So my dad had his operation on Sunday 28-05-2017 after undergoing 6 blood transfusions at the hospital to remove colon cancer which was attached to his gallbladder and had to have this removed along with an acute yet painful blockage causing him to lose an incredible amount of weight since October (he lost 5 stone) as well as losing colour in his cheeks, loss of blood due to low count of red blood cells caused by anemia, he generally didn't look human, skin and bones.

I've taken so far 7 days off work to allow me to process the devistating news that my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer initially, this gave me time to pull together a care plan which will then bring me to think about what my dad will need when he comes out of hospital, what diet he'll be on after surgery on his stomach, whether or not he'll be able to walk with the drain on his right hand side or if he'll need a zimmer frame to aid him when walking, or be it that he needs a wheelchair. As with any carer who's received word that her relative/patient has been diagnosed with something so life-threatening, the only thought that will be swimming around in your head will be "what if they don't pull through the op?"; which is understandable because it's both a daunting time for you and the patient undergoing surgery, all you can do is pray with all your strength they do survive and that you'll see them on the other side.

I'm just back from seeing my dad with my sister, we were talking away, having a few laughs with him while he was high out his mind on the morphine, watching tv as we would normaly do with him as though we were at home with him then as soon as we left my sister held on to me so tight and brokedown, she just couldn't hold herself together and so with the caring instinct that I've always had within me, I nurtured her with emotional care, ensuring my sister Kirsty that her dad Brian "was in the best place for the condition that he has, he's receiving around the clock care and he's not alone, he's at peace so always carry this with you." She smiled and thanked me for putting her mind at ease and we drove home.

The truth of the matter is that no matter how many people tell you everything's going to be okay, there will always be a small part you hold so close to your heart fearing the worst, it's called hope and you should never let go with what you believe in.

I am grateful for many things today, for the fact my dad gave me strength to wake up this morning to then go see him in the afternoon and to then carry on his strength and share with everybody else on this forum in their struggling, desperate, sombre times of need.

I hope everybody has a wonderful evening, may God bless each and every one of you and hopefully one day soon WE WILL BEAT CANCER TOGETHER!