Apologies for the delay in posting. I hope everyone is OK 👌. So what has happened to me since the last chapter.

I have spent more time in A&E for two further transfusions as I was struggling for breath again. Chemo has been postponed as the consultant and nurse agreed the chemotherapy was affecting my levels on the Friday. Unfortunately due to my roller coaster levels it was decided for me to go into that holiday fun camp (hospital).

I was ready this time, food, night attire, book and phone charger and a list of drugs i am on, in triplicate. Previous visit i wrote them down handed to the dr who enquired about my medication and lo and behold by the power of prestidigation lost them so i was asked by a second dr what drugs i was on. As we are aware brain cancer inhibits our logic to recall sometimes so i had to ring our lass to tell the dr my medicines.

Our lass went with me to A&E on the Saturday morning, 0930 may I add and it was empty. I know shock and horror. Duly passed through to the dr, yes they did ask what was wrong with me and what drugs I was on. I produced my first list and handed it over. The Dr then had me moved to a side unit in A&E and then left.

Few hours later it was decided as due to my levels I would have more transfusions. Two this time. At 3pm I hadn’t commenced my transfusion but I had a canulla inserted at 0945, x match bloods taken for 2 units, at the same time. Our lass duly went home at this point. So I am in A&E allowing fate to throw the dice. I hear murmurs between staff staff saying “he shouldn’t be in here, he should be elsewhere”. My mind went into overdrive I’m thinking do they mean me. Appears person in next bed to me had covid.

As Morrisey sang “panic on the streets of London”, more like panic on the wards of A&E. He was moved and his room disinfected. I was then moved to AMU (Acute Medical Unit). Private room, appears really vulnerable cases are put there. Apron,mask and gloves and that was just the dinner lady. First transfusion commenced at 4pm. Three hours duration I was told by my dedicated nurse, who assured me she would be monitoring me closely.

I was informed by my medical staff I would be staying in so I made myself comfortable, downside no sheets, so didn’t get changed and lay under my coat as was freezing. 1930 first transfusion finished so patiently waited for second one to commence. 2130 no commencement so I went to the nurse desk to find out what was happening, I was informed nurse was doing her rounds, 👌 believable. 2215 came and went no sign of my guardian angel so once more enquired.

I was informed she was dealing with another and I was on her list. The witching hour came and went and still no appearance of my godmother. 0030 a different nurse appeared and said she was looking after me, never seen her before. She originally said I was need another blood test test to x match. Appears my paperwork only said one unit until it was clarified it was two. Luckily they didn’t need another x match as it was ready for collection and a nurse was duly going to collect it I was informed.

An hour later still waiting, I know the hospital well enough by now and I can assure you it isn’t that big. It was 0145 when the second transfusion began. A further 3 hours lapsed until finally at 0445 treatment completed. I was then told consultant would read my results and a decision would be made. Waited until 1100 when 2 doctors arrived and said they were still checking but it may be another night I enjoyed the hospitality of the medical fraternity. I rang our lass and updated her as I had throughout my vigil and she arranged for my mother in law and brother in law to visit with clean clothing. Bloods were then taken and had to await results. Relatives turned up but as I was in AMU they were not allowed in, but I could go out to them. Returned to my penthouse suite after speaking to family to be told I could go home. Quick call to relatives to get them to do a u turn in the lift and finally got home at 1815 Sunday.

Latest news is need another transfusion as gone low again, so waiting for telephone call as nothing available yet. So endeth the saga. Apologies for the time it must take you to read this. It has been arranged for an MRI on 28th December. Deep joy.