Another One Bites the Dust!

[DaveB]

'Haul 'em down.. you zulu warrior.. haul 'em down.. you zulu chief, chief, chief, chief'

That's the one Paul Fortunately, we're saved the heady aroma of cheap perfume, sweat and warm piddle.. oh, and burning newspaper of course

ATB
DaveB

[speedbird591]

Oh Paul. That photo of the loo and the dance just goes to show that there's nothing wrong with my memory. It was just as ghastly and tasteless as I remember

Dave F - I like your story about the free drinks from the sailors. It doesn't take much detective work to place the event in Jamaica (Red Stripe and the barman calling you Mon). Mo Bay or Kingston?

Whichever, it brings to mind my favourite Jamaica tale which also raises the level of this post above the level of the pee in the Bugis Street loo

I was having breakfast on the terrace of the hotel in Montego Bay one sunny morning with the little yellow birds pecking at the sugar, like they do. In Jamaica, they have an expression, 'Irie', which describes their laid back attitude to doing anything. An American at the next table stopped the waiter and asked, "What's that word you guys use when you want to say 'Manyana'?. The waiter was silent for a moment, rubbed his chin and then shook his head. "Manyana? Hmmm. Ain't nothing that urgent around here, mon".

Ian

[speedbird591]

For those who are following the progression of the disease, here's the latest news.

The Hospice Nurse came round to assess me last week. We don't have Macmillan nurses in Wiltshire, apparently, because we have the Hospice but it's supported by Macmillan and the nurses are trained to the same standard and do the same job. I was very pleased that Simon has many years of experience - most of his 20 year career - in cancer care, so he knows hat he's talking about. And he allocates an hour for his visits so they're not rushed and I have a 24 hour helpline direct to the Hospice so that's comforting. His main priority on this visit was to address my most urgent requirement, which in this case was pain relief which was becoming ineffective. Apparently tumours are not painful and cancer pain is caused by the tumour pressing on nerves or organs so he suggested some nerve pain tablets which he organised with the doctor and I picked them up from the pharmacy a couple of hours later.

As they set your head spinning you have to start gradually with one a day. The basic amount is one, three times a day. But if it isn't enough you can gradually increase the amount until the pain is under control to a maximum of nine. Then he'd have to refer to a doctor, so I suppose we'd be talking morphine based drugs with I don't know what side effects. Well, at the moment I'm on 6 a day and the pain is much better although not defeated. I'm reluctant to go up to the maximum so soon so I'm putting up with a certain amount of pain for a couple of weeks to see if it settles. Staying awake is a struggle!

As for my breathing, I'll be going to regular 'breathing workshops' where I can learn to control my breathing when there's no room in my lungs. I can't wait - lessons on how to breathe. He's organising me a blue badge for the car too. What have I become?

Tomorrow we're back off to Bath to see the Oncology consultant who will decide whether chemo can be offered with the idea of reducing the tumours to relieve the pain. I don't want it to extend my life but reducing pain sounds like a good idea so we'll see what they say about side effects. I'll let you know the plan after I've heard it tomorrow.

At least the memsahib's going with me. I think I might just hand all my care decisions over to her and Simon as they tend to overrule me anyway when I have any brilliant ideas. I won't be able to argue when I get to that stage anyway!

Ian

[Tomliner]

Thanks for the update Ian. i still find it hard to express my admiration for the way you are dealing with this terrible disease.
I hope you get a good degree of pain relief from your new tablets.
I have a confession to make- I got the bike out this morning to take advantage of the weather,and ran off a few shots.I haven't uploaded any yet.In fact I was going to pm you prior to doing so,but now I'll ask here if you would mind.Best Wishes EricT

[airboatr]

sorely bummed

[speedbird591]

I haven't uploaded any yet.In fact I was going to pm you prior to doing so,but now I'll ask here if you would mind.Best Wishes EricT

Eric! You know I don't mind - I love seeing your photos. I'm only teasing when I say you make me jealous. Really, you'd have to try very hard to upset me about anything. 40 years in front-line customer service makes me immune to anything

So please don't consider me when posting anything - just go for it - please. And ignore my teasing as well because it's not serious.

You did ask if I'd mind you posting jokes and I said I didn't. But I'm starting to reconsider after reading the last batch

Ian

ps only teasing! Honestly!

[airboatr]

ignore my teasing as well because it's not serious.

there's serious teasing? I never knew.

[Filonian]

Glad you are getting some relief from the pain Ian.

All in all, you seem to be in very capable hands.

Graham

[Nigel H-J]

Hi Ian, also pleased to hear that you are getting some form of pain relief, surprisingly I did not know that a tumour did not cause the pain but as you said pressing on the nerves and organs, how inconsiderate!!! Joking apart, I just hope that the surgeons can do something to help you and as for your blue badge, have you also applied for Motability which you will be entitled to?

Just apply to the nearest DWP if you have not done so already. Every little helps and of course you have paid into the NI Contributions Scheme although not voluntarily!! so get something back that you paid into!!

Just keep us updated Ian, we are all behind you.

Regards
Nigel.

[dfarrow]

Ian , we're rooting for you .....but are you sure you don't need a third opinion... 'cos your last paragraph fired up the brainbox to try and remember 19 years ago .. mmm breathing difficulty , mmm short , rapid breaths , mmmm pain .......mmmmm pushing on organs ..mmmmmm breathing lessons ..

''''''As for my breathing, I'll be going to regular 'breathing workshops' where I can learn to control my breathing when there's no room in my lungs. I can't wait - lessons on how to breathe. He's organising me a blue badge for the car too. What have I become? '''''''''''

Are You really , really sure that you are Not pregnant ? ..........................could it be twins ?

I'll get me coat if it offends , apols .

But the very best to you and yours ,

Dave f.