Off Topic A Sobering Thought

This is a long read, so if you're not interested skip over.

So last month I told you guys that after my last round of chemo I was told the stomach tumour had invaded my pancreas, and on that basis I was no longer on a curative pathway and there was nothing more they could do for me other than to suggest potential immunotherapy trials, or more chemo, the latter being only able to offer a few extra months of life.

I was told to quit work and let my family know that my time was limited.

So I faced it head on. Started to plan my funeral, sorted out all my legal affairs, asked friends to help my sons carry my coffin and arranged so many family and friends do's to, in effect, say goodbye. By last weekend I was happy all that was sorted.

In the meantime my wife arranged a second opinion with another consultant at another hospital.

So, after having a PET scan yesterday I am now booked in for a full gastroectomy on Nov 1st, after which I will need 6 to 8 months of recovery followed by a normal life.

So news of my demise (unless I flake out on the operating table) is premature.

My point is, and sorry it took so long, that you under no circumstances accept the first prognosis. Get a second opinion! It could save your life!!!

There's been a thousand tears shed today. The best kind.

 

I'm made up for you and your family mate, great news.

 

Wow!

That’s ****ing amazing news mate. Brought a tear to my eye and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I wish you all the luck with it mate, fantastic.

 

Cheers mate.

 

So happy for you and your family.

 

****ing unbelievable mate!!

Honestly so made up you and yours, top stuff mate.

All the best with it fella you're obviously a fighter

 

I thought I was a stubborn c***! My wife has taken that to a whole new level.

She's almost single-handedly saving my life my refusing to take no for an answer!

That's the message I want to pass on here. Don't take what you're told as gospel! Fight! And keep fighting!

I'm not out of the woods yet but I was written off by an "expert". Another expert has told me he's wrong.

 

Forgot to say thanks mate!

 

That’s fantastic news, Burley. You must have burst into tears when they told you!

 

You owe her something nice and probably shiny mate

 

Keep fighting fella, this puts the whole of life into perspective, wish you well and a good recovery

You going to have a big blow out meal before your op and what do you reckon it will be? (For those that don't know, you have to eat regular small meals after)

 

No mate, but everyone around me did. I'm still struggling to grasp how many people are so concerned for me. Its been humbling but also confusing at the same time.

Seeing my oldest in tears this afternoon ****ed me up. And seeing a couple of mates in tears tonight down the pub puzzled the **** out of me as well.

People eh?

 

That's incredible news buddy. Really happy for you and your family. Made me smile so can only begin to imagine the elation you and your loved ones are feeling. Fantastic.

 

You've no idea mate! Santa won't be putting coal in her stocking this year. For a change

 

You must be a good man to have such a brave woman love you so much...great news for you and yours.

 

I've always been a grazer so thats no problem for me mate. Cheers!

 

Feck me mate that is amazing and so scarey at the same time that you could be told such devastating news to begin with when they was an obvious recovery process

 

Sometimes the release of tension can bring you to tears, it can with me.

We’re all different. The main thing is to keep fighting, never ever give up!

 

That's a whole new situation there Tees.

No way am I going to let that lie.

I'm not doing anything until after my operation. The next 6 months or so is all about me recovering from major surgery.

After that I'm going to make sure that the local hospital changes their policies and procedures. I dread to think how many may may have died before me and how many may die if I don't take them to task on my own experience.

I have no intention of suing them. I've 31 years in the NHS. My wife has 20. It would be like suing family. I'm not interested in the money either. What I want is for them to not give up so easily, the way they did with me. But if I don't see evidence of change, I'll see them in court.

All of this is on the proviso that I'll still be here post-op though. Like I said, I'm a stubborn c***, so count on it!

 

Brilliant mate ... just go with the flow ... the time passes albeit that you can get a bit frustrated whilst 'recovering' ... made up for you and your family ...