Firstly mny apologies for the long gap between posts. There are various reasons for this but I had better start with health news.
Earlier this month I had my penultimate review with the Oncologist. All was fine. I had had to travel to the Island for that and Dr. Cave told me as from January she wouldn't be doing clinics there but instaed would be permanently Southampton based. I shall therefore see her in August for the final check. That will be my five years up and after that the NHS makes no guarantees.
On other notes of health Ev persuaded me to see a Doctor about some spots on my head. The GP told me that this was sun damage and though I didn't have skin cancer it would need treatment by a Dermatologist. I am due to see someone about this on 30 January. Without wanting to be a serial moaner I also mentioned that peeing could on occsions be difficult. A few times I have wet my trousers due to spraying which is rather embarassing. I had a blood test which showed up as cancer clear but I do have an enlarged prostate which is normal for someone of my age. I have been given some tablets to take and need to go back to the GP in 6 months time.
Of bigger worry has been our move into our new home. We had an infestation of fleas(the previous owners had cats) and how shall I put it a lot of cleaning was required when we moved in. Water started pouring through a light in the porch. As a result we had to spend a lot more on moving in than we bargained for.
On top of all that we have had to put up with BT. Honestly I have never come across such dreadful customer service. Firstly we were left with neither a land line nor broadband for a month. When we did get a service it was slow. It's only really in the last week that I have been able to use the PC to access the Internet. We are still fighting with them over an account from which payments were taken. Obviously BT is too busy hoovering up sports contracts to provide its customers with a decent service.
Thus the gap between postings. Plus for some reason the spell checker on this screen does not work so apologies for any errors.
Finally a mmerry christmas and a happy new year to all readers.
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Monday, 2 September 2013
hello again
After such a long delay, I have finally worked out how to post an entrym here. That might sound daft but I have had trouble persuading the cursor to work properly on this blog.
First of all I am delighted that my previous blog entries have been of help to those going through the same experience. It's not very pleasant of course being given the news of cancer. The best advice I can give is try to remain positive. People do recover.
All of which brings me to my own state of health. I am pleased to report that there have been no acid attacks in recnet months. Sure there have been times when I have woken up with heartburn but a swallow or two of Gavescon usually does the trick.
Ev and I have needed our strength to deal witrh housing issues. As you may know, we are renting a house in Derbyshire. We originally thought that we would be here for two years minimum so we unplacked everything. For various reasons this turned out not be the case and we searched extensively for something to buy. After seeing some unbelievable messes we found somewhere at the end of May. Next week(11 September) we finally move in. As ever we won't know how long it will take BT to hook us up to Broadband. However of more immediate concern is downsizing and making sure we can fit our furniture into the space available. We sincerely hope this is our last move(it's the 13th by the way).
The road to purchase has been slow due to procrastination by various parties(not us). So dear reader wish us well. Our house is up a hill, which is a strange coincidence because my favourite song of all time is Peggy Lee's recording of the Folks who live on the Hill.
Now that I have worked out how to use this page I'll blog once we are reconnected to the Internet.
First of all I am delighted that my previous blog entries have been of help to those going through the same experience. It's not very pleasant of course being given the news of cancer. The best advice I can give is try to remain positive. People do recover.
All of which brings me to my own state of health. I am pleased to report that there have been no acid attacks in recnet months. Sure there have been times when I have woken up with heartburn but a swallow or two of Gavescon usually does the trick.
Ev and I have needed our strength to deal witrh housing issues. As you may know, we are renting a house in Derbyshire. We originally thought that we would be here for two years minimum so we unplacked everything. For various reasons this turned out not be the case and we searched extensively for something to buy. After seeing some unbelievable messes we found somewhere at the end of May. Next week(11 September) we finally move in. As ever we won't know how long it will take BT to hook us up to Broadband. However of more immediate concern is downsizing and making sure we can fit our furniture into the space available. We sincerely hope this is our last move(it's the 13th by the way).
The road to purchase has been slow due to procrastination by various parties(not us). So dear reader wish us well. Our house is up a hill, which is a strange coincidence because my favourite song of all time is Peggy Lee's recording of the Folks who live on the Hill.
Now that I have worked out how to use this page I'll blog once we are reconnected to the Internet.
