Dear Jo,

Have only just read your post and want to give you a big hug friend.No need for apologies from you as you have been such a giver on here so our turn to listen.

Would also offer to rub your chest to make sure you've got it all off.LOL.

It's the classic the good news and the bad news syndrome.

We don't want some of each in this situation thank you, we just want good news.

So it's very understandable that you left hospital rather deflated.

That said it's time to pull yourself up again and takle the next stage.

Once you've had the scans and heard from the MDT I am sure you'll feel more positive as you will know the direction you will be taking.

and we will be here routing for you my friend, or even rooting.!!!!

Speak soon and anytime.

hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel,

Thank you for your lovely words and the offer to rub my chest to get it all off!

Having had today to 'get a grip' and realise that I need to keep things in perspective, I feel much calmer and just want to get on with the next phase of the journey!

I have a day off tomorrow and I'm going to give the specialist nurse a call and let her know I can get to hospital if any cancellations become available!

As I said to Lorraine and Hope, I function better with a plan in place! Maybe I'm a bit compulsive, but it would help to know whether we can book a holiday in October or whether I need to tell the head teacher to book some supply cover for me etc! Maybe 'organised' is a better description!

I hope your London visit went well and you had a lovely celebration of little Ava's first birthday! Will PM you soon.

Love and hugs, Jo xx

Hi Jo,

I was so sorry to read that you are facing another op, however on a positive note sounds like you have a good consultant who will continue to operate to ensure the cancer continues to behave.  You have faced so much and remain so upbeat, you are truly inspirational.  Wishing you lots of luck and best wishes for your next treatment and please keep in touch.  Hope x

Oh Jo,

I am sorry to hear about your latest problem. I love what you said about Beechers Brook and it just proves to me me that you still have that wonderful sense of humour even when you have just had bad news. Good for you Jo for I'm sure it helps. You know your forum buddies are wishing you well and are here for you just as you have been here for us

Sending big hugs, Brian.

Morning Jo,

Sorry I hadn't seen this thread earlier.

Dissappointed, with you, that you have to have further unexpected surgery.

As you say we advocate one step at a time but when new items are pushed into the agenda it seems rather unfair.

So it's just a little hop over a hedge for you this time. Not anything too grand like Beeches brook. !!!! LOL.

Your head sounds a very thoughtful person like yourself.

I am glad she is there for you and obviously keeping an eye on you.

Well I hope you get the op soon (and obviously half term would be convenient) and that it is easy to recover from.

How's that lovely man of yours?

And how's your little pup who no doubt is no longer little but no doubt still puppyish.

Will be here for you whenever you need.

Love and hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Jo,

Apologies, I've only just come across this thread. I was saddened to learn of your latest news and that you face another operation but as the others have said, you sound upbeat which goes a long way. I hope the operation goes as well as it can do and that you will pop on here when you can to let us know how you are doing. Glad to hear that your employers are supportive, however you sound like a saint for continuing with your work whilst you have other things on your mind but I suppose it's a good distraction too.

Hope to hear from you soon Jo,

Nicola xx

Hi Hope,

Thank you for your continued support and kind words. Things are beginning to move as I've received an appointment for my pre-op assessment - the usual routine of swabs for MRSA, bloods, height, weight, many questions etc etc!

I always seem to be able to answer 'No' to so many of the questions they ask  (do you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems? etc etc) and I'm always amused at the irony of how healthy I appear to be . . . on paper at least!

I hope you and your family are well? Presumably, you and both your boys are well into the new academic term now?

We've just one more week to go before half term - it's been a long 8 weeks, but as I mentioned in another post, my Head has really lightened my work load by relieving me of teaching. Though I really miss the children!

Take care and we'll chat soon,

Jo xx

Hi Brian,

Thank you for the big hugs! I've been enjoying your Amazing Quotes each day. I don't always comment though, as these days, with being back at work, I seem to spend less time on the forum! Thankfully, half term is just a week away, so I will endeavour to 'catch up' with everyone!

Wishing you and Mrs B a lovely weekend,

hugs to you both, Jo xx

Hi Annabel,

So lovely to see your post.

