Hi All
So here for the latest post from the wacky world of cancer, hopefully all my own work, subject to not getting too fatigued in a measly few sentences, which wouldn't be the first time.
Yup, I've had a stay at her maj's finest hospital (well, Whipps Cross University Hospital, actually): not totally recommended, but I came home yesterday, hoping that I'm none the worse for wear. She Who Must Be Obeyed has blogged in my absence, so I won't bore you with the detail. Other that to state the bleedin' obvious: i.e., the incarcery is no fun, and Catherine's a saint four putting up with me. A number of you have kept my spirits up with messages of support. Keep them coming, please!
Among those who have emailed me are my old friend Ian Hine (aka Fat Pete Clemenza), who assures me that followers of his beloved Brighton & Hove Albion consume over 15,000 pints more on matchday than Arsenal supporters. Not quite sure how he found out, but well done anyway.
In recocognition of my return, here are 10 songs about homecoming.
1. Better Be Home Soon - Crowded House
2. Cheer Up, Daddy's Coming Home - Rudy Mockabee
3. Come Home - James
4. Don't Go Home With Your Hard On - Leonard Cohen
5. Green Green Grass of Home - Jim Reeves
6. I Want To Come Home - Arthur Freeman
7. The Long Way Home - Norah Jones
8. My Way Home - Kirsty MacColl
9. Wherever I Lay My Hat, That's My Home - Marvin Gaye
10. Goin' Back - Carole King.
Speak Soon!
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Hospital update
Just a quick update from Whipps Cross. Rick was moved to a ward on Sunday evening; his pain relief has been increased, he is on very strong antibiotics for pneumonia (possibly hospital acquired which makes it a nastier version I think), he is having vitamin K injections to boost his blood clotting ability, and he has got an electric pressure relieving mattress which undulates at regular intervals!
When I left last night the blood results showed his infection markers had come down from over 300 to 250 ( they should be zero), the clotting marker had reduced from 1.7 to 1.4 (it should be 1) and so they have booked him in to be fitted for a Nasal Gastric tube this morning as swallowing is still a problem; I'm looking at all this as a definite improvement.
I don't know when he'll be out so I have gone back to checking his emails and printing out any messages of support and encouragement, so keep them coming please. Or you can send any to me of course - parsonscatherine@sky.com
Love and kisses
Catherine x
When I left last night the blood results showed his infection markers had come down from over 300 to 250 ( they should be zero), the clotting marker had reduced from 1.7 to 1.4 (it should be 1) and so they have booked him in to be fitted for a Nasal Gastric tube this morning as swallowing is still a problem; I'm looking at all this as a definite improvement.
I don't know when he'll be out so I have gone back to checking his emails and printing out any messages of support and encouragement, so keep them coming please. Or you can send any to me of course - parsonscatherine@sky.com
Love and kisses
Catherine x
Monday, 12 December 2011
A and E again
Dear All
Just a quick update - Rick had another session of chemo last Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were fine, we were just starting to relax, but Saturday morning saw us once more in A & E at Whipps Cross. His heart was racing, his blood pressure was very low and he had difficulty swallowing. He's now back in the Emergency Medicine Centre and is being monitored very carefully; he's being treated with very strong antibiotics for pneumonia as well as on an IV drip for fluids, and a continuous pump for diamorphine. When I left last night he was responding to the antibiotics - his heart rate was down to 70-80 instead of 120+ (at one stage it was over 150), his blood pressure was coming up, although if the drips were stopped it goes right back down. They are planning to put a camera down his throat again to see if there are any obstacles to swallowing and he'll be assessed by ENT people as a priority.
I'll post more when I know more.
Catherine x
Just a quick update - Rick had another session of chemo last Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were fine, we were just starting to relax, but Saturday morning saw us once more in A & E at Whipps Cross. His heart was racing, his blood pressure was very low and he had difficulty swallowing. He's now back in the Emergency Medicine Centre and is being monitored very carefully; he's being treated with very strong antibiotics for pneumonia as well as on an IV drip for fluids, and a continuous pump for diamorphine. When I left last night he was responding to the antibiotics - his heart rate was down to 70-80 instead of 120+ (at one stage it was over 150), his blood pressure was coming up, although if the drips were stopped it goes right back down. They are planning to put a camera down his throat again to see if there are any obstacles to swallowing and he'll be assessed by ENT people as a priority.
