Hi Meerkat,

Found your new thread after you replied to my post on your old one (I'm new to all this too!).  Poor you facing considerable surgery, but your medical team sound like they really know what they're doing. Must be strange to think about losing so many bits, but think of it as being a few pound lighter!  (Doesn't sound like you need to be though).  You will no doubt need plenty of time to recuperate so make sure all your loved ones give you a massive pamper package, and keep your laptop at hand to post on here.  Great that your friends are doing a charity walk, I have been threatening to do a charity run for my local hospice since Dad died, they've helped me so much through this terrible time so I definitely will do it in the future.

I am at an "acceptance mode" regarding my Mum at the moment, so am making the most of it as I know much darker days to come soon.  I can't believe that I find a chatsite helps, I never thought it was me!  Thank god for the internet eh!  Take care and keeping posting your virtual friends.  Hope23 x

Hi Hope,

Glad you've found me here! I'm going to 'cut and paste' your sentence about my loved ones giving me a massive pamper package and leave it lying round the house in various places . . . Maybe with a few ideas as to what constitutes pampering (for my partner!!! Say no more!)

It's good to read that you're going to do a charity run, some time in the future, for the local hospice who cared for your dad and who have helped you too.  I'm sure it will be a 'mixed emotions' experience when you run it, but hopefully an uplifting one, doing something in your lovely dad's memory!

I'm glad you're finding the chat site such a support and you are certainly doing your bit to support all of us out here! Even though you have said you know darker days are ahead, I'm glad you are making the best of the way you feel at the moment.

Stay strong, lovely Hope,

Meerkat x

Hi Garf,

Thanks for your recent message . . . I was going to hang on to reply until I came back from holiday, when I'd probably have something more exciting to post! But couldn't resist saying hi to you too!

It's funny you should say about not visiting places even when they have a relevance to you (in your case, your Head office being based in Glasgow) My admission is to not visiting all the beautiful areas in my home county of Shropshire. I no longer live there, but when I see it if it crops up on TV I always feel wistful and wish I'd explored more of it when it was on my doorstep! Most of my family are still there, but visits tend to be staying with relatives and not venturing far from their doorsteps!!

I have posted a reply to Annabel (above this one) I do hope she sees it. I find that the longer a thread becomes, you need to go further back to make sure you catch all replies. I see that you are still doing a great job of supporting others out there too!

Well, I should really get on with sorting things for the holiday. Haven't looked at the weather forecast for the next week, so maybe that's my first job. . . Don't want to pack tee-shirts and shorts if thermals and waterproofs are the order of the day!

Hope to post on my return, with tales of whisky, haggis and shortbread. (All are guaranteed to enhance my holiday experience. . . Though maybe I should really only sample the shortbread!)

Take care and I hope you are managing to get some more restful nights' sleep.

Chat again soon, best wishes,

Meerkat (Jo) xx

Thanks so much for replying before going to scotland.

I have to admit to being guilty of exactly the same as you because I no longer live in North Wales and now regret not seeing more of such a beautiful part of the world.  I have never even been up Snowdon and I lived not thirty miles from it.

I am off next week too and I'm afraid I have seen the forecast, for London anyway, so I will be packing jumpers and a brolly.

I look forward to tales of whisky and shortbread when you get back but I will let you edit out the bits about the haggis.

Have a great time and a safe journey.

Garf. x   

Hi there Meerkat,

Lovely to hear from you too.

Didn't answer you straight away as wasn't sure exactly when you were off to Bonny Scotland.

I think you are doing exactly the right thing in not getting on an airoplane just now with all that recycled air and catching anyone elses bugs before your surgery.

As for the sunshine it's not always necessary, and sometimes you can chase it, just need the pro weather app on your mobile.

like you I am a keen gardener but never seem to have enough time to garden, and having 2I/2 acres and a business to run means I do what I can but some of ours has to be as nature intends.I do have green fingers and often have new plants from old in pots but it's become such a disease with me that I think I should start selling plants to our guests.!!!LOl. 

I have to say I envy you your chef, it's one thing I have lost interest in over the years is cooking. Used to be quite good at it. Now it's just a neccesity.HE HO.

Oh well, have a lovely time in Scotland (I love scotland) and we will chat when you get back. I'll be here for you.

best wishes

Annabel.xx

Hi everyone!

Hope you don't mind if I write to you all in one group message?

