Trudging on

Although today has been marginally better than yesterday, we are not yet the best we can be.

Neither of us slept well – must have been about 4 o’clock in the morning before I fell asleep; and John’s sleep was in fits and starts with plenty of ‘light-on/look-at-the-phone/listen-to-a-story/can-I-have-any-more-drugs-yet?’ time.

However, the ol’ man hauled himself out of bed this morning and brought me a cuppa again. We had a bit of a giggle though… it was a bit like Mrs Overall’s ‘soooup?’ situation: wobbly hands and plenty of tea on the tray. Never mind, there was still plenty of hot tea to drink, and it was lovely.

We breakfasted and then John’s MacMillan Buddy called in. He has a regular slot on a Tuesday morning now, which works really well. It’s just a chat among mates, type of thing, which John enjoys – especially as they talked about the rugby today.

We were waiting in for a phone call from the oncologist, but that was much later than we expected, so the MacMillan Buddy went home and we greeted the MacMillan Nurse, Julie, into the house in his stead before the phone call came.

Julie was very good and made a through assessment of John’s situation. As she was there when we took the phone call from the oncologist, we found it very helpful because she was able to ask some questions that we’d been struggling to get answers to.

We were also waiting in for the GP to call in. As the afternoon wore on and lunch was over and done with, I was anxiously looking at my watch. “I’m going to have to leave you to see the doctor yourself, John,” I said, “I’ve got to be at the hairdressers at 3 o’clock.” No worries! John grinned. He was morphined up by then and ready for anything. Well, that is, if he didn’t fall asleep.

It transpired that he didn’t fall asleep because he had let the doctor in while I was out, and had a rational conversation with him – even remembering the outcome of the chat when I got home! Boom! Keep taking the tablets was the advice, of course – and we’ll do another attempt at shifting the contents of the alimentary canal tomorrow.

A new symptom has emerged, however, that we are yet to get to the bottom of. John has started shaking uncontrollably every so often. Had he got a temperature wondered the medics? No? Well, if it goes over 37.2, whisk him off to hospital…… hmm, OK.

In the end, the doctor thought it was pressure on a nerve or two in his back causing the shakes, so we are to watch this space. Everyone was very interested in John’s walking, however. “Would you like the Occupational Health Nurse to come round?” asked Julie. I said yes because, although John isn’t keen for any aids as such just yet, I’m thinking it’ll be as well to get something in hand.

John felt particularly unwell this evening and took himself off to bed at six o’clock. Woke up at ten o’clock thinking it ought be daytime though, didn’t he? He! He!

Meanwhile, we continue to administer all the drugs on offer from the little pharmacy I have set up in John’s room. There’s loads of the blooming things! Can’t wait for his jolly old intestines to sort themselves out.

But look’ee here! What’s this we see? A vision of loveliness to cheer us up!! A fabulous bunch of flowers from Carol. Unexpected but very much appreciated on such a drab, and seemingly never-ending, day.

And a final note before I go: Happy 70th Birthday to dear Chris! Apparently she had a fabulous celebration with the family yesterday and there’s a video of her dancing in the street to prove it!! That’s my girl!

Take care everyone. God bless.