My lovely man is being as lovely as ever! We went out for lunch today (my treat, giving him a day off from the kitchen, haha! )

We worked out it was nearly a year since we'd been out for a meal - mainly due to my 'stoma anxieties' but I'm much more confident about it these days - good job, as I get to keep it for at least a few months more!

Paddy the pup is pretty big now. I really hope he's stopped growing as he's certainly big enough as he is! He's still a very bad traveller and gets car sick when we take him anywhere! Not ideal as our families live 90 miles away!

I hope you're ok and not overdoing things at the cottages!

I'll PM you soon, but in the meantime, I'm off for a canter to get some training in for this next hurdle!

Love and hugs to you, Jo xx

Hi Nicola,

No apology needed, it's lovely to hear from you. I had meant to respond on your thread. I see you've been back at work today! Hope it went well and didn't leave you too worn out or overwhelmed! That's how I remember feeling in the early days . . . tired and overwhelmed by the pace that others seemed to be working at while I was still taking baby steps!

You'll soon find your natural rhythm again, but as always, take it steady and listen to that body of yours!

I have found work a good distraction, but this latest round of health news has begun to fill my thoughts - good job half term is just a week away!

My pre-op assessment is next Friday, so I'm hoping they may have an idea of when the op will be (if I haven't heard before then.)

Once I get a date, I'm planning to be signed off from work for the week before so that I can ensure I'm germ and infection free - even though I'm not in the classroom these days, it's amazing how many children still love to share their coughs and sneezes with me! Haha!

So many of my colleagues have already succumbed to the tummy bugs and colds that are doing the rounds - thankfully, I seem to have missed out. Maybe I shouldn't have said that!

Have a good weekend, Nicola, and I'll follow your thread to see how things are going.

Hugs to you, Jo xx

Hi Jo,

Was glad to read that things are moving for you, good luck for next Friday pre-op assessment.  Me and the family are well, thanks for asking - been all over the country recently looking at Unis for youngest now!  I'm glad you have a supportive Head Teacher and that you have a significantly lightened workload. Hope you get some rest over half-term and remember all your forum buddies are here for you.  Take care.  Hope x

Just sending best wishes and hugs for next Friday's pre-op; will be thinking of you.Jules x

Just sending best wishes and hugs for next Friday's pre-op; will be thinking of you.Jules x

Hi Hope and Jules,

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

I'm hoping the pre-op team will have some idea when the operation will be. Each day I hope the postman will bring a letter with a date - funny thing to hope for, but now it's been planned, I'd rather get it over!

I've finished school now for the week, although we had a twilight training session tonight so I got in at half six!

My lovely man was just putting the finishing touches to our evening meal!

To be honest, I've struggled this week. Reading the sad news about Lynda Bellingham, not sleeping well and having a daily stoma leak at work (think I've got a faulty batch of bags!) have reduced me to tears on a number of occasions! Hopefully, a few lie-ins, my nose in a book and walks with the dog, will regenerate the old mojo! And don't worry, I've also given myself a good talking to for good measure!

I hope you both have a good weekend - not sure what the forecast is, but whatever your plans, enjoy!

Hugs to you both, Jo xx

Hi Jo,

I laughed when I read you say you have given yourself a good talking to. As long as you didn't answer yourself otherwise I will be worried I manage to hold a conversation with myself at times. Mrs B laughs at me but I tell her it's the way I can get the best answers

I can understand what you say about wanting to get things underway for it's agreed by most of us on here that waiting is one of the worst times.

Have a great weekend and I would also like to wish you all the best for next week. Hugs, Brian.

Hi Jo,

Love and hugs for tomorrow. Keeping things crossed for an op appointment for you soon.

hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Jo

I just wanted to wish you good luck

For your pre-op appointment tomorrow

Please let us know how you get on x

Hugs to you xx

Good morning, Brian, Annabel and My Little Sunshine,

Thanks for your kind words and wishes for today. The Pre-op assessment always makes me smile because when the nurse and I go through the questionnaire, on paper I seem to be the picture of health!   (its the blood pressure that always raises eyebrows though!)