Firstly . . . .HUGE Congratulations Grandma Annabel! I look forward to hearing more about names and weight etc! Hope your daughter's feeling ok too!

Well, we're back from Glasgow where we enjoyed fantastic weather! We went to Celtic Park on the Sunday to watch a charity match for Leukaemia research. One of Celtic's players (Stilyan Petrov) was diagnosed with L and so this match was arranged with 'old' players and celebrities playing against each other. A brilliant, but emotional afternoon!

We went to Largs on Monday and enjoyed chicken and chips on the beach! And then my partner had a knickerbocker glory to finish off! It was called A Flying Scotsmen as it had everything that you associate with Scotland in it . . .  Except Haggis!! The sun shone and we had a lovely relaxed day!

Tuesday saw us heading off to Braehead . . . A massive shopping centre! We didn't do much shopping, but went on a 'date' to the cinema to see About Time (new one from Richard Curtis) a bit of a chick flick, but the message within the film is certainly one we can all relate to on here, about making the most of every day!)

We headed back home on Wednesday and had intended to visit my partner's daughter and grandson on the east coast, but unfortunately, things conspired against that plan happening, so we just came home!

It was great to spend some time without thinking about being ill! And the Scottish air plus all the walking we did, certainly helped improve my sleep pattern!

Only one slight downer though. . . I've come back with a sore throat and swollen glands! Ah, the irony of it! we didnt go abroad so that I didnt risk getting airline flu! Still, as long as I'm ok for Tuesday! And some vitamin C tablets and paracetamol seem to be doing the trick!

So, the past few days have been spent sorting out last minute things ready for next Tuesday's admission and that includes logging in to see how you're all getting on. I can see that you've all been doing what you're all so brilliant at; supporting each other and any newcomers! I hope to respond individually on your various threads over the next few days!

Well, it's time for dinner . . . I'm making the most of eating lots of food before Sunday when the 'low residue' diet becomes compulsory!

Wishing you all a peaceful and happy weekend, folks! (I'd like to say sunny too, but looking at the forecast, I think that's asking a bit much!)

Take care, Jo (Meerkat) xxx

Hi Meerkat,  I was thinking of you earlier and wondering when you were back, had intended to post you over the weekend as I guessed you'd be back by then.  So glad you had a lovely time in Scotland, and wonderful that you got to do so many lovely things without thinking about illness.  I want to wish you heaps and heaps of good luck and best wishes for your forthcoming operation on Tuesday.  Don't forget about the "pampering" afterwards, I'm sure all your friends and family will spoil you.  Also hope the charity walk that your friends are doing this Sunday goes will, fingers crossed for good weather.  Please try and keep in touch with us all on here, this site has helped me so much.  Take care.  Hope xx

Hi Jo,

So please to hear you had such a good time. I must say we have all missed your input.

I wish you all the very best for Tuesday and will be thinking of you. Please take good care of yourself, best wishes, Brian.

Glad you are back safe and sound from your trip to Scotland.  Also glad that the Flying Scotsman you had was missing some Haggis. - YUCK!

It seems we both failed to do any shopping while on our trips.  As a fan of Formula 1 and McLaren I just didn't find the time to go to the McLaren store in Knightsbridge as there was just too much sightseeing to do.  It's probably just as well as it would have ended up being an expensive visit. I did need to buy some plasters for the blister on the bottom of my foot though.  I knew I should have taken different shoes.

I just want to wish you all the very best for Tuesday and to let you know my thoughts will be with you.  Please, please come back here to let us know you are o.k. and how the operation went.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Garf. x   

Hello Jo,

So lovely to hear from you. It sounds like you had a great time up around Glasgow.Are you telling us you were good and didn't have a knickerbocker glory with him. ( Can anybody tell us why it's called a knickerbocker Glory???)

Anyway I hope you are feeling rested and at least you have been away. I am sorry you've come back with a sore throat. Gargling with a good mouthwash just might help that before Tuesday Jo. ( Sorry it's the Nurse in me, still comes out sometimes). I have to say I love Scotland and was up in Dumfries the other week but then I don't live far, being in Cumbria.

Thank you so much for your congrats at me becoming a Nanna. It was such a shock as she wasn't due for another 4 weeks . Anyway they are both fine now, My daughter had to have 4 units of blood transfused today as she had quite a bleed at the end of the process. She is feeling a lot better now and able to get up.

