2007-10-21 — Newsletter

Dear All,

I got home on Thursday. To be honest I was a little dreading that — firstly the leaving of the security of the hospital seemed a bit scary (rather like the problem long-term prisoners have on being released) and secondly the actual getting home (I still feel quite weak) seemed an enormous task. Chris was a tower of strength for me in the second thing. Carried all the heavy stuff, was extremely solicitous and I felt really 'taken care' of. I am very, very lucky to have two children (young confident adults actually) who are such a support to me. Margaret had got my shopping in for me and so things went really well

It is a little more difficult being at home — the feeding through the tube takes time where I have to be stuck in one place (surrounded by phones, remotes, water, tissues all of which must be in reach for the nearly 2 hours it takes to get a bag of feed dripped) and so I have plan other things much more carefully — and there are more things to do than in hospital — pay bills, etc — thank God for the Internet!

My mouth is still the pits. Ulcers and sores still come and go. Nights are unpleasant — very broken with an hour sleep at a time usually the longest period I get.

But the good news — there is a delay in the side effects of the radiation and this should be coming to an end around the end of the week so things should get better soonish. Once I can eat normally — even if it is soup and mush at first the it all improves. And on the tumour side — at the last consultation the radiation doctor said it had gone. I asked "completely?" and she said she could prod around to confirm but that would be very painful so we decided to give with the visual result — the area will be removed by surgery anyway.

I am impatient, uncomfortable but optimistic and the light at the end of the tunnel cannot be far.

Of so much importance to me has been your prayers, well wishes, hospital visits, emails, phone calls which have been of great help to me — many, many thanks

I finish with a note of advice — If you have to spend time in an Austrian hospital bring a supply of soft toilet paper — the local issue tissue will wipe the smile of your face otherwise

love and best wishes

David