Not such a good day on the eating front I am afraid. I struggled with all meals today including Corn Flakes, soft boiled eggs and small pasta in cheese sauce. It does worry me somewhat that up until now I have coped with these no problem. We haven't heard anymore from the Hospital but we are due to see the Oncologist in 5 days time. It would be nice to know what if anything they intend to do and when they intend doing it.
A large chunk of my morning was taken up with a telephone questionnaire. We had received calls from a market research company claiming to be acting on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council. A phone call to the Council established that the company was on the level. Thus someone had arranged to ring me at 9.00 this morning but guess what they hadn't. I decided to ring the Council to say I was not happy. You will not be surprised to know that I got a call and an apology within 30 minutes. Most of the questions were about how highly or otherwise I rated the Council's Services. The one problem area came with questions about priorities with Council Spending. I reeled off Social Services, Education, Refuse Collection, Road Maintenance and Public Transport as the 5 main priority areas as I see them. Nothing however is that simple because they want to know if I think they should prioritise care for the elderly over care for Disabled Children. You could I suppose argue that the Council is seeking our views. My contention is that they are trying to duck their responsibilities by claiming cuts in some aspects of Council Activity are as a result of majority opinions expressed in a survey. You will not be amazed to hear I refused to answer these questions. Just because you are in a minority does not mean you are necessarily wrong.
The Monsoon rains continue. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day all round.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
day 212
The Radio Show went really well. Guests were interesting with a good story to tell. I made one of them's day by playing the first record he ever bought.....the ballad of Davy Crockett. Hands up all who can remember those hats. The music selections worked well and I found a wonderful story about farmers in Australia trying to get their sheep to burp less to help combat climate change.
My health definitely seems to be improving. I am due to see the Oncologist on Monday next where I could find out more. I had a good night waking up only briefly. The food thing is becoming easier to control.
Living on the Isle of Wight I am constantly fascinated by different ways you can be held up on the roads. Today was a selection of skip lorries, scaffolding contractors, removal vans and the usual utility vehicle nonsense.
Patience is indeed a virtue.
My health definitely seems to be improving. I am due to see the Oncologist on Monday next where I could find out more. I had a good night waking up only briefly. The food thing is becoming easier to control.
Living on the Isle of Wight I am constantly fascinated by different ways you can be held up on the roads. Today was a selection of skip lorries, scaffolding contractors, removal vans and the usual utility vehicle nonsense.
Patience is indeed a virtue.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Day 211
I woke up afetr a disturbed night at 730 this morning and yes it was still raining. As you are probably aware I like to wlk to the Newsagents but today I gave up and took the car. I took a brief look at the Solent this morning. The tide was in and the waves were crashing against the sea wall. However with the wind blowing it felt rather cold. True to the weather forecast it cleared up this afternoon and with a clear sky tonight we are promised some frost. Andrea reports that on a key hill for Island Trafic there appeared to be a burst water pipe which with the freezing temperatures could amke for an interesting drive in the morning.
You will note I have not mentioned food for the last day or so. Things are getting a bit easier now in the sense that I am starting to know a lot more about what I can and can't eat. For example of all the types of Pasta Spaghetti is the one that causes the least problem. I also think I am becoming a lot more realsitic in terms of what is possible. The main thing to remember is that I don't feel under nourished and at no time have I been sick.
Finally I forgot to mention in my blog of a few days ago that Emily told me she didn't believe in Father Christmas. What a calamity I mean she is 8 years old and all that but is nothing sacred?
You will note I have not mentioned food for the last day or so. Things are getting a bit easier now in the sense that I am starting to know a lot more about what I can and can't eat. For example of all the types of Pasta Spaghetti is the one that causes the least problem. I also think I am becoming a lot more realsitic in terms of what is possible. The main thing to remember is that I don't feel under nourished and at no time have I been sick.
Finally I forgot to mention in my blog of a few days ago that Emily told me she didn't believe in Father Christmas. What a calamity I mean she is 8 years old and all that but is nothing sacred?
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Day 210
The weather continues to be vile and yes I got soaked on my way back from the Newsagents.
I had a very productive morning in putting together the music for my show on Tuesday. My guests will be from an organisation called Link. They are part of a nationwide group seeking to find out what we think of the work of Social Services and the NHS. It should make for an informative interview. One question that intrigues me is who funds this organisation? And the other puzzle is does anyone in authority take any notice? To find out more listen either on 91.5FM or on line.
This afternoon I watched far more Football than is good for me. Am I already a couch potato?
Healthwise it's been an okay day. I had another decent night's sleep. To some extent I am treading water until we find out what if anything the medical people suggest. More perhaps tomorrow.
I had a very productive morning in putting together the music for my show on Tuesday. My guests will be from an organisation called Link. They are part of a nationwide group seeking to find out what we think of the work of Social Services and the NHS. It should make for an informative interview. One question that intrigues me is who funds this organisation? And the other puzzle is does anyone in authority take any notice? To find out more listen either on 91.5FM or on line.
This afternoon I watched far more Football than is good for me. Am I already a couch potato?
Healthwise it's been an okay day. I had another decent night's sleep. To some extent I am treading water until we find out what if anything the medical people suggest. More perhaps tomorrow.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Day 209
It has been a very good day. I am definitely coughing a lot less. Ev and I were talking about this and she wondered whether one cause of my difficulties was that I wasn't drinking enough. It may just be a coincidence but since increasing my liquid in take the cough has decreased in intensity. Last night was one of my better ones in terms of sleeping in that I managed almost 8 hours in the land of nod.
