18 Years on

So today marks 18 years since my cancer diagnosis, and I always mark this as the day I am "cancer free."

I have in the last 18 years lived for now, facing the sun shadows can only fall behind you.  I have had a busy year, walking the Inca and Queen Charlotte Trails, completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education and trying to live each day as my last. 

I try and forget the anniversaries of my cancer days.  I am reminded of them every day as the lasting side effects of radiotherapy and head and neck surgery badger me everyday, and will do until the day I die.  However this year I promised myself no tears and gentle slide into June until I heard the news that Councillor Kevin Mitchell is now the Lord Mayor of Exeter.   I read this and wept. 

For those who have read my blog will be aware that during my cancer treatment I own a depth of gratitude  to four people, my late sister Pat and her husband Ron, my dear friend Orpah and a nurse who at the time was working in Yeo Ward, one Kevin Mitchell.  

I was a regular stayer on Yeo ward in 2005 at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, for those who do not the hospital well, Yeo ward is the oncology ward.  Kevin was one of many nurses who did amazing things in a ward that was blessed with serenity when discharging their care, alas some of it palliative care.  I told many stories of my time in that ward, but one story of Kevin's humanity and care is worth repeating.

Radiotherapy meant that I could not eat, drink or take medicine, I was rapidly losing weight and the chemotherapy meant that I could not have a peg tube.  The only answer was to have a gastric nasal tube fitted, which meant a long tube inserted through my nose into my stomach.  I was scared, but weary as I had not eaten for days, Kevin was on night shift and we had become good friends on my many stays on the ward.  The tube insertion was planned on a different ward at 0900, there was no nurse or HCA available to go with me, so Kevin gave up his own time and stayed on, unpaid to go with me.  The process was painful, his jokes, reassurance and even at one point I had to grab his hand as the tube was inserted stayed with me as a selfless act of nursing that went beyond the realms of what was expected. 

Kevin and his Yeo colleagues was the reason I signed and worked as an HCA during covid. 

His charity FORCE was also were crucial in my acceptance and support during a difficult time. Exeter should be proud to have such an amazing man as Lord Mayor.

https://news.exeter.gov.uk/new-lord-mayor-of-exeter-cllr-kevin-mitchell-chooses-force-cancer-charity/

#keepattacking 

NHS, time to reflect, what have they ever done for us?

I left the Hospital last evening after a long shift.  I was greeted by this beautiful rainbow in the car park which made a perfect picture capture.

For 8 hours I was on my feet, an unusual experience for someone who at 56 considered himself very fit.  I went home and like so many of the patients I cared for that day and all I wanted to do is crawl into bed.  I was lucky I was only on shift for 8 hours, many of my colleagues were there for 12.  You are always on shift, always aware to patients needs and support, always busy.

You have to be in front line nursing to understand how physically and mentally tough it actually is. I left the hospital last night mentally rewarded that I had supported our patients, but physically and mentally exhausted.  The effects lingering today.   I am not going to bang on about nurses pay, but frankly many of you would be appalled by how little nursing staff are actually paid!

Sunday marks the 72nd birthday of the #NHS.  This year the power of our National Health Service in coping under tremendous pressure has been evident. In 72 years I have reflected what the NHS has done for me.

• It brought my children into this life, safely and securely, coincidently in the same room, in the same hospital as me and will support them in their lives.
• It cared for my grandparents, parents and supported them at the end of lives with dignity and respect.
• They gave me a new lease of life in 2005 in my cancer treatment and support. 
• They watch over my family day in day out, there 24/7, ready to serve and support physically and mentally. no need to take my cheque book or credit card. 
• It has provided opportunities to pay and employ me and my family on numerous times. 

So feel free to clap on Sunday, use my picture on social media, whatever you do just be thankful we no longer have to "pay for the Doctor" 

#Keepattacking