I'll post more when I know more.
Catherine x
Friday, 2 December 2011
A LIFE OF LEISURE
So, my sincere gratitude to my employer, the oft-maligned Tower Hamlets Council, for coming to the rescue with a retirement package, based on the most generous package available.
Just a couple of years ago, retirement seemed a dim and distant prospect, but things change quickly. When you measure your life in months, these things become important. I can’t pretend that I wasn’t anxious about the prospects for Catherine’s and the girls’ financial stability, but now I can stop worrying. They won’t be hobnobbing with the crème-de-la-crème, but at least they will have unfettered access to Hob-Nobs.
I’m sure that all of my friends and loved ones have adequate financial cover, but I’m reminded of a dear friend, a family man in his Thirties, who a couple of years ago confessed to me that he has no pension and no insurance in place. This was before I was ill, and I was horrified all the same. My subsequent experiences have only emphasised that you can’t delay or scrimp on this stuff. OK: lecture over, but, Mr X, you know who you are. Get it sorted!
As I’m still a bit too weak for socialising, I’m not expecting to have a leaving-do just now, but maybe something in the new year. In the meantime, let me say thanks and greetings to all my erstwhile colleagues. It has been a pleasure.
Here are ten songs about work.
1. Working In A Coalmine – Lee Dorsey
2. Welcome To The Working Week – Elvis Costello
3. This F***ing Job – Drive-By Truckers
4. Working Man’s Blues – Bob Dylan
5. When Will We Get Paid For The Work We’ve Done – Staple Singers
6. Work To Do – Isley Brothers
7. Man’s Job - Bruce Springsteen
8. Finest Worksong – REM
9. Working On A Building Of Love – Chairmen Of The Board
10. Do You Want My Job – Little Village
Hand me down my pipe and slippers!
Just a couple of years ago, retirement seemed a dim and distant prospect, but things change quickly. When you measure your life in months, these things become important. I can’t pretend that I wasn’t anxious about the prospects for Catherine’s and the girls’ financial stability, but now I can stop worrying. They won’t be hobnobbing with the crème-de-la-crème, but at least they will have unfettered access to Hob-Nobs.
I’m sure that all of my friends and loved ones have adequate financial cover, but I’m reminded of a dear friend, a family man in his Thirties, who a couple of years ago confessed to me that he has no pension and no insurance in place. This was before I was ill, and I was horrified all the same. My subsequent experiences have only emphasised that you can’t delay or scrimp on this stuff. OK: lecture over, but, Mr X, you know who you are. Get it sorted!
As I’m still a bit too weak for socialising, I’m not expecting to have a leaving-do just now, but maybe something in the new year. In the meantime, let me say thanks and greetings to all my erstwhile colleagues. It has been a pleasure.
Here are ten songs about work.
1. Working In A Coalmine – Lee Dorsey
2. Welcome To The Working Week – Elvis Costello
3. This F***ing Job – Drive-By Truckers
4. Working Man’s Blues – Bob Dylan
5. When Will We Get Paid For The Work We’ve Done – Staple Singers
6. Work To Do – Isley Brothers
7. Man’s Job - Bruce Springsteen
8. Finest Worksong – REM
9. Working On A Building Of Love – Chairmen Of The Board
10. Do You Want My Job – Little Village
Hand me down my pipe and slippers!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Frustration
I've known all sorts of frustration: dashes to my personal aims; obstacles to professional aspirations, and of course, frustration of a sexual nature. I can, however, say with some confidence that I have never experienced the frustration which accompanies the return of cancer.
Just when it was all going so well; I can't pretend this has been easy to take.
I know that Catherine has been keeping my public informed, but the simple fact is, it's hit me in the lung, liver and spleen. Yes, dear friends, I'm afraid it's back to square one, or even worse. A couple of months ago, I was feeling great, getting a buzz out of life, and felt on a general upward trajectory. Today, I'm a 7-stone weakling, increasingly dependent on others, with rapidly reducing self-respect and dignity.