Today was a busy time in that not only the local church had its Christmas Fayre so did the school. Our presence was required in both locations. I thoroughly enjoyed both events. The Church had a festival of decorated Christmas trees one of which was all the work of Ev. It definitely helped the feeling of Christmas is coming.
My Son in Law is a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur fan and their match with Aston Villa was on ESPN which we have and he does not. We had tea in our house so we could watch.
Let's hope tomorrow continues the improvement.
Today was a busy time in that not only the local church had its Christmas Fayre so did the school. Our presence was required in both locations. I thoroughly enjoyed both events. The Church had a festival of decorated Christmas trees one of which was all the work of Ev. It definitely helped the feeling of Christmas is coming.
My Son in Law is a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur fan and their match with Aston Villa was on ESPN which we have and he does not. We had tea in our house so we could watch.
Let's hope tomorrow continues the improvement.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Day 208
A number of very positive things have happened today. The best one came early evening. I have made mention of Joya many times on this blog. You may recall that when I went for my Endoscopy 9 days ago I was told that the Biopsy would take 4 weeks to come through(sorry that should have read the Biopsy Results. Anyway Joya said she thought this was too long and she would chase it up. Bless her she got the information today. There are no malignant cells to be found. The Medicos seem to think that my eating problems and presumably coughing are as a result of an inflammation and nothing more. Joya's opposite number in Southampton(Donna) is going to speak with the Consultant who operated on me as to what should happen next. The hope is that whatever needs doing can be carried out before Christmas. We shall see.
What else? Well today Ev was going to Shropshire on the train to meet up with Andrea and friends from when we lived in that delightful neck of the woods. The ferry over was very busy but as it was one of the old ones it meant we could all get on. Ev's train left on time and two minutes later there was a power cut at the station and every thing stopped. I have since heard that she arrived in Shrewsbury on schedule.
Earlier in the day we had seen Grand Daughter Emily in school assembly. She spoke up very well.
Jools Holland's Band are appearing at the Guildhall in Portsmouth on 21 December. I rather feared I had left it too late to book. I went to the Box Office and was told it was a sell out but as luck would have it two tickets had been returned this morning so I got them. I have seen one of Jools' shows before but Ev has not. The shows are great fun and with Christmas upon us it should have an added ingredient.
All told I walked a great deal from the Ferry to the City Centre and around the market so I got plenty of exercise and mercifully the rain held off. Once I got home I thought it a good idea to relax.
Like I say a positive day one way or another.
What else? Well today Ev was going to Shropshire on the train to meet up with Andrea and friends from when we lived in that delightful neck of the woods. The ferry over was very busy but as it was one of the old ones it meant we could all get on. Ev's train left on time and two minutes later there was a power cut at the station and every thing stopped. I have since heard that she arrived in Shrewsbury on schedule.
Earlier in the day we had seen Grand Daughter Emily in school assembly. She spoke up very well.
Jools Holland's Band are appearing at the Guildhall in Portsmouth on 21 December. I rather feared I had left it too late to book. I went to the Box Office and was told it was a sell out but as luck would have it two tickets had been returned this morning so I got them. I have seen one of Jools' shows before but Ev has not. The shows are great fun and with Christmas upon us it should have an added ingredient.
All told I walked a great deal from the Ferry to the City Centre and around the market so I got plenty of exercise and mercifully the rain held off. Once I got home I thought it a good idea to relax.
Like I say a positive day one way or another.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Day 207
The weather is turning colder. There is a version of Sod's Law which says that if it is a windy day with blustery showers said showers happen when I am out and about and distance from shelter. That happened to me twice today.
It was, though, all worth while because it was a great show on Angel Radio today. My guess was Ian Campbell a self confessed enthusiast for American Jazz and Big Bands. He had chosen 9 such bands, picked the tunes they were most famous for playing and had done some biographical notes. It made for a fascinating 2 hour show. I also got some good feedback from a couple of listeners. Ian will be back in February to do some more. He is a good broadcaster having worked for BBC Radio Solent at one time. He would be a real asset to Angel Radio in my view.
The cough is a bit better today. I got an e mail from the Nurse Joya today. She has spoken to a colleague and they both believe the cough is caused by a combination of a stricture, Reflux Acid and Food Intake. They are waiting to speak to one of the Head Consultants at Southampton General.
Finally a happy Thanksgiving Day to all American Readers of this blog.
It was, though, all worth while because it was a great show on Angel Radio today. My guess was Ian Campbell a self confessed enthusiast for American Jazz and Big Bands. He had chosen 9 such bands, picked the tunes they were most famous for playing and had done some biographical notes. It made for a fascinating 2 hour show. I also got some good feedback from a couple of listeners. Ian will be back in February to do some more. He is a good broadcaster having worked for BBC Radio Solent at one time. He would be a real asset to Angel Radio in my view.
The cough is a bit better today. I got an e mail from the Nurse Joya today. She has spoken to a colleague and they both believe the cough is caused by a combination of a stricture, Reflux Acid and Food Intake. They are waiting to speak to one of the Head Consultants at Southampton General.
Finally a happy Thanksgiving Day to all American Readers of this blog.
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