Phil has a habit of noting memorable events in his electronic diary so that he is reminded of those events on their ‘anniversary’ in future years. Today is 5 years since my diagnosis. I have mixed feelings about it – should this anniversary be something to celebrate?
I remember the day so clearly. I had been having tests for several weeks, each one being inconclusive, each becoming a bit more intense. The clincher was a biopsy on the lesions in my liver, the only way to determine what was really going on in my body. Nobody thought or wanted to believe it was anything sinister, including all the consultants and medical staff. Sometimes things just aren’t as they appear on the surface.
Luckily, I still don’t really believe that this is anything sinister or anything that I need to be scared of or angry about. It just is what it is and luckily, life goes on and I am sure there are many people in far more difficult situations. I think about all those amazing human beings working in the NHS, supermarkets, postal and delivery workers, those providing meals to the needy, anyone who goes out to work and potentially exposes themselves to this virus. I think about how they must feel, especially if they’re going home to loved ones and can’t be sure, (however careful they’ve been) that they’re not taking it home with them. The courage they display is far more than anything I’m dealing with. My heart goes out particularly to those who may be put in a position where they have to make a decision about who to treat if there are too many patients. I’m sure that weighs heavily on them too. There are no words.
Please obey the rules and do your bit to protect us all. Become a hermit, just for a bit… you might like it 😍
Thank you to all of you who are keeping our worlds turning. Please stay safe ❤️
lots of love Mand xxx
Agreed 👏🏻👏🏻 So unbelievably thankful for everyone putting themselves in a dangerous position. To keep us well, and safe, and fed, and our bins emptied… incredible people. And I can’t believe it has been 5 years! Makes me even more thankful for the NHS ❤️ Lots of love Mand xxxx
Of all the posts you have written, this one has really tugged at my heart strings. I also remember the day well, the diagnosis of cancer had been my fear for some time . Even then, you were so positive and have remained so throughout.
The fact that you are concerned and grateful to others just fills me with so much pride.
We promise to do our best by staying at home, catching up with gardening and jigsaws ! We are enjoying being in contact with many friends and family we don’t hear from quite so often (by phone, of course!).
To see not only our neighbours, but the whole country joining in with the clap of appreciation for the NHS is very emotional and let’s hope that when this awful time is over, everyone continues to remember the wonderful work that the NHS and all the key workers do every day.
Keep laughing 😊 love you loads xx
Lovely to have you back on line, Mand. And yes, you should celebrate! May there be many more anniversaries (I have a friend who has clocked up 17 since we thought we had lost him). It’s a pity your stent has to be delayed but maybe it won’t be long. Let’s hope the new public appreciation and support for the NHS will be long-lasting when all this is over.
Like your Mum, I’m a bit miffed at finding I’m old and vulnerable. But fully reconciled to a total lockdown, just grateful for my garden.
Lots of love, Gill