Days 457 to 472

The gap in postings is mainly down to BT. We spent a couple of weeks at our static caravan in North Yorkshire. We thought we had a BT line to enable us to use a lap top there. However the park has changed hands. On the day this happened (just before we arrived) BT discontinued the line even though asked not to. Apparently they can cut a line at anytime but it takes them nigh on 4 weeks to restore it.

So where was I? Oh yes first and foremost congratulations to two family memebers. First of all Jack got his GCSE results. He took 13 exams and achieved passes at Grade C and above in all of them. Included in that total were 2 A stars and 7 Grade As. All good stuff. Well done also to Andrew who is off to the University of Hertfordshire to study Psychology.

Usually the waether in the South of the country is better than the North. This year we were lucky to have dry and often sunny days in Yorkshire. In contrast the Island has had rain, rain and more rain.

On the health front, I have only had two acid attacks since my last post. One of those can be traced to salted peanuts. I now know better than to try them again. My weight has stabisided at 13 stone. I have yet to hear when my next appointment with the Oncologist so shall ring the Hospital in the morning.

Days 448 to 456

It's been a busy last week or so. We had a visit from Peter and Sally our friends who live in Saltburn plus we have had some time out with Emily and Adam.

Emily has been involved in a music group workshop that gave us a show last Thursday. Considering everybody only got together for the first time on Monday Afternoon the standard was incredibly high. There were songs from musicals ranging from Guys and Dolls to Grease.

I shall be returning to Angel Radio in September but on the basis of one show a week rather than two. In the meantime we shall be having a few days at the caravan. Jack and Lucy have been in Turkey with their Mum, Gerard and his son also called Jack. It appears they were affected by a stomach bug. I hope to find out more next week.

In the last week I have lost 2 pounds so am at 13 stone exactly. Thankfully though there has been only one acid attack. The outlook is certainly promising.

Days 446 and 447

Just a very short note to bring you some good news.

I have posted endlessly about my inability to eat much meat due to the fact that it does not break down in the mouth. Prior to my operation Gammon Steak was one of my favourites. Well last night I ate a small such steak and suffered no ill effects.

Tonight we stumbled on a very good Pub Restaurant called Culver Haven. With our friends Peter and Sally we enjoyed an excellent meal whilst looking at a stunning view of the English Channel.

Days 444 and 445

So this is it. On this date a year ago I had what has turned out to be a life changing operation.

Ev remarked that although the time has passed fairly quickly in other respects it seems a million miles away. I can truthfully say I never worried that I might not recover from the operation. I remember that for the 2 weeks that followed I either had no food or I was fed through a drip. The worst was the nil by mouth period when my lips were very dry and all they gave you were lip sponges. I hated the bottles. As a worrier I always wanted a good supply of them so I wasn't caught short. The last thing I wanted was to cause the nursing staff unnecessary grief.

After my set back I did at one point wonder if I was ever going to get out. The feeling of relief when I was told I could go home was something that will always be with me. One of the nurses on that day must have seen me quite emotional and contacted a very nice woman from the Chaplain's Office. We had a nice chat and contrary to some beliefs she made no attempt to "convert" me.

Enough of looking back, because I have made huge progress this past 12 months. I shall never be able to eat as much as I did before but that is no bad thing. I am able to lead a busy life and enjoy family.

Finally I place on record my thanks to Ev whose support, encouragement and wisdom have all proved to be invaluable.

Days 429 tom 443

My apologies for such a long gap. This is partly due to us having visitors. Time certainly rushes by and the fact that I have since last posting not had any crisis is of itself encouraging.

In the 2 weeks since my last report, I am pleased to say that I have had only 2 acid attacks and only one of them caused me both heartburn and coughing. It has now got to the point where I am starting to feel disappointed if I do wake up with that problem. Two months ago I guess I just knew it was going to happen.

My weight seems to have stabilised at around 13 stone 1 pound. Chewing red meat is still something of a difficulty. I was at a very pleasant church BBQ yesterday and coped well with various salads. However when I tried eating a burger(without the bun) I struggled.

I am very conscious that Tuesday coming is the first anniversary of my operation. Though I promise no polemic I hope on that day to put down some thoughts over the last 12 months.