007
mr briggs, rnoh, london
Back to the usual place in London, well one of a few I frequent you understand. I was early but was hoping that I'd be seen early. I had to wait for the driver to go and collect someone from Catford anyway so it would be a while.
Trusty mp3 player and book in my bag and I was ready for anything! Caught up with the news in the free paper and then settled down with the book.
Shame I couldn't take the new one with me but it's HUGE and I'd need a suitcase to take it with me...!!
Anyway Mr B had another patient in with him so I saw the Registrar I saw last time - he was a lot browner though - had been on holiday to sunny Scotland apaprently. Now I didn't think there was a lot of sun in Scotland having been there many times...but it just goes to show you!
I had to try (being the operative word) and remove the Compression Stockings which wasn't easy and he tried to examine the lumps. They are SO painful and I must admit I did say to him that he could be on the ceiling before long! Don't worry, I didn't do it in the end....why ruin a nice Doctor - I could think of some others I've met in my time who would deserve it though. Bedside manner means a lot to us patients, and should be used correctly!
He is going to send me for another MRI scan to check it out. It could be radiotherapy damage (what more? I hear you cry...yeah...me too...!!) but we won't know until the results come through.
First of all I need to get a date for the scan, so I hand in the form he gave me and was told "it'll be going out in the post to you".
Then it was time to go home and it was decided it would be best to take the other guy home first who came from Catford. In the end he came from outside Catford and it took us HOURS to get home. I got home about 8.00pm'ish in the end.....zzzzzz.....zzzzzz...
Mind you the driver (Alex) gave me some brilliant ringtones for my phone which I listened to as we went around Traflagar Square, past No. 10 and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye...you name it and I saw it I think!
I just need to figure out how to get them off my phone now....LOL!!!
30th april 2007
Just wanted to say "Thanks" to everyone who was a good listening ear for me when I needed it and thanks for the Pharmacy for all the painkillers and headache tablets I've had to take lately. Stress is not good for anyone and I need it even less at the moment thanks.
Oh yes, one other thing, remember all that hassle I had getting scans from two separate hospitals for a Dr at a third hospital to look at? Well I saw him today and guess what....he didn't even look at them...
Arrghhh... you try taking huge scans on a bus and then being told "I don't need to see them now". THANKS MATE....!?!?!?!?!?