keith and lesley

Gran Canaria diary 4

2012-01-25T20:34:00.001Z

Yesterday we met up with my sister Susan and brother in law Jack who are here for a week.
We drove up to the town of Teror to see the huge basilica and statue of the Madonna in pure silver, very impressive.
Today I went walking in the sand dunes and saw the camels giving people rides, the weather has been the best so far with a cloudless sky all day and very warm temperatures.
Lesley continues to improve and has even developed a tan, sad to think we only have 3 days left, it seems to have gone so quickly.

Gran Canaria diary 3

2012-01-21T20:16:00.001Z

Firstly apologies as there are no pictures as they take too long to upload on this network.(gave up after 15 minutes)
Lesley continues to improve and the weather continues sunny and warm.
Today we circumnavigated the island through very twisty and mountainous roads but the quality of the roads is very high so no problems.
The sand dunes in Maspalomas are amazing, like the Sahara desert but we have not seen the camels that are reputed to give rides.

Gran Canaria diary 2

2012-01-18T08:12:00.000Z

The weather continues to be kind to us (23 degrees yesterday).
We drove to the neighbouring town of Puerto Rico and had lunch by the harbour which was very pleasant.
Lesley is a little better and managed a walk to the local restaurant last night.
We are hoping to visit the capital of the Island today and perhaps upload a picture.

Gran Canaria diary

2012-01-15T18:24:00.001Z

Since November Lesley has been struggling with a chest infection and feeling very poorly, especially not being able to feel warm. And so as a surprise Christmas present here we are in Gran Canaria.
The journey here was anything but uneventful, with a two hour flight delay and trying to find our accommodation in the dark, even three taxi drivers failed to find the place. But eventually we arrived here at 1am. The bungalow is wonderful and the sun has shone all day in fact it is 6.30 and people are still in the pool.
So far Lesley is coping very well and we are hoping this will be the tonic she needs.
More later and perhaps some photographs.

Lesley’s Health 236

2011-11-24T07:30:00.001Z

After another year of highs and lows we come to the end of it in calmer waters.
Dr. Bebb, the head of the renal department was rather surprised that Lesley’s kidneys had shown signs of improvement, the best she had expected was stability, and Dr. McMillan the haematology consultant said he was happy to keep a watching brief and has given us another appointment for three months.
We now look forward to Christmas in Yorkshire with three of our grandchildren, and another party with the other one when we get back.
We send our best wishes to all who faithfully follow this saga for a happy and peaceful Christmas, and as always we thank you with all our heart for your prayers and support during the last six years.

Lesley’s Health 235

2011-10-12T15:40:00.000+01:00

In the last two months Lesley has been very well and we have had another week away this time in the Wye Valley.
We had hoped to spend a week in Perranporth, Cornwall in our caravan but once again we were hit with gales, this time it was the tail-end of the American hurricane and so once again we packed up and came home.
Today Lesley saw Dr. McMillan who said her blood results were fine but that another PET scan would be inconclusive at this time.
Lesley was disappointed as she was hoping to get some kind of all clear but that was not possible and so he has put her on a “watching brief” and we will see him again in six weeks.
At least we are now clear to attempt another trip out in the caravan, this time to Norfolk with our bird watching friends at the week end.
So watch the weather report for the area – there could be tornados!!!!!

Lesley's health 234

2011-08-18T06:51:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we saw one of Dr. McMillan’s registrars who was very encouraging, she said everything was “going in the right direction” The scan results show a reduction in the size of the main “hot spot” in her chest, and her lungs were clear, she also told us that the new dosage of the injection is having a good effect as her haemoglobin levels are up.
Generally Lesley is looking and feeling much better and she did manage to walk up from Robin Hood’s Bay to the car park (O me of little faith!)
The sad news was that we could not complete our holiday in Yorkshire as gales were threatening to blow us over the cliff edge and into the sea below, and so we took the hint and came home on Wednesday safe and sound and in one piece.

Lesley's health 233

2011-07-30T18:36:00.001+01:00

Last week the renal department were very helpful and increased Lesley’s dosage which arrived later.
I administered the injection right away, but we know that there will not be any discernable effect for several weeks.
We have also at last received a date for the next PET scan which will be on Wednesday at the City Hospital.
While we wait for the results of that scan we have decided to take the van to Robin Hood’s Bay for a few days, and get away from it all.
Unfortunately it is unlikely that Lesley will get down to the sea as the walk back up the hill will be too much for her.
But we will certainly have a nice day in Whitby while we are there.

Lesley's health 232

2011-07-14T06:16:00.001+01:00

After the excitement and joy of our European tour the blog is back to its original intention.
Lesley has been feeling weak and washed out since we returned and yesterday we saw Dr. McMillan who told us that her blood results show that she is very anaemic.
This could be a sign that the