  My Little Sunshine, thank you for thinking of me, especially when you are going through such a tough time yourself. I follow your thread and read about your progress, but sorry I haven't  replied  (I'm also guilty of doing this with Jules' thread (Continuing the journey) and Brian's 'Amazing Quotes' thread!)

But just so you know, you are in my thoughts as are all my virtual buddies

Have a great weekend everyone. Hope you've all made some enjoyable plans!

Will chat soon, hugs to all, Jo xx

Morning Jo

Just thinking of you whilst I listen to more 'fishing programmes' in the background - not sure of the connection myself really but perhaps your appointment can be likened to a 'fishing for news/dates/plans' scenario.  The waiting period is so hard for so many - we just want to get on with doing whatever is needed and anxiety does not help the blood pressure readings (just going to an appointment is enough to raise mine!).  Really hope you can have good information feedback and an op date sooner rather than later.

Glad to here your other half has been keeping your hunger at bay when you get in from work and your dog no doubt getting attention too (pets are just great at knowing when to 'cuddle up').  Now you have half term and hope you manage some relaxing and enjoyable treats.  By the way please do not feel guilty about not responding on all our threads - this forum and its readers really understand how it works and thats what makes it good ( and we know where to find you too).  Have a lovely weekend (hope the weather allows for pleasant doggie walks) and will catch up as and when.  Virtual hugs Jules xx

Hey Jo

So sorry that you've had a *** week. I too have been moved to tears by the passing of Lynda Bellingham (her interview on loose women was so sad to watch wasnt it)

I do hope that you get to have some rest and relaxation over half term and you dont have to wait too long for surgery. At this end, i have been signed off for a phased return so will be back in school after half term.  Wish me luck!

Tske care   x

Hi Jules and Jayne,

The pre-op was fine, although the nurse did ask if I'd taken up smoking again - a bit disconcerting as I've never smoked!

I also had a slightly embarrassing moment when she asked me to get ready behind the curtains and gave me a succession of instructions. I was obviously not listening very and well and when she appeared round the curtains, looked a bit surprised to see me practically starkers, all but a gown!  I then said, "You told me I could leave my trousers on didn't you?" We had a chuckle and I confessed to being a bit distracted of late!

She didn't have an op date, but there was a letter waiting on the mat when we got back from the hospital with the date of Friday 7th November.

So, two more weeks to wait!

Jules, not sure about why the fishing should have brought me to mind either, but it's amazing what links our neural pathways make! it's just lovely that you're thinking about me!

Jayne, I'll be thinking of you as you go back to work. Take it steady. Remember to set achievable targets each day!

This is a lovely half term though, with the run up to Christmas. Not sure what age the children are in your school, but as you can imagine, there will be much excitement in our infant school!

I'll pop into school for the first few days after this hol, but then intend to finish on the Wednesday to give myself a day to prepare for Friday.

Let me know how your first few days go!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend - I've just cobbled together a 70th birthday cake for my dad who is visiting tomorrow, and now it's feet up with the dog by the fire.

Hugs to you both, Jo xx

Hi Jo,

Was sorry to read that you've been struggling this week, but remember to be kind to yourself, you've been through an awful lot and struggling is allowed.  Glad to hear that the pre-op went well, albeit the embarrasing changing moment!  I hope that now you've got an actual date for your op you are feeling a bit more focused, nothing worse than waiting.  Thinking of you and sending you a virtual hug.  Hope x

Hi Jo

Good to read from your update that appointment went okay and that the misheard instructions gave you and the nurse something to chuckle over.  As my aunt would say 'what you like'.  Though Iam sure you will have the usual anxieties attached to further surgery knowing the date means that you can have coping plans in place which somehow usually helps me to focus on whats ahead.  Hope you have a lovely relaxing week off school and that your Dad enjoys his birthday and your cake (bet its not cobbled together at all and will be lovely).  Feet up and cake sounds lovely (and there I am trying to get back to healthy eating - need to lose the few pounds I have gained over the past weeks of comfort eating so Christmas can be enjoyed especially as we are at our sons and both he and his other half love cooking).  Be good to yourself and chat soon. Jules x