FRIDAY ON MY MIND

Finally news....

And it is (with reservations) good. The results of the analysis of the fluid taken from Dad's lung are back, and there is no sign of cancerous cells. However, the CT scan was inconclusive, and there "may be" a tumour, but we don't know. Dad is very feeble, and he can hardly raise his voice above the hubbub of the ward. However, I spoke to a doctor, and it seems likely that he will be transferred - either to Bideford or back home - next week, unless his condition deteriorates.

THURSDAY UPDATE

Once again there is no real news. However, I spoke to the Ward Sister, and they are hoping that the doctor will bring the results of the scan when he does his ward round tomorrow morning. they are also going to do a bronchoscopy on Dad, and this may happen later on today.

This is all horribly frustrating, but I am afraid that we shall have to play a waitring game...

WEDNESDAY UPDATE

Graham and I went to the hospital again today. To our surprise there is no news whatsoever. Dad is very upset and tired, and it is heartbreaking to leave him there each day, with absolutely nothing that I can say or do to help him. He looks very small and frail, and I know that the frustration of not being able to make any decisions about his future is frustrating him as badly as it is me...

Remember us in your prayers.

TUESDAY UPDATE

"The good news you cannot refuse
The bad news is there is no news"
SCOTT WALKER "Patriot"


That just about sums up today really. Dad is a little stronger but there is no news whatsoever. The doctor has told him that there will be a result some time today, but he cannot predict when. The background noise in the ward is so high that Dad can hardly make himself heard above the hubbub. He finds this horribly frustrating, and therefore doesn't like me (or any other visitor) staying for more than half an hour. Therefore, we must wait for tomorrow before we hear anything.

I am not dealing with this as well as I had hoped and I can only thank Oll, Mark and Grasham for keeping me together. Thanks guys........

MONDAY UPDATE

Graham and I have just returned from the hospital. On the plus side, Dad is stronger and more lucid than he was yesterday. However, they have found a "shadow" on the X-Ray of his left lung, and he is being given a MRI Scan as we speak. There will not be a discernable result until at least tomorrow, and I am not expecting any news until my visit tothe hospital tomorrow afternoon. because of new rules governing patient confidentiality they will be unable to tell me anything on the phone, and so I will have to wait and see the doctor personally.

Many thanks again for everyone who has telephoned, or visited, or sent emails of support. I am finding this all a bit difficult to deal with, and I am more grateful than I can put into words for all yoursupport.

SUNDAY UPDATE

Graham and I visited the hospital today and saw Dad. Although he is responding to treatment and healing well, he is very frail, and the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital ward is - in my opinion - proving too much for him. According to the Staff Nurse to whom I spoke, nothing much is likely to happen until we have the results of the analysis currently being carried out on the fluid that was removed from his chest. When these tests are complete, he will probably be moved to Bideford, and then eventually, home.

Thank you once again to everyone who has telephoned, emailed, or visited. Your support is gratefully appreciated at this difficult time. (Thanks to Mark and Olly who are keping the home fires burning as I speak).

SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE

There ain't much to add really. Mark and I went to see Dad today. He is recovering nicely, and we hope that he will be transferred back to Bideford hospital in a day or two. The drain has been taken out and he seems to be improving.