Saturday, 15 June 2013
With such a lot going on in our lives it's not altogether suprising that I have not made an entry here for some weeks.
The news though is good. Blood tests show everything in order as it should be. I have actually lost about half a stone (7 pounds) in the last 6 months but then I was in danger of putting on too much weight. Dr. Cave was delighted. I would imagine a lot of her time she has to deliver bad news to patients. Knowing her she would not hide behind a load of jargon.
I have two more sessions with the Oncologist until the 5 years are up. Dr. Cave said she would be perfectly happy to continue seeing me for these if I was okay about travelling to the Island. Given that she has seen me through all of this I thought it a good idea. I am due back in December. My one caveat would be what to do should anything crop up requiring treatment. Dr. Cave said she would write to the head of Oncology at Derby to let him know of my existance.
True to her word I got an appointment with a member of the Oncology team in Derby this past week. It turned out to be a short but productive meeting. Derby are quite happy for me to see Dr. Cave but have given me an open appointment with them. What this means is that if I have any concerns or worries about my health and think these could be connected to cancer I can call them and fix up an appointment without having to go through visits to GPs and being stuck on a waiting list. From all this you gather that it is possible for NHS staff to communicate with each other.
The news though is good. Blood tests show everything in order as it should be. I have actually lost about half a stone (7 pounds) in the last 6 months but then I was in danger of putting on too much weight. Dr. Cave was delighted. I would imagine a lot of her time she has to deliver bad news to patients. Knowing her she would not hide behind a load of jargon.
I have two more sessions with the Oncologist until the 5 years are up. Dr. Cave said she would be perfectly happy to continue seeing me for these if I was okay about travelling to the Island. Given that she has seen me through all of this I thought it a good idea. I am due back in December. My one caveat would be what to do should anything crop up requiring treatment. Dr. Cave said she would write to the head of Oncology at Derby to let him know of my existance.
True to her word I got an appointment with a member of the Oncology team in Derby this past week. It turned out to be a short but productive meeting. Derby are quite happy for me to see Dr. Cave but have given me an open appointment with them. What this means is that if I have any concerns or worries about my health and think these could be connected to cancer I can call them and fix up an appointment without having to go through visits to GPs and being stuck on a waiting list. From all this you gather that it is possible for NHS staff to communicate with each other.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
I am just back from nearly three weeks in Florida. We spent the first and last weeks in Delray Beach(about 40 miles from Miami) and the middle week touring Naples, the Everglades and Key West. With temperatures hitting the 80s it proved a welcome break from the dreariness of the Winter.
Two things put a bit of a damper on proceedings. We left behind some of Ev's best jewellry in one of the Hotels. That place has checked and found nothing which is deeply sad.
The other was a particularly nasty acid attack. At least I think it was acid but it was a feeling I had not experienced before. As always the problem was self inflicted. We had Dinner in a very nice restaurant. I had ordered a chicken dish and was three quarters through it when I realised I had been eating skin as well as meat. It turned out to be very greasy. The result was I woke up at about one in the morning. Apart from the soreness of throat I found I was sweating and struggling to breathe. What normally happens with these acid problems is that after about an hour I can go back to bed and sleep. Sadly this time it was not possible.
The consequence of this outbreak was that I started coughing presumably from the acid. I also acquired a wheezy chest. Fortunately a Dentist had given me some anti biotics following treatment before we left for the USA. Even more fortunately Ev remembered to take them with our luggage. Thus I took the suggested dose for a week and the cough cleared up.
The other problem was that I lost all appetite. For a days I ate not a lot. It does not help of course that Americans always serve up mammoth portions in restaurants. It feels like I have lost some weight but that is understandable in the circumstances.
I am due to see the Oncologist on the Island on May 13(a week on Monday). I shall report the results as soon as possible afterwards.
Two things put a bit of a damper on proceedings. We left behind some of Ev's best jewellry in one of the Hotels. That place has checked and found nothing which is deeply sad.
The other was a particularly nasty acid attack. At least I think it was acid but it was a feeling I had not experienced before. As always the problem was self inflicted. We had Dinner in a very nice restaurant. I had ordered a chicken dish and was three quarters through it when I realised I had been eating skin as well as meat. It turned out to be very greasy. The result was I woke up at about one in the morning. Apart from the soreness of throat I found I was sweating and struggling to breathe. What normally happens with these acid problems is that after about an hour I can go back to bed and sleep. Sadly this time it was not possible.
