Sunday..the day of rest!

Just for a change today we decided to go to hospital....how long is it since we had a day when we actually didn't make a visit to the big building in The Parade? The fact that I don't know shows that we've been there just a bit lately....and today was no exception. Having said all that, today has certainly had some real high points...and no real downsides as such....provided you don't call making arrangements to go back to the Marsden as a downside...we know they are the real leaders and experts in the field of cancer, but we've had such fantastic help and advice from everyone at the General...and there's nothing like "being at home". Tomorrow we travel back to London, and with a fair wind we can get this issue of "fluid" sorted out once and for all, after which we can focus properly on getting on and cracking this chemo.....and then, next year, normality again.

The day started well....Jilly had a good night...and we were all up and about early. Jill didn't feel the need to visit the hospital during the morning, but as the day progressed it was obvious that we would need to "pop in", if only for the doctors/consultants to say that all was well, and that Jill could come back home again for the night. I walked the dog for an hour...but as usual, my hour lasted two, as it's impossible for me not to bump into friends, neighbours and parishioners, all of which need an "update" (they should read this blog!) anyway....Pete and Donnas were due back on the boat at 2ish....we had abandoned plans for a lunch "out".... and so P and D, and SW (who had very kindly picked them up) all arrived here for a feed..... we were then joined by T and S, then my sister, and then Mum and Dad ....and then S and A arrived from the wild west.....we were almost in full party mode....except of course that it was Sunday lunchtime...but Jilly sat at table and ate a good plate of food, something that hasn't happened regularly enough in the past few weeks. ...it was all good.

It was obvious that Jilly was in increasing discomfort as the afternoon wore on, and as soon as the visitors had departed for their various homes we set off for the hospital. Jill had a whole empty ward to herself (Pipon is usually very short stay, during the week) and after a short wait we were attended on by NL, and she was really great, explaining not only all the procedure for the "handover" tomorrow, but giving Jill a 100% going over from top to tail.....probably more emphasis on the tail I think! Jill found the "comfortable" position in the hospital bed a real benefit, and it was obvious that after an hour or so she was much improved....and we set off for home "all the better for seeing the doctor". I was, and am still, concerned that Jill's "tummy" might be an issue between now and when we arrive in the Fulham road tomorrow...but we both know that if she arrives without all the symptoms that have given her all the problems then it will be difficult for the Marsden to see "what all the trouble is"....a painful and uncomfortable trip awaits in the morning...but I'm happier this evening that we can cope until we get to see the experts tomorrow....we're also travelling with a doctor and a nurse....so we're in good hands...provided the pilot doesn't ask me to land the plane!

This evening has been spent on last minute preparations for tomorrow, mainly me I might add....Jilly is always organised, but I'm afraid that I am still very much lastminute.com....and this being nomination week I had a few extra things to try to finalise. I went to the Public Hall to meet the Constable ( he works far too hard) but I was grateful to be able to have a quick catch up about what's going on in the coming week. So, Jilly has her bag packed, and I have thrown various items of clothing into a holdall.... I always use the following aide memoir before travelling... PMT....Passport, Money, Travel documents.....and I have them all on the table, so what can go wrong!! Tomorrow at least I have no travel worries...and our wonderful friends and neighbours S&AD have "volunteered" their flat again for my/our use. As long as I can negotiate my way to Sainsburys around the corner I will be fine....and I know that Jilly will be getting the best treatment just up the road. It was also very reassuring to speak to T (and C) this morning...and I know that I have a back-up plan if things go wrong. How lucky we are to have so many good friends...I know I keep saying it, but I am continually humbled by the offers of help and support that we receive.

As they say, tomorrow is another day...and we will be back to daytime blogging and using the iPad....please forgive us if "regular service" is a little intermittent over the next few days....and I won't open a book on when we'll be back.....let's just hope it's this week.