Good Luck Jo. My thoughts are with you

Skye

Lovely forum buddies,

Thank you all for your good luck wishes. They boosted my morale no end

The X-ray went well. Thankfully the clinic was running on time and we were back home by 10.30! The consultant radiologist gave me a good indication that the surgery site was well sealed - no leaks!

I then had a call from the specialist liver nurse and she asked if I could attend an appointment this afternoon to get the CT scan results from last week.

So we hot footed it back across the city.

I was anticipating bad news (coping mode!) but this didn't help soften the blow of what I was told. The lung hotspots are cancer so I've now got to weigh up whether to have liver surgery or not as my life expectancy is 2 to 3 years and the surgery won't lengthen this time.

I can't write all the whys and wherefores at the moment as I'm struggling to take this in. My partner and I have some big decisions to make over the next few weeks. I know some of you may suggest a second opinion - and once I've got my head round it all, I'll probably do this!

Forgive me if I drop off the radar for a few days. I'll be thinking of you all though.

Much love to everyone, Jo xxxx

Hi Jo,

Great to read your positive update.

As for Friday 13th My little Ava was born Friday 13/9/13.!!!!! And that was great news.

Her father is also a  Friday the 13th baby.

Look forward to chatting to you before you go in. At the moment I am down with a real Flu like virus that is doing the local rounds.

You take care of your self this next week and as you are the gold star I don't see how you can want anymore. !!!

Speak soon Jo.

Annabel. xx

Hi Jo

Thanks for your kind comments.  I have been so lucky that it seems only right that I try and help others where I can.  Am only following others like you who have done so much in much more trying circumstances.

This may be a picture in your head that you do not want but on one of my many visits to x-ray was gowned up along with another lady when a man was brought through.  He was well over six foot and huge.  Gown was quite stretched and only just covered his backside and ended well above his knees.  If you have ever seen a progamme or trailer for "Obese: A year to save my life" or something like that it was that sort of size in a gown.  Not pretty.

I have my last partial treatment on Tuesday.  After that will need another CT Scan and a Bone Marrow Trephine (ouch and more ouch) and then it should just be regular checkups.  First one in a month and then at three monthly intervals.  On the one hand want to put the flags out but I shall miss some of my fellow patients who are continuing treatment and might pop in after work one afternoon just to see how they are doing. 

Was planning to take cakes in for staff and patients but do not think I will have time to make them all.  Tomorrow is work in the morning and weekly shop in the afternoon.  Saturday is up to Uni to pack up as much of daughter's stuff and bringing it back so she can be out of campus flat by 10am on following Saturday and on Sunday some housework followed by a friends barbeque (or grillaque depending on the weather) and Monday it is a blood test followed by work.  Might try and do it for four week checkup instead.

Very best wishes.

Gill

Hi Jo,

I'm so glad the appointment was positive and just wanted to wish you all the very best for Friday 13th; a memorable date which I'm sure will be a positive one, and I know so many people will be thinking of you.  Also don't feel that "it's all about you"; although I only know you in the virtual world I know you are a caring, supportive person who always remains positive. Your kind words to me during my time on the site have helped me so much and I, (and am sure many others) are only too pleased to support you now when you need it most.  Hope xx

Jo - just caught up with your thread and am over the moon for you that your operation can go ahead - and like he says, the little lung abnormality can also be ablated/removed too hopefully.  Like I know I have said to you before - it does make me smile how pleased we feel about the prospect of an op - gone are the days when a pair of high heels floated my boat lol!  I know it is a daunting prospect but be assured you will be okay - I was surprised how quickly I got over the resection having thought I would be incapacitated for months. I was walking down to the canteen for meals after a week (slowly and carefully - but I got there). If theres any questions I can help with then you know you can PM me anytime before Friday.

I am so pleased for you and let it all be about you - you deserve it honey!!!!

Him Jo,

So glad you are feeling more confident about things after your appoinment on Wednesday and that you managed to go armed to the teeth with your questions.

Friday the 13th ----- well I for one will hope that is a lucky date for us both as it also marks the last day of a very challenging few weeks at work and a deadline that must be met. My working life is rarely dull!

As for you saying "all about me" well this thread is exactly that - all about you - which is as it should be.  Given what you are going through it simply amazing that you are able to put your own problems to one side long enough to help others while still managing to keep some of that sense of humour of yours so you really mustn't feel that you are letting anybody down because you just aren't.  In fact I think I can safely say that the way you are dealing with this is enough to inspire strength in others.