The consequence of this outbreak was that I started coughing presumably from the acid. I also acquired a wheezy chest. Fortunately a Dentist had given me some anti biotics following treatment before we left for the USA. Even more fortunately Ev remembered to take them with our luggage. Thus I took the suggested dose for a week and the cough cleared up.
The other problem was that I lost all appetite. For a days I ate not a lot. It does not help of course that Americans always serve up mammoth portions in restaurants. It feels like I have lost some weight but that is understandable in the circumstances.
I am due to see the Oncologist on the Island on May 13(a week on Monday). I shall report the results as soon as possible afterwards.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Well I am sorry for the length of time since my last post. I have taken a while to break through the security checks but here goes.
The move wasn't too traumatic. It's amazing how much stuff you accumulate when you have lived in a place for a number of years. In the weeks up to the move we had been getting rid of things but even so our effects took over half of the space available on an 18 ton truck. Houses come in all shapes and sizes. In terms of overall size our old and new properties are roughly the same. Bigger here are the Lounge and Kitchen but the Dining Room, Conservatory and Bathroom are smaller. In the old place we had a large loft space but no garage. Here in Derbyshire the reverse is true. The garden where we are now is much bigger.
The town of Duffield where we live now is very pleasant . I guess you would call it a dormitory town for Derby and Nottingham. There is much excellent countryside round and about. It's also very quiet which after Ryde is most welcome. Transport wise it has a train station, good Bus Service into Derby plus the M1 is less than 20 miles away.
Now to healthy matters. Since moving I have had no acid attacks which is most welcome. I have discovered that it takes for ever to transfer medical records from one surgery to another. In brief after 4 plus weeks since registering with a practice in Duffield our records have still not made it. Enquiries of our old surgery reveal the papers were sent to Winchester(that's where the Strategic Health Authority for the Island is located) on 12 March. Records are then sent to the relevant authority for this neck of the woods and then on to the new place. Some of you might think in this day and age of communications that is absurd. I couldn't possibly comment.
The upshot of all this is that I shall go to see Dr, Cave as scheduled on the Island in May and then to seek transfer of Hospital Records to Derby. As to how long this will take your guess is as good as mine.
In the meantime I decided to apply to nearby Burton Hospital Radio for work as a volunteer broadcaster. They are very good and professional and I knew I would have to undergo a Criminal Records check. However I was confronted with a three page Health Questionnaire plus questions about immunisations I have had. I have filled it in giving details of my illness and apparently it's up to the Occupational Health Department whether I can broadcast or not.
Life is never dull.
The move wasn't too traumatic. It's amazing how much stuff you accumulate when you have lived in a place for a number of years. In the weeks up to the move we had been getting rid of things but even so our effects took over half of the space available on an 18 ton truck. Houses come in all shapes and sizes. In terms of overall size our old and new properties are roughly the same. Bigger here are the Lounge and Kitchen but the Dining Room, Conservatory and Bathroom are smaller. In the old place we had a large loft space but no garage. Here in Derbyshire the reverse is true. The garden where we are now is much bigger.
The town of Duffield where we live now is very pleasant . I guess you would call it a dormitory town for Derby and Nottingham. There is much excellent countryside round and about. It's also very quiet which after Ryde is most welcome. Transport wise it has a train station, good Bus Service into Derby plus the M1 is less than 20 miles away.
Now to healthy matters. Since moving I have had no acid attacks which is most welcome. I have discovered that it takes for ever to transfer medical records from one surgery to another. In brief after 4 plus weeks since registering with a practice in Duffield our records have still not made it. Enquiries of our old surgery reveal the papers were sent to Winchester(that's where the Strategic Health Authority for the Island is located) on 12 March. Records are then sent to the relevant authority for this neck of the woods and then on to the new place. Some of you might think in this day and age of communications that is absurd. I couldn't possibly comment.
The upshot of all this is that I shall go to see Dr, Cave as scheduled on the Island in May and then to seek transfer of Hospital Records to Derby. As to how long this will take your guess is as good as mine.
