I am sorry that my comment isn't relevant to the main theme of your letter (great as usual), but queues are amazing when you compare them to disorganised group of 50-60 people loading to a bus at the same time and trying to find a seat
Having had breast cancer twice, with associated major surgery, chemo, radio and hormone therapy I can state with some certainty the most mysterious conundrum relating to cancer patient waiting rooms:
Regardless of whether you’ve been there for 3 minutes or 3 hours, the nurse will inevitably call your name the moment you go for a wee.
Just realised my double mastectomy was 5 years ago yesterday. Huge hugs to your partner and fingers crossed for continuing good health.
Thank you for reading. Hope your recovery has been going well. And we saw that very thing happen the other day! A woman had been waiting for a blood test for over an hour, went to the loo, her turn came up!
Thank yo Justin, yes been there and done that with my late husband. Daily radiotherapy sessions for nearly 8 weeks and all the other appointments around C. I blogged all through to get it out of my head and I took knitting with me. Smiled at everyone and chatted when needed. Did a lot of knitting😉
Ah I'm sorry you had to go through all that – I know it sounds weird because it is a very stressful time, but sometimes it was almost soothing to have so much to organise, and being ruled by routine. Like a series of distractions from the reality, maybe. It was also terrifying, obviously; I don't know if we ever processed it at the time. And you do end up seeing lots of familiar faces, don't you? I still wonder about some of the regulars. Thanks for reading.
I always wondered about the people we saw and s DH had prostate cancer nearly all the others in clinic and radiotherapy were of an age. It got so you could almost tell who would get through or not. Some had given up before this journey began 😢 I wouldn’t let my husband give in, I’m too bloody minded 😉. I even designed a diet to help full of red fruits and veg because I’d read something that beetroot was good . I piled red into all meals, we had fresh fruit smoothies every morning as I’d also read something. He was given 12-18 months to live but lasted almost 6 years.
Right on time. The January cavalcade starts in a few hours with a trip uptown to the dermatologist. Upper East Side townhouse so the room is posh….and there are no restrictions or prep. The gnarly stuff starts next week. x
An interesting view on etiquette and accepted behaviour in a waiting room as you point out is essential. However when personal hygiene raises its ugly head, I struggle somewhat...
This hit close to home, I really hope your partner is well again soon. I had my own dance with the big C a few years ago and blogged about it, if you're interested, it's ok, there's a happyish ending.
I'm still here but I got involved in politics... I'm told it's reasonably funny anyway, sending you both all the best, my big sister was my partner in appointments, husband couldn't stand the necessary small talk....
Oh he’s all better now, thank you. We still go for his annual scans, though. Glad you’re still here! I read parts of your blog; I think it’s really important to be open about these things, so it was a great read, thank you.
One of my friends from waaaay back read it and finally got a lump checked so I know it did a bit of measurable good at least and it got me through some very dark dqays just committing my thoughts to paper. Great news about your partner, I no longer have to go back and it feels amazing, I don't think I felt normal until the check ups stopped honestly - All the best to you both!
Excellent use of “mardy” - thank you.
I am sorry that my comment isn't relevant to the main theme of your letter (great as usual), but queues are amazing when you compare them to disorganised group of 50-60 people loading to a bus at the same time and trying to find a seat
The concept of queues = fair and good. The reality of queuing = hell on earth.
Beautiful writing as ever!
Having had breast cancer twice, with associated major surgery, chemo, radio and hormone therapy I can state with some certainty the most mysterious conundrum relating to cancer patient waiting rooms:
Regardless of whether you’ve been there for 3 minutes or 3 hours, the nurse will inevitably call your name the moment you go for a wee.
Just realised my double mastectomy was 5 years ago yesterday. Huge hugs to your partner and fingers crossed for continuing good health.
Thank you for reading. Hope your recovery has been going well. And we saw that very thing happen the other day! A woman had been waiting for a blood test for over an hour, went to the loo, her turn came up!
Ha, happens every time!
This is such a beautiful piece I have nothing to comment, so I have to ask -- was the Michael Flatley carrier a real occurrence? (Please say yes).
Hahaha. I’m afraid it wasn’t. First thing that popped into my head – which is VERY concerning when you think about it. Thanks for reading.
Thank yo Justin, yes been there and done that with my late husband. Daily radiotherapy sessions for nearly 8 weeks and all the other appointments around C. I blogged all through to get it out of my head and I took knitting with me. Smiled at everyone and chatted when needed. Did a lot of knitting😉
Ah I'm sorry you had to go through all that – I know it sounds weird because it is a very stressful time, but sometimes it was almost soothing to have so much to organise, and being ruled by routine. Like a series of distractions from the reality, maybe. It was also terrifying, obviously; I don't know if we ever processed it at the time. And you do end up seeing lots of familiar faces, don't you? I still wonder about some of the regulars. Thanks for reading.
I always wondered about the people we saw and s DH had prostate cancer nearly all the others in clinic and radiotherapy were of an age. It got so you could almost tell who would get through or not. Some had given up before this journey began 😢 I wouldn’t let my husband give in, I’m too bloody minded 😉. I even designed a diet to help full of red fruits and veg because I’d read something that beetroot was good . I piled red into all meals, we had fresh fruit smoothies every morning as I’d also read something. He was given 12-18 months to live but lasted almost 6 years.
I’m so glad you had that extra time together.
Right on time. The January cavalcade starts in a few hours with a trip uptown to the dermatologist. Upper East Side townhouse so the room is posh….and there are no restrictions or prep. The gnarly stuff starts next week. x
May all your waiting rooms be palatial! Hope it all goes well. x
An interesting view on etiquette and accepted behaviour in a waiting room as you point out is essential. However when personal hygiene raises its ugly head, I struggle somewhat...
This hit close to home, I really hope your partner is well again soon. I had my own dance with the big C a few years ago and blogged about it, if you're interested, it's ok, there's a happyish ending.
I'm still here but I got involved in politics... I'm told it's reasonably funny anyway, sending you both all the best, my big sister was my partner in appointments, husband couldn't stand the necessary small talk....
https://shinyshep.wordpress.com/2015/12/02/a-right-pain-in-the-arse/
Oh he’s all better now, thank you. We still go for his annual scans, though. Glad you’re still here! I read parts of your blog; I think it’s really important to be open about these things, so it was a great read, thank you.
One of my friends from waaaay back read it and finally got a lump checked so I know it did a bit of measurable good at least and it got me through some very dark dqays just committing my thoughts to paper. Great news about your partner, I no longer have to go back and it feels amazing, I don't think I felt normal until the check ups stopped honestly - All the best to you both!
It's a cliché to say that writing is therapy but… sometimes it is! Thanks for reading, glad you've got the all clear!