Well I hope you enjoyed a lovely meal this evening Jo before the low res diet tomorrow. Have a peaceful weekend Jo. I shall wish you well for the op next week.

best wishes

Annabel.

Hi Jo,

I have come as promised, to wish you all the best in the world for your operation tomorrow  . Bet your sick of the low res diet already.

I shall definately be thinking of you tomorrow . Let us know how your getting on when you can, will be lovely to hear from you.

Grandaughter weighed 6.3 lbs at birth and although a little preterm they went home last night after she had had some uv therapy. Haven't spoken to my daughter today yet as I have been working this morning. So will catch up with her later today.No name yet but I don't suppose it will be long.

Hope you are feeling as calm as you can. There comes a point where you just have to put all faith and trust in these people and let them get on with their job.

You'll be in the post op ward before long.

Chat soon

Hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel,

Thank you so much for your lovely, kind wishes for tomorrow. Yes, the low residue diet has become boring! It's amazing how everyone else's plate looks so appealing with colourful vegetables on them! 'White' food certainly is as bland as it looks!

Today, I've been preparing myself, practically and mentally for tomorrow. Keeping busy practically has been easy, but the mental preparation has proved more difficult! I can't help feeling a little bit anxious about tomorrow; from "Will we get there on time?" to "Will the operation be successful?" However, there comes a point when you just want it to be done so you can get on with the next chapter of the story! And this is where I'm at!

I love reading about your new granddaughter. So glad your daughter and baby are back home now. Did I see in a post to Jules or Hope, that you'll be skyping? Technology is fantastic! We keep in touch with my partner's daughter and grandson via FaceTime (they live up in Fife)

Well, as I said to Hope, I'm going to have a bit of a self spa! Mainly to relax, but also to keep out of the way of the kitchen where delicious food is being prepared! Not a hint of anything white in sight!!! Grr!

I look forward to logging in, in around ten days to catch up with your news. And no doubt I'll see your supportive messages dotted about the forum too!

Thanks again, Annabel, and you take care of yourself too and enjoy skyping and 'real time' with your new addition!

Jo xx

Hi Annabel,

Thank you so much for your lovely, kind wishes for tomorrow. Yes, the low residue diet has become boring! It's amazing how everyone else's plate looks so appealing with colourful vegetables on them! 'White' food certainly is as bland as it looks!

Today, I've been preparing myself, practically and mentally for tomorrow. Keeping busy practically has been easy, but the mental preparation has proved more difficult! I can't help feeling a little bit anxious about tomorrow; from "Will we get there on time?" to "Will the operation be successful?" However, there comes a point when you just want it to be done so you can get on with the next chapter of the story! And this is where I'm at!

I love reading about your new granddaughter. So glad your daughter and baby are back home now. Did I see in a post to Jules or Hope, that you'll be skyping? Technology is fantastic! We keep in touch with my partner's daughter and grandson via FaceTime (they live up in Fife)

Well, as I said to Hope, I'm going to have a bit of a self spa! Mainly to relax, but also to keep out of the way of the kitchen where delicious food is being prepared! Not a hint of anything white in sight!!! Grr!

I look forward to logging in, in around ten days to catch up with your news. And no doubt I'll see your supportive messages dotted about the forum too!

Thanks again, Annabel, and you take care of yourself too and enjoy skyping and 'real time' with your new addition!

Jo xx

Hi Meercat Just wishing you all the best you will be in my thoughts

Ruggles

Hi Jo, Just to let you know I am thinking of you and praying you are doing really well.

Annabel. xx

Hi there Jo,

Just wanted to add my best wishes for you even though you will still be in hospital at this point.

Look forward to hearing from you when you get back.

Garf. x

Hi Jo,

Still thinking of you and hoping all is going well. Look forward to hearing from you.

Annabel. xx

Hi everyone!!

Thank you all so much for your kind messages.

Well, I can't believe it's only 8 days since my surgery. I actually came home yesterday (Tues) but wanted to settle back into home before logging into to see how my virtual friends are doing!

As you know, I went for my op last Tuesday and arrived at the hospital on time. . . And would you believe, there was no post-op bed on the critical care unit available!! Rather than cancel the operation, my surgeon and the anaesthetist, took the calculated risk that as I was young, fit and healthy they would go ahead with the op and I would be on hourly observations on a general ward . . . Good call!!

