Here I go!

I think my first visit to the hospital was on 8th May, I was referred sometime in February by my dentist. Now, at last, I am in sight of some treatment. It's been a long journey of hope and disappointment. All along the way I've been told it's probably nothing, there's no sign of cancer, yes we can give you a complete cure, there's nothing to worry about, everything will be OK. In turn I have been giving out these messages and I really do believe this. I also know I have to die of something and I am sure there are worse things than cancer, especially now that there is such good palliative care.

LONDON CALLING: I have to go down next Tuesday (31st July) ready for an appointment for an ultrasound scan on Wednesday. After that a final day of 'freedom' before going into hospital for the 'vampire injection' on Friday. This will be followed by a very boring weekend in hospital, in a coffin, with the lid closed. The 'procedure' will then take place on Tuesday 7th August (wish me luck!) after which they will probably keep me in for Tuesday and maybe Wednesday night. Then back to Worcester on Thursday and the first six days of light avoidance will already have gone.

In the meantime we have to light-proof the house. Like all vampires, sunlight means death to me. Unlike Dracula and Co. I wouldn't explode into a cloud of dust but would slowly redden and blister over the next 24 hours until I look like the elephant man and feel like Joan of Arc. Not an experience to be recommended. We have to cover all the doors and windows with light proof cloth- I'll probably use weed control fabric as when it's finished with I can use it in the garden. I don't know how light proof it is so, if necessary, I'll have to put up double layers. The conservatory will be a challenge which I won't even take on. I'll just not be able to use it for a few weeks and will light-proof the doors into it. One of the nicest things about out house is that it is so light with many windows and beautiful views. It's not often that I wished I lived in an ecofriendly, underground home - but this is one of the occasions when I do.
Still, the most sensitive time will be over by the time I get home. I'll be able to use the computer and watch the telly, even walk around the common at dusk. A week later I'll be able to sit in the shade in the garden for a short while and even test my sensitivity to sunlight. Hopefully a couple of weeks after that (end of August) I'll be able to lead a fairly normal life. All part of life's rich tapestry; not to be recommended but - as they say - what doesn't kill you just makes you stronger. I'll keep busy up until next week - there's a lot to do and it will keep my mind off things; then the waiting and the nerves will start. Hopefully the treatment will go smoothly and I'll be one of those lucky people who does not experience too much pain afterwards - I think I can handle cave-dwelling but if I can't eat I'll be miserable I expect.

I may not be able to add to this blog while I'm in hospital so there may be no news after Tuesday next for 10 days or so. Hope you can wait for the next thrilling installment!

I'll be thinking of you!

Ron