Family and friends have gathered around magnificently, and we have a treatment plan, so my feeble fingers are crossed in hope - expectation - of a recovery, of sorts.
So, how do I feel through all this - mentally, rather than physically? A well-meaning Palliative Care nurse asked in a very solemn manner, doe-eyes turned to max, "are you still feeling angry?". My grouchy response was I had never felt angry about it, and it is only damn-fool questions like that which anger me.
No, my overwhelming emotion is frustration, with a side-helping of sadness. Still, I'll just have to get to grips with it; move on, and deal with it as best I can.
Here are 3 songs about anger, frustration and sadness.
1 I'm not angry - Elvis Costello
2 Tears of Rage - The Band
3 Frustrated, Bagshot - The Members
RP
(Rick hadn't finished going through the song list but I thought I would get this published anyway - any more ideas for songs, please feel free to suggest any - Catherine)
Just when it was all going so well; I can't pretend this has been easy to take.
I know that Catherine has been keeping my public informed, but the simple fact is, it's hit me in the lung, liver and spleen. Yes, dear friends, I'm afraid it's back to square one, or even worse. A couple of months ago, I was feeling great, getting a buzz out of life, and felt on a general upward trajectory. Today, I'm a 7-stone weakling, increasingly dependent on others, with rapidly reducing self-respect and dignity.
Family and friends have gathered around magnificently, and we have a treatment plan, so my feeble fingers are crossed in hope - expectation - of a recovery, of sorts.
So, how do I feel through all this - mentally, rather than physically? A well-meaning Palliative Care nurse asked in a very solemn manner, doe-eyes turned to max, "are you still feeling angry?". My grouchy response was I had never felt angry about it, and it is only damn-fool questions like that which anger me.
No, my overwhelming emotion is frustration, with a side-helping of sadness. Still, I'll just have to get to grips with it; move on, and deal with it as best I can.
Here are 3 songs about anger, frustration and sadness.
1 I'm not angry - Elvis Costello
2 Tears of Rage - The Band
3 Frustrated, Bagshot - The Members
RP
(Rick hadn't finished going through the song list but I thought I would get this published anyway - any more ideas for songs, please feel free to suggest any - Catherine)
Monday, 21 November 2011
Chemo crisis!
Well, so much for us thinking that chemotherapy wouldn't be so bad this time!
As I said in the last post, Rick had chemo on Wed and came home with his bottle attached; he was fine Thursday morning and most of the afternoon but towards the evening he started feeling under the weather and ached all over. Friday morning was worse, hard to breathe, vomiting, and pain everywhere - chemo helpline suggested either coming in to Bart's, contacting our GP for more anti-sickness medication or going to our local A & E. By the time I'd had the phone call with them, Rick was worse and so, for my first ever time I dialled 999 and got an ambulance! They were really prompt and within about 10 minutes he was being treated in the ambulance with oxygen and all his vital signs monitored, including an ECG. Anyway, we joined the Friday morning rush hour and went off to hospital. I would just like to point out that I was not really ready to face people at this stage bearing in mind that although I had been up since 6am, I had just fallen out of bed into dog walking clothes, walked Molly round the park (it is dark and nobody sees me), I'd not washed, showered or done anything with my hair or face - and here we were going to hospital where there would be lots of people who had washed and dressed appropriately - I just hoped in the warmth of the hospital I wouldn't smell too bad! But I digress...
Rick was assessed quite quickly in A & E - blood tests, urine samples, chest x-ray - and then sent to the Emergency Medicine Centre, which is a short stay ward off A & E before the patient is allocated another ward in the main hospital. He had a couple of units of blood, lots of IV antibiotics, and saline and potassium (I think) because he was very dehydrated. So now, as well as his bottle of chemo which was still going in, Rick has a line in the other arm as well as the oxygen tubing which is stuck up his nose - what with the emergency bell call cable and the control for raising and lowering the bed it is easy to get tied up in knots!
To cut a long story short, Rick stayed in the EMC all day Friday and was transferred to a ward on Saturday afternoon - and what a difference that was. He went from a very quiet 4 bedded ward with only one other person to a huge 19 bedded ward which seemed to be full of patients looking like geriatric convicts dressed in prison issue orange or green pj's, and the noise...there were call bell alarms going off, machines bleeping, people talking very loudly into mobile phones which were also on loudspeaker (to be fair they probably were hard of hearing). Luckily Emma and Lucy promptly bought some ear plugs for Rick which made his first night slightly more bearable.
