2008-01-24 — Newsletter – Progress report, from Home!

Dear All

I hope that I've managed to get everyone that Chris used for his bulletins into this email. I sent out an email a week or so but for reasons I don't understand it got rejected for a large number of people — am trying a new approach.

Anyway, I have now been at home for just over a week. Am mobile, though the stairs to my flat were a trial at first, and am restricted to liquid foods — soups and yogurts. I can eat (drink) with much less mess than before — before was dribbling and spurting all over the place! The muscles and nerves in the left side of my face were bruised from the operation and have not come back properly to life yet — have exercises to do and there is progress.

On the cancer front — the tumour is gone and there are no traces of any spreading. So very good news on that front.

The intensive care episode was well described by Chris and there is little I can add to what he wrote. It was a horror. Apparently quite common that this sort of thing results in a temporary psychosis due to the drugs. There were periods of lucidity though and of great happiness — the attached photo was from Xmas day where I was reasonably normal and so happy to see Chris and Sarah.

Chris and Sarah had to put up with a lot in this period and I am so proud of them both. Chris in particular had to do a lot by virtue of being the one on the spot and his visits were such a pleasure to me and his bulletins gave me great pride in him. Poor Sarah came over for Xmas and just got to see a fairly mad father!

Now I'm waiting for teeth. They had to remove a part of my lower jaw at the front and 6 teeth went with that. My surgeon is 'the Professor' and he works with a dentist who is also a Professor — to get started the receptionist needs to find a time when both professors are free — so far impossible. There are times when it's much better to have a normal doctor or dentist! When the teeth are done then eating and talking will be easier.

Lastly, many many thanks to you all for your help and encouragement — by email, by visits, by phone, food parcels, and by your prayers. I am so touched and honoured by the concern shown by so many people.

Much love to you all

David