Getting about a bit more

It was hard work waiting this morning for the medics to phone us today. We were supposed to be finding out a bit more of 'what next'. The whole situation can feel quite draining, physically, mentally and motivationally. But we eventually decided to get out and deliver our alotted invites to the annual Summer Conference, being held in Cardiff for the first time this year.
The phone call came after lunch and, in the event, it was brief:

1. The lingering element of uncertainty over the post-op scan had been dispelled and it was confirmed to be clear (dye is injected prior to a scan to highlight any remaining tumour).
2. The histology confirmed that this is just the same type of tumour as the one removed in August 2008
3. We will not find out more re. further treatments until the end of this week or the start of the next one. Our consultant was in conversation with Barry Pizer of Alderhey.
   

Meanwhile, Pads has had a good day. Although by 9pm he was asking for pain relief, really he's not needed very much at all. This was in spite of quite a bit of activity after a slow start. He and Moli enjoyed a visit from Reuben and then we went to Roath Park for an ice cream and a row. After that we went to friends for tea and Pads enjoyed playing on their wii for quite a while.
Many of those who prayed audibly in the meeting tonight mentioned Pads although another older friend, Harold, is just starting an agressive regime of chemo, also for a brain tumour.
We regularly hear of other congregations adding their voices to a veritable chorus of prayer. Today we were assured of petitions from Ireland, Inverness, Swansea and Barnstaple.

Improving

Pads was more cheery and mobile today, especially when Moli, Hannah and Reuben visited.
He's also eating as well as he was before surgery. There is still the wearingly stiff neck, he's protecting it somewhat... but such is his determination to get out tomorrow that he's carefully trying to flex it, ahead of the anticipated workout with a physio. Thankful for 'small mercies', there are no staples this time, just self-disolving stitches.
Having watched a few films, finding it difficult to concentrate on much else, Pads grew restive this afternoon. So mum brought his wheelchair in and we embarked on a gentle tour of the hospital, pausing at the 'lake' where he enjoyed a Thorntons ice-cream in the sun. It was not that warm though so we retired to the canteen where a popadom took his fancy.

Rocking Horse is a hit!

One of my old heirlooms has been knocking around the house for ages, a rocking horse - the hard plastic head had broken up and the whole thing was falling apart. Someone had the idea of sprucing it up to give to Reuben and it was delivered tonight. A real team effort, Ally bought the supplies and facilitated the boys painting the wood and metalwork, Moli did some fancy Easter artwork on the seat, I fitted the 2nd hand plush head.
Pads couldnt make the trip as he was concentrating on keeping his tea down (a whole enchilada). He's still very fragile at the prospect of the interventions tomorrow - there has got to be some way of getting him over his hang-ups (with the NG tube especially).

Home again

We had a great time in Fishguard - home safely via Mark, Hannah and Reuben!!!

Will do more with photos when I get a chance...