In the meantime I decided to apply to nearby Burton Hospital Radio for work as a volunteer broadcaster. They are very good and professional and I knew I would have to undergo a Criminal Records check. However I was confronted with a three page Health Questionnaire plus questions about immunisations I have had. I have filled it in giving details of my illness and apparently it's up to the Occupational Health Department whether I can broadcast or not.
Life is never dull.
Friday, 15 February 2013
This is another brief note.
In two days time we are on the move. Derbyshire awaits our presence. Thing is that although we have been promised a landline by BT we at the moment have no idea when we are going to get Broadband. Thus we may be out of computer use for a while. Sadly we know of cases where BT has left people without for up to 6 weeks. Please therefore do not be surprised if there is no blog entry for a week or three.
Still no news on a potential hernia. I have found out courtesy of Gill Jones Specialist Nurse at St Mary's that when I went to Southampton before Christmas the picture plates were available. The Consultant had forgotten to request them. Apparently my case id now under review and I have been promised the results as soon as possible. Oh dear my next discussion with the NHS will be my request to continue seeing Dr. Cave on the Island as she knows me. I believe this is called patient choice. I shall post the outcome of that.
Of other matters such as delays in exchanging contracts, laggardly Local Authorities and the usual stress of moving probably the less said the better.
To end on a positive note Ev and I had a lovely Valentine's Day Meal at Michaelangelos Restaurant in Ryde. Next week we move to a very pleasant town called Duffield surrounded by some beautiful countryside. This is the next chapter in our lives.
In two days time we are on the move. Derbyshire awaits our presence. Thing is that although we have been promised a landline by BT we at the moment have no idea when we are going to get Broadband. Thus we may be out of computer use for a while. Sadly we know of cases where BT has left people without for up to 6 weeks. Please therefore do not be surprised if there is no blog entry for a week or three.
Still no news on a potential hernia. I have found out courtesy of Gill Jones Specialist Nurse at St Mary's that when I went to Southampton before Christmas the picture plates were available. The Consultant had forgotten to request them. Apparently my case id now under review and I have been promised the results as soon as possible. Oh dear my next discussion with the NHS will be my request to continue seeing Dr. Cave on the Island as she knows me. I believe this is called patient choice. I shall post the outcome of that.
Of other matters such as delays in exchanging contracts, laggardly Local Authorities and the usual stress of moving probably the less said the better.
To end on a positive note Ev and I had a lovely Valentine's Day Meal at Michaelangelos Restaurant in Ryde. Next week we move to a very pleasant town called Duffield surrounded by some beautiful countryside. This is the next chapter in our lives.
Monday, 21 January 2013
Friday, 18 January 2013
Alas still no word from the Hospital in Southampton about my so called hernia. I did contact the nurse specialist at the Hospital last week. I do wonder sometimes whether the NHS realises that by not responding to enquiries of this nature they are adding to costs as I have no intention of going away...............except to Derbyshire.
And what is happening there? Well since you ask here goes.
We went to Derby last week and had a good look around. The City of Derby has a lot going for it with not one but two big markets featuring local traders. Just outside the Inner City there are a number of very nice places and of course the wonderful Peak District is a short journey away.
Martin is already working in Derbyshire and has been living in a dormer bungalow in the very nice town of Duffield. The original idea was that Ev and I would move in there in February and Martin would find a place that could accommodate himself, Andrea, Emily and Adam in the same town. For quite a while now that looked unlikely. The dormer bungalow whilst okay for the two of us would be unsuitable for a family of four where one of its members works from home.
The reason we went to Derbyshire was to find somewhere to rent so that the Kids could start school in Duffield after half term. The visit turned out to be useful not least because it gave us the chance to look at areas where we would like to live as well as properties. One of the places we looked at was a nice bungalow in Allestree a pleasant suburb in the North of Derby. Initially we were looking at renting but when we got there we saw a for sale sign as well as one for renting. We liked it a lot. It needs some work doing to it but Ev felt bold enough to ask how much the seller wanted. It turns out that the owner is an estate. Ev did some very astute bargaining and cut a long story short we have had an offer accepted which will give us enough money to get some things done to make it a great place to live.