It was a rather bizarre situation when I met the anaesthetist; I knew her personally, and had taught her kids! However, it made me feel more comfortable and confident about the whole thing (though I could see how 'knowing' your medical team, could be a bit weird for some patients!)

I awoke after the 6 hour op to the news that the surgery had been very successful with more evidence of tumour shrinkage since the scans a few weeks ago! I'd still had the anticipated hysterectomy, but my other 'lady bits' were left intact as the tumour had reduced sufficiently in these areas to leave a good margin.

It took me a few days to get up and about, partly because I was attached to an epidural drip and catheter, but slowly, as the days have gone on, I've grown stronger and more confident.

My surgeon is really pleased with my progress; I think it's a combination of good pre-op management (high protein diet, energy drinks etc) excellent surgical intervention (I love my surgeon!!) and lastly, my dogged determination to beat this b****y disease! (Excuse language!)

Other than family, I've not told anyone I'm home yet as I do tire easily! (A shower and hair drying session wiped me out this morning!) So visitors are being strictly vetted . . . Especially the exhuberant ones (and some of my friends and colleagues are a little exhuberant to put it mildly! As much as I love them!)

I'm learning to love my stoma . . . I thought the stoma nurse was going to pass out with excitement when she first saw it! According to her it's a 'text book' stoma. A little longer spout than usual, but she has assured me this has more advantages than disadvantages. (Another poor lady on the ward had a stoma that had gone back inside so was harder for her to manage so her hospital stay was much extended! Poor love!)

I'm finding out what foods affect 'Stumpy' (yep, I've named him!) and hot chocolate at bedtime is a definite no, no! He had the ward up all night with his 'singing'!!

A girl on the ward asked if she could have a look at my ileostomy so I treated her to 'stoma care workshop' Wherever I go, the teacher in me just has to come out! It actually empowered me to do it in front of someone and helped her as she's likely to need one and to see something first hand, is better than pictures in pamphlets!

My partner, who is usually a very squeamish guy, has been so supportive and watched me change my bag this morning. He didn't run away and was more fascinated by the technology of the bags!

So, apart from a visit from the District Nurse today, I'm pretty much 'Medic' free until next week when I go to clinic for the biopsy results. I had forgotten about this stage (marshmallow brain!) and I'm trying to live in the moment before worrying about the results. But if I have to have more chemo, then so be it!

I've got this far by listening to the professionals and doing what I'm told, so a bit more of the same isn't going to harm me!

I intend to catch up with your stories/threads over the next few days, and hopefully post some individual responses to you all, though a quick glance shows that you're all still out there being your lovely, supportive selves!

It's great to be back! I've missed you all!

Much love, Jo xxx

Hi Jo,

Welcome back and I'm so please everything went so well for you. won't post  much at the moment but just to say we have all been thinking of you

Take care, best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Brian

WELCOME BACK JO!!!!!

I am thrilled for you that the operation went so well and that you are back in the comfort of your own home - well as comfortable as you can be anyway.

What a good decision it was to go ahead even though there was no pre-op bed available, so often all kinds of operations are cancelled at the last minute through lack of beds. Also that it turned out you knew the anaesthetist was an added bonus although any that I have met have always been good at putting the patient at ease.

Keep up the good work and you must let us know how it goes next week.

Best wishes to you.

Garf. x

Hi Jo glad you are recovering well.  I'm sure you'll cope very well with your new friend Stumpy.  Hopefully he's just a temporary one!  I know it will be hard not to worry about the biopsy results but just take it easy and look after yourself.  If you need any help or have any stoma related queries I will help if I can (even though I didn't have one myself I was totally involved in helping my husband with his....).  May the good recovery continue.xxx

Hi Meerkat,  Great to have you back. I'm so glad you actually got the operation as planned and that is was so successful.  You sound so upbeat and that is sure to aid your recovery.  Now just make sure that the pampering package we talked about is in place and make sure you take things easy.   Hope x

Hi Jo,

It was so lovely to read your long post yesterday, sorry I didn't have time to reply last night.

You really have done well and I pray that your recovery continues with such speed and vigour.

Niccola who also had surgey(tongue base cancer was also wondering how you are) has also seemingly done well.

It is always great when we have such positive news and positive outcomes.

I hope you didn't overdo it with your long post yesterday but look forward to hearing from you again.

best wishes

Annabel.xx