I've had a visit to the hospice and a visit to the hospital this week and it seems that [other than a monthly dose of bone-strengthening drugs] there is little more to offer other than palliative care from here on in.
I had thought that a further session of chemotherapy might be available but the doctor thinks that it might do more harm than good. So, to maintain my quality of life, there is probably not much more that they can do other than keep me pain free or at least as pain free as possible.
I now have to take this onboard and live with it.
It was nice to see a couple of the nurses who had looked after me when I had the chemotherapy ~ they came over and had a word. It may be that I won't need to go back there in future. It is more likely I will be visiting the hospice. Indeed I will be getting the bone-strengthening drugs there in due course. The staff at the hospice also keep an eye on my swollen legs.
We forgot to take a photo outside the hospital yesterday but we decided to go and have a pub meal where I had a chocolate sundae after enjoying a bacon joint with bubble and squeak and a cider sauce.
We took a photo in there though, well Jamie did. It shows me enjoying an apple and raspberry J2O ...
Meanwhile here in Derbyshire it's a beautiful day ... and I'm rather looking forward to a pizza for my lunch.
What can anyone say Charlie, I admire your spirit and you still find things to enjoy in life.The pub lunch sounds excellent,I must try the J20 I've only had the orange one.Hope you enjoyed your pizza,pleased to hear you have lovely Derbyshire weather, best wishes.Ann
ReplyDeleteCharlie my thoughts are with you. We are all on the same journey.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with your appetite, at least. I could have done with you on Tuesday. Went out to a good pub lunch with a pal in St Albans. Then realised I was due to go a birthday meal with friends in the evening. Was I bloated? Was I inebriated? I guess you know both answers. Can I ask how your family are coping, Charlie? It must be a difficult time for them.
ReplyDelete*sigh* Still, I suppose there's some liberation in knowing that you've gone as far as you can go with the medical wizardry. At least you know that from hereon in, it's up to you to make sure you enjoy yourself to the hilt. In truth, we all should live our lives that way! Your bacon lunch sounds flipping gorgeous - and a pizza for tea? Oh yes. I can see the way this is going. :: nods :: I approve. ;)
ReplyDeleteKudos to your doctor for what he said about more chemo. Not all doctors are so forthright. You made a wise choice as always. At least there is nothing wrong with your appetite. The grizzled look from the photo a few days ago is supposed to be sexier, but personally I like clean shaven. Hip hip for Charlie.
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts and prayers, Charlie. I hope that each day brings something good.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, what is a bacon joint?
ReplyDeleteHi Charlie, I so admire your spirit. My thoughts are with you....and your blog has made me feel rather hungry! Take care and stay positive x June (@weegiewalker)
ReplyDeleteWhere do my comments go? Oh, well, I'll write something similar again. I was just saying that I'm not so sure about all this, Charlie. You're looking as well as we've seen you for a long time, which is great (although it must be irritating if people keep saying that, even when you feel poorly). And you're smiling, which is obviously good (despite the J2O instead of a pint). And all the decisions look right to me - nothing is more important than preserving your quality of life. I hope, as Jeff says, too that all the family are OK. And I think it's terrific that you're getting such attention from the medical teams. But that diet, CHarlie! Pork shoulder, chocolate sundae, pizza . . . Think of your digestion!!
ReplyDeleteYum to your meal.. I think what everyone on here has said.. is right... And I didn't know what that joint was.. well.. bacon joint.??? will have to google that for sure. I am glad your looking so good.. And just enjoy enjoy,,, enjoy...
ReplyDeleteSorry, my apologies for being so late commenting. I think it was wise of the doctor to advise against further chemo if it is likely to affect your quality of life. It's good to hear you are still getting very good care. As Neil said, you continue to look remarkably well despite your condition. The diet sounds good, although I'm suggesting switching the J2O for a pint of best!!
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I continue to admire your ability to focus on the positives in your posts. Switching from one set of friendly nurses to another is something I can remember from my Dad's experiences. We all had great care, help and support from the staff at Mid Kent Hospice and then subsequently from the Marie Curie and Macmillan nurses who looked after Dad at home.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your appetite is still as healthy as you look, although a little word of advice if I may. Keep eating like this and your never going to fit on that little black dress for the Xmas party season. ;-)
Yikes... The wrong your... which should have been you're. Knowing what a stickler you are for correct use of the apostrophe Charlie I hasten to point out this was an Android phone auto correct error!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what 'little black dress' was a correction from, Ian.
DeleteThank you for all your comments. As you will see from a subsequent blog I was rather overtaken by events ...
ReplyDelete