At this stage we thought we would have to live in the bungalow whilst renovations were carried out. However over the hill has come the cavalry. Martin took a phone call from an agent saying that a more suitable house to rent would be available. He went and had a look today and is happy with it. Thus we can move initially into the dormer bungalow whilst the improvements are carried out.
All that remains is for contracts on our existing house to be exchanged. Now regular readers might be surprised that a deal agreed in October still has not been finalised. It would appear that our buyer's mortgage company have put the wrong names on their offer which is holding the whole thing up. If all goes well we should be ready to roll next month.
More news as we get it.
And what is happening there? Well since you ask here goes.
We went to Derby last week and had a good look around. The City of Derby has a lot going for it with not one but two big markets featuring local traders. Just outside the Inner City there are a number of very nice places and of course the wonderful Peak District is a short journey away.
Martin is already working in Derbyshire and has been living in a dormer bungalow in the very nice town of Duffield. The original idea was that Ev and I would move in there in February and Martin would find a place that could accommodate himself, Andrea, Emily and Adam in the same town. For quite a while now that looked unlikely. The dormer bungalow whilst okay for the two of us would be unsuitable for a family of four where one of its members works from home.
The reason we went to Derbyshire was to find somewhere to rent so that the Kids could start school in Duffield after half term. The visit turned out to be useful not least because it gave us the chance to look at areas where we would like to live as well as properties. One of the places we looked at was a nice bungalow in Allestree a pleasant suburb in the North of Derby. Initially we were looking at renting but when we got there we saw a for sale sign as well as one for renting. We liked it a lot. It needs some work doing to it but Ev felt bold enough to ask how much the seller wanted. It turns out that the owner is an estate. Ev did some very astute bargaining and cut a long story short we have had an offer accepted which will give us enough money to get some things done to make it a great place to live.
At this stage we thought we would have to live in the bungalow whilst renovations were carried out. However over the hill has come the cavalry. Martin took a phone call from an agent saying that a more suitable house to rent would be available. He went and had a look today and is happy with it. Thus we can move initially into the dormer bungalow whilst the improvements are carried out.
All that remains is for contracts on our existing house to be exchanged. Now regular readers might be surprised that a deal agreed in October still has not been finalised. It would appear that our buyer's mortgage company have put the wrong names on their offer which is holding the whole thing up. If all goes well we should be ready to roll next month.
More news as we get it.
Friday, 4 January 2013
A happy new year to all our readers. I am happy to report that I have had only one bout of acid attack since my last report and that a very mild one. The main concern I have had is one of indigestion which from time to time wakes me up. Oh the joys of Gavescon.
Christmas was spent with Andrea, Martin, Emily, Adam and Martin's parents. It was very pleasant. Ev and Andrea did some great things for our Dinner. We went for a walk along Ryde Esplanade. It was very wet and muddy, a by product of endless downpours.
Next Christmas we shall of course be in Derbyshire. Speaking of which after spending new year with the rest of the family in North Wales we visited the area where we hope to settle. I have to say we were very impressed with the scenery and general atmosphere of the place. Sad though I shall be to leave I wish the whole thing was done and dusted.
Going back to the new year thing we had a great time. With Jack at University we don't get too many chances to meet up. Lucy is a really nice Girl. And of course Harry is as lively as ever. When we shall move it will be a journey to North Wales of 2 hours or less which means hopefully we shall see more of Christopher's side of the family.
Finally still no sign of my medical report. I shall pursue this next week when most will be back at work.
Christmas was spent with Andrea, Martin, Emily, Adam and Martin's parents. It was very pleasant. Ev and Andrea did some great things for our Dinner. We went for a walk along Ryde Esplanade. It was very wet and muddy, a by product of endless downpours.
Next Christmas we shall of course be in Derbyshire. Speaking of which after spending new year with the rest of the family in North Wales we visited the area where we hope to settle. I have to say we were very impressed with the scenery and general atmosphere of the place. Sad though I shall be to leave I wish the whole thing was done and dusted.
Going back to the new year thing we had a great time. With Jack at University we don't get too many chances to meet up. Lucy is a really nice Girl. And of course Harry is as lively as ever. When we shall move it will be a journey to North Wales of 2 hours or less which means hopefully we shall see more of Christopher's side of the family.
Finally still no sign of my medical report. I shall pursue this next week when most will be back at work.
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