He has continued to improve, apart from an episode yesterday morning when his O2 saturation went down to 89% (not a good thing), he's had more IV antibiotics and his markers are down (medical speak for it is a good thing), and should be able to come home today. He has yet to have the chemo bottle disconnected. Although the chemo finished on Saturday there have been no suitably qualified staff to safely remove and dispose of it. They have assured us that someone will be around who can do it today.
And now I think I have brought you all up to date with what has been going on Chez Parsons this weekend - I do hope your weekends have been better!
Thanks for the soup suggestions, keep them coming
Love and kisses
Catherine x
As I said in the last post, Rick had chemo on Wed and came home with his bottle attached; he was fine Thursday morning and most of the afternoon but towards the evening he started feeling under the weather and ached all over. Friday morning was worse, hard to breathe, vomiting, and pain everywhere - chemo helpline suggested either coming in to Bart's, contacting our GP for more anti-sickness medication or going to our local A & E. By the time I'd had the phone call with them, Rick was worse and so, for my first ever time I dialled 999 and got an ambulance! They were really prompt and within about 10 minutes he was being treated in the ambulance with oxygen and all his vital signs monitored, including an ECG. Anyway, we joined the Friday morning rush hour and went off to hospital. I would just like to point out that I was not really ready to face people at this stage bearing in mind that although I had been up since 6am, I had just fallen out of bed into dog walking clothes, walked Molly round the park (it is dark and nobody sees me), I'd not washed, showered or done anything with my hair or face - and here we were going to hospital where there would be lots of people who had washed and dressed appropriately - I just hoped in the warmth of the hospital I wouldn't smell too bad! But I digress...
Rick was assessed quite quickly in A & E - blood tests, urine samples, chest x-ray - and then sent to the Emergency Medicine Centre, which is a short stay ward off A & E before the patient is allocated another ward in the main hospital. He had a couple of units of blood, lots of IV antibiotics, and saline and potassium (I think) because he was very dehydrated. So now, as well as his bottle of chemo which was still going in, Rick has a line in the other arm as well as the oxygen tubing which is stuck up his nose - what with the emergency bell call cable and the control for raising and lowering the bed it is easy to get tied up in knots!
To cut a long story short, Rick stayed in the EMC all day Friday and was transferred to a ward on Saturday afternoon - and what a difference that was. He went from a very quiet 4 bedded ward with only one other person to a huge 19 bedded ward which seemed to be full of patients looking like geriatric convicts dressed in prison issue orange or green pj's, and the noise...there were call bell alarms going off, machines bleeping, people talking very loudly into mobile phones which were also on loudspeaker (to be fair they probably were hard of hearing). Luckily Emma and Lucy promptly bought some ear plugs for Rick which made his first night slightly more bearable.
He has continued to improve, apart from an episode yesterday morning when his O2 saturation went down to 89% (not a good thing), he's had more IV antibiotics and his markers are down (medical speak for it is a good thing), and should be able to come home today. He has yet to have the chemo bottle disconnected. Although the chemo finished on Saturday there have been no suitably qualified staff to safely remove and dispose of it. They have assured us that someone will be around who can do it today.
And now I think I have brought you all up to date with what has been going on Chez Parsons this weekend - I do hope your weekends have been better!
Thanks for the soup suggestions, keep them coming
Love and kisses
Catherine x
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Chemo update
Rick had his PICC line inserted yesterday and started chemotherapy today - it was scheduled for next week but they managed to bring it forward. He's come home with a little bottle attached to the line which will drip-feed chemo into his vein over the next 3 days and the district nurse will take it off on Saturday. This will mean dressing will be a major problem and showering impossible - roll on Saturday!
Doctors have assured us that he shouldn't feel as sick with the chemo this time, I do hope they are right.
Keep sending positive thoughts our way,
Catherine x
Doctors have assured us that he shouldn't feel as sick with the chemo this time, I do hope they are right.
Keep sending positive thoughts our way,
Catherine x
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