Take good care Jo and of course all the best for the 13th although there will no doubt be a message or two between now and then.

Garf. xxx

Hi Jo,

I've just caught up with your thread and I'm glad to hear that your appointment went well this week and you were able to ask all of your questions. I always feel much more able to cope when I have knowledge.

Your op has been scheduled very quickly. I am away on holiday for a few days next week so I will wish you luck now and I will be thinking of you and looking forward to hearing from you once you are feeling well enough to update us. Keep your sense of humour and good spirits with you and I'm sure you'll be fine.

Sending love and hugs,

Nicola xx

Morning Jo

Am having problems with my laptop (overheating) so whilst able to have a link just wanted to send big hugs and good thoughts for your surgery tomorrow.  Will be hoping for the best possible outcome for you - mydaughter has always said Friday 13th is the luckiest of day.Jules xxxx

Good luck Jo - I know you will be fine. Any last minute worries - you know where I am. Its a year this month I had my liver resected and the best decision I have made throughout this journey. My liver is functioning fine and no problems with losing the gallbladder apart from wind - but you know all about that haha!  The very best of luck and we will be rooting for you and looking forward to your posts when you feel ready. xxxxxx

Hi all,

Thank you so much for the good luck wishes. Garf and Annabel, Good to hear so many positives about Friday 13th I'm not superstitious really! (Mustn't forget to pack my rabbit's foot!)

Nicola, I hope your hol is fantastic!

Gill, glad you've ticked your final treatment off the calendar - you'll soon be looking back and thinking how long ago it seemed!

Jules, your laptop is not the only one having 'overheating' problems - wow, what a scorcher today has been! The whole school went on a trip to Bridlington (I stayed at school with the secretary to make sure the school was safe! Haha!

It was similar weather when I had my last op. . . .suddenly turned into a heat wave while I was enjoying the delights of Hotel NHS!

Max, thanks for the reassurance about the resection. I was surprised to find out from the surgeon that I'd be losing my gall bladder too! Not too bothered as it would appear I have gallstones anyway! And as for the wind, my partner said instaed of flowers, he'd buy me a kite! (Permission to slap him?)

Well, having my final cuppa before I have to start fasting. The prospect of a sugarless, black tea or coffee isn't too appealing, so I'm enjoying this one then it's off to bed! What's the betting that the puppy chooses tomorrow morning to have a lie in?

Much love to all and will be back online asap - to catch up with you all, and to hear news of little Alfie.

Xxxx

Hope and Brian,

How could I have missed to mention you both? Apologies!

Brian, I hope you and Mrs B are ok - I've missed to catch the Amazing Quotes thread for a little while and that's where I usually get my Brianitus updates!

I'll make it my first port of call once I'm back in harness!

Hope, I expect it's a busy time at school for you - I know how mad this final term can be . . . I spent today trying to cram 5 weeks work into one day so that SEN transition goes smoothly while I'm off! No doubt I'll have forgotten something!

Enjoy the good weather (guaranteed heatwave while I'm in hospital! haha! ) and we'll catch up soon!

Love and hugs, Jo xx

Hope and Brian,

How could I have missed to mention you both? Apologies!

Brian, I hope you and Mrs B are ok - I've missed to catch the Amazing Quotes thread for a little while and that's where I usually get my Brianitus updates!

I'll make it my first port of call once I'm back in harness!

Hope, I expect it's a busy time at school for you - I know how mad this final term can be . . . I spent today trying to cram 5 weeks work into one day so that SEN transition goes smoothly while I'm off! No doubt I'll have forgotten something!

Enjoy the good weather (guaranteed heatwave while I'm in hospital! haha! ) and we'll catch up soon!

Love and hugs, Jo xx

And I thought you'd already gone to bed.!!!

Will be thinking of you and waiting to hear from you hun.

Annabel. xx

PS I have pm'd you. xx

Ooh, snap!

Will head off to bed now, Nurse Annabel! Hehe!

Jo xx

Hi Jo,

Just to let you know you are in my thoughts too.  Hope xx

Hi Everyone!

I'm back in cyber space! Some of the time I've not been sure what 'space' I've been in! That's Tramadol for you!

