Rowsley17D

Thought it was time for an actual health update. The little movement I had in my legs has gone. The docs thought the steroid dose had reduced too quickly before the spine compression had reduced, but that seems unlikely now. I had along talk with my oncologist who had a similar talk with my wife over the phone. Basically all has been done that can be done, medically. I have been moved to a sort of pre-discharge ward ready for going home. The occupational therapists have swung into action. I now have an adjustable comfy chair which will go home with me. I have been measured for a wheelchair but they are assessing whether it is self propelled or not. An OT was at our bungalow this morning measuring up etc. for a hospital-type bed and hoist. So I am here until all is prepared and have physio in the mean time. So time is short ladies and gentlemen. How short? Well no-one knows, but I will live each as it comes, to the full, and enjoy it. As I wrote on the 2nd November things have been sorted financially and for after I die. So I can now get on with life.

Etch primer on plastic is fine. I've used it for years. It's recommended by the great coach builder and painter Larry Goddard when he makes buildings etc in plastic

Landed in Lancaster just now. It will be much easier for family and friends.

I understand things are lining up

Very wise

In the C of E all are considered Saints. No ranking.

Things change. Still in Preston but have a single blast of radiotherapy this afternoon, Tuesday, as way of treatment. The consultant, Mr Bizwas (not Tizwas my younger brother used to watch) has said no guarantees, Mr Oldfield. The idea of radio is to shrink and hopefully kill off the tumour in the vertebrae so that I get more feeling back in abdomen and legs. After that it will be transfer to Lancaster if a) a bed can be found and b) transport can be found and c) if a and b can be coordinated.

They look perfectly okay to me Graham. They would have been all shades of grey.

Health news The neuro bods have done all they were asked to, stabilise the spine. Next a move to an acute ward at Lancaster RI when bed becomes available. LRI is closer to N Yorkshire and home so better visiting for my wife, family and friends. As way of a birthday present on Monday13th November I have the first radiotherapy session at Preston. This is to shrink the tumour on the stabilised vertebrae, reduce spinal pressure and get some more feeling in my legs. Sitting in a chair (£3000 bargain) at the moment watching you build stuff.

Get too close and we'll need the mint sauce.

Glad I can still be of use to the railway modelling world.

Have gents made Alan at ModelU aware of the problems with the lamps. He's one of the more customer focused set-ups and his products are usually first class with a premium cost.

Those fine etched parts really set thing off. Any difference in wheel diameter or make?

Top job, Graham.

Your efforts are much appreciated, Graham. Looking forward to the next instalment.

Well chuffed now. We were told at 10.30 this morning that ward visiting has been cancelled for the weekend due to builders making a Horlicks of things overnight. I don't know what's gone off but elf and safety have stepped in and said no members of the public allowed. Those few in the ward who are ambulant are allowed off ward to meet visitors. I just managed to stop my brother from setting off from Derbyshire, So get modelling ladies and gents, I want something to look at, please.

Briefly sat on the edge of the bed today, may get in my chair tomorrow. The head bod came round again and said he was well-pleased with how things are going from the neuro point of view, early days yet. If radiotherapy happens I will stay in until the course is complete. That will mean 7-10 days healing and usually 7 days of treatment. My birthday is 13th so it's all round here for a knees up. As many on here know, I am a priest in the Church of England and I used to advise my parishioners to make funeral arrangements in a timely manner so their loved ones don't have the trauma of sorting such things after the death. Realising my own time in this old creation is now more limited than ever, the funeral is now planned. My wife and I have Powers of Attorney, so finance is sorted. All this means that life can be lived to the full on the more important things like family, friends and fellow modellers

Will be got out of bed today. There may be an X-ray to make sure the scaffolding is in the right place, The registrar on ward round looked at the wound and says all looks to be healing nicely. A little strength returning to legs better on the left than the right. The back drain looks as if it will be out tomorrow as well as the catheter although I may still have it but attached to the leg for mobility. Coffee time.

I had a reasonable hospital night's sleep. The pressure to the top of my bottom is getting to me though. They hope to remove the drain from my back today, so they might be able to get me up? Physio is also needed. Just been speaking to a 3rd year student nurse who says at present she'll be lucky to get a nursing job!!!

Thinks went fine from surgeon's point of view. Already a little more mobility returning to legs. Post-op swelling will reduced and improve things further. Going to try and get some shut-eye now before pain relief/supper round starts.

Back on ward after 4 hour op to put a titanium cage around affected vertebrae which is anchored to good ones top and bottom. Expected post op soreness otherwise okay. Waiting for tea which I hope is better than last night. Food has been fine until then. More when they come to tell me how things went.

Signing off from here now so I can give full attention to the docs and medics.

Bacon! Some hope. It was good to have tea and toast. Just had usual morning medication. Awaiting pre-op consents and other bits that go with it.

The chief neurosurgeon visited me this lunchtime and said I was first on the list for tomorrow, Wednesday. Major operation for you, he said, something I do everyday! Should take about a couple of hours. Nil by mouth from 2am again, no fluid after 6am. I can smell that pre-2am toast already.

Right, a light has appeared at the end of the tunnel, I just hope it's... An op is in the offing to stabilise the vertebrae, not remove the tumour, before radiology can begin. I'm expecting a visit from the head consultant Neuro surgeon this pm or more likely one of his colleagues. More news later, I hope.