Hi Tasmania,

Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your tumour. Although surgeons arrange to carry out keyhole surgery, there is always the caveat that, if they discover something or encounter problems, they may have to change the operation to open surgery. You are complaining about your body image. Have you ever thought of how fortunate you are to have had a further 6 years? 

I have lost both breasts, had my gall bladder removed by open surgery, leaving a scar from breast to groin, have had both knees replaced and 7 eye operations so far to restore my sight, after I lost it. My scars certainly don't look a pretty sight, but they are testament of what I have come through. There have been many on this site who have not been as fortunate as you and I and, I thank God for every morning I wake up to face another day. 

I am sorry to hear that you lost your PIP and hope that your appeal is successful.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Minska,

Great to hear from you. 

You have been through so much in recent years and, like me, are testament to the great NHS we have in the UK. There are complaints a plenty and, I have had some myself, but I am so grateful to be able to count myself amongst those still standing - or more often sitting these days!

I hope that you are doing ok now.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

We are so lucky to have our fabulous NHS. Apart from a couple of niggles which were related to communication and administration, I have had excellent treatment from wonderful staff throughout. I am doing very well now, thank you, but I do confess I do a lot of sitting and am more prone to having a lie down during the day now! However, apart from some difficulty with my mobility I can basically live a completely normal life now, doing everything I used to do before- just a little more slowly! I consider myself very blessed. xx

Hi Minska,

I am so glad to hear that you are doing well now. I do a lot of resting too and my mobility is  greatly curtailed, but I still get around in my mobility scooter and life is good. I look at people in other countries, who cannot get the treatment they need and, realise how fortunate to have the NHS on our doorstep.

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

I am going away later in the week which will involve a flight so I have booked assistance at the airport. I really do need a wheelchair to cope with all the walking involved and I’ve found airport staff to be incredibly helpful in the past, arranging this and an extra baggage allowance for my medical supplies. It makes travelling so much easier. We are so lucky really, and I prefer to concentrate on the positives and what I can do because I appreciate still being around to enjoy life. xx

Hi Minska,

I do the same and cannot praise the airport staff enough. It makes travelling  a pleasure instead of a real pain. Life is too short not to accept what we have and to make the most of it.

I hope that you have a wonderful trip.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx