early

At 2.am this morning I heard the words I'd been waiting for since Monday.

'That's you (bar a quick flush through of saline) done.'

Very sweet words indeed.

I feel a lot stronger at this stage of the process than the first, & am now, with eyes wide open, moving onto the recovery from chemo and preparation for radiotherapy in a couple of weeks.

The experience of staying in hospital for the first time in my life has been in equal measures the most horrible and uplifting thing.

Ward 201 is full of such poorly people going through such a traumatic process that you would think that it would be hard to find much in the way of positives and good humour, but in fact that is exactly what I have found.

The staff, from the doctors & consultants, to the nurses, healthcares and cleaners are completely humbling in their attitudes and kindness. They have made my stay infinitely more bearable.

The turnover of new patients  coming in is relentless, but everyone is dealt with such dignity which assures you that they are going to receive the absolute best care possible.

The camoradery and friendliness of my fellow inmates has been an eye opener for an anti-social git like me. Sitting around in your jamas and talking about stuff with old men all day turns out to be something I have quite a talent for. Special mention here for my mate George. Classic Stokie. Friendly, funny, used to work on Doultons & Masons. A true gent.

Still. Bloody glad to be going home!

Everyones texts and Facebook messages have been ace The link to the outside world, intermittent as the internet was, has been a big help. 

 I missed my baby girl's Confirmation this week so I'm looking forward to her tales of what she confessed to and meeting Bishop McGough over the weekend. Can't really think of anyone with anything less to be guilty about than Hilda but, we'll wait and see! She is taking the name Angela (after St.Angela of Medici, but more importantly after my lovely mum who was there too) as her confirmation name. Being sponsored by our greet friend Maria is also a great start for her. Archie stood in for me as head of the house (mini me) and I am certain he did me proud as usual.

M-in-L Chris has offered her usual unconditional love and total support (and banana nesquik) for which I can't thank her enough.

Keeley has been my absolute rock again, putting up with my grumpiness, keeping home as normal as possible, working to pay the bills! Don 't worry love, this £72 a week benefit I'll be raking in will help me keep you in the custom which you deserve! Anyone got a paper round need doing?

It 's now 3.15am. I am unplugged. I have been for a wee detached from the drip trolley for the first time in 5 days. Keeley is due to come & get me at 7. By 8 I will be home, have had a bath, had a bowl of Sugar Puffs and be the happiest bloke in the world. Tara a bit.