Well, the operation went well, all 3 tumours removed and 40% of my liver resected!

I spent 2 nights on HDU and was then transferred to the post-surgical ward. My partner was initially overwhelmed to see the amount of equipment, wires, drains and monitors.  Couldn't really see from my vantage point, so he took a photo - Wow! I looked like I'd been operated on by Dyno-Rod!

I was actually discharged aft visiting last night, but have been having some pain issues, so this is the first time of 'logging in!'

This op has made me feel more poorly than the bowel resection, but the specialist nurse warned me that I'd feel more 'rubbish' at the beginning, but then recovery would seem to gather pace more quickly!

The dog was so thrilled to see me - and the 'Don't jump up!' Training that my partner had done in the time I was in hospital, really worked.

He seems to know I'm not the ball throwing, mate I was before I 'disappeared' but he's very happy to sit at my feet (or lie next me at nap time! Yes, naughty I know, but it's so comforting to have them there!) This is the dog I'm talking about, by the way!

(Partner very wonderfully, supportive as ever too, but better at cooking etc rather than lying by my feet!)

Max, can't wait to read 'Alfie News!'

Well, I'll leave it there, as no doubt, I'll stop typing and feel wrung out again!

I'll catch up with your news over the next few days and drop you some messages, but bear with me!

A 'classic' comedy moment alert!!! - I was offered Braised Liver for supper last night! Really??? The irony made me chuckle - maybe that's why they offered it, isn't Iron-y good for the liver??

Bye for now, love to all and hope you're all ok!

Chat soon, Jo xx

Jo

You are positively amazing.  Your humour is infectious and had me laughing out loud (though would probably make you sore) and love the iron-y in offering you liver to eat (sorry I love it but am unsurprisingly alone in this).  Still this is hospital food we are talking about and no doubt your other half is much better at spoiling you from the kitchen and sorry why is he not lying at your feet feeding you grapes. Love the fact that he has trained your lovely puppy to do it for him though!!  Take care and gain strength - we are around when you are up to it.  Big hugs (virtually probably easier)  Jules xx

Jo ....... Am so pleased to hear from you and it sounds like you are doing brilliantly as ever. Well done you!  The drugs definitely play havoc dont they - I was imagining all sorts of weird things with the morphine/tramadol!  I hope the pain is manageable and you will feel stronger every day - just take it easy.

I am cream-crackered with Alfie - he is gorgeous but I had forgotten how time-consuming it is to have a baby. Wee alerts in the night, following me everywhere - cant even go to the loo without my shadow.  Wouldnt have it any other way of course and he is a good little thing. We are going to a puppy party next week (he has a better social life than me!!).  Certainly takes your mind off cancer, thank goodness!

Keep well my friend and remember that every day you will feel stronger and better.  Much love xxxx

Jo,

Great to have you back amongst us

Dave

Good morning Jo - great to have you back!

I am glad the operation went well even if you are feeling pretty rubbish right now although even that doesn't seem to have affected your sense of humour.  I'm afraid that Jules is right about her being on her own in the "liking liver" department.  That is one food that I have found to be utterly revolting although I am one of these people who like very little that is good for them.  Why can't they make chocolate flavoured broccoli or something?  I would be a very healthy eater then!

I have been neglecting the site again lately due to heavy work pressure and the ongoing war in my head so I was really pleased to open it up this morning to see you had posted an update. Actually I just realised that you being in hospital may have saved you from the pain and dissapointment of seeing the England world cup campaign.  I am not a football fan most of the time but unfortunately, every time I am drawn into watching international games it always ends in misery.  Oh well at least there is plenty of motor racing to keep me entertained this weekend.

Rest well Jo and make sure you keep Dyno-rod's number handy -

Sending love and best wishes.

Garf. x

Hi Jo,

So glad to see you back and even more pleased that you continue to retain your humour and remain upbeat.  As Jules says, you are positively amazing.  Hope your recovery continues well and look forward to reading more of your posts.  Hope x

Good morning Jo,

So glad to see your post and that you are back home. I hope you had a good night and have the pain under control.

I see your sense of humour hasn't been dissected out of you. !!!!

Fancy offering you braised liver, anyone would think you are short of it.

Dogs are wonderfully supportive pets and learn very quickly whats needed and whats not.

Well hope you get lots of rest and recover well.

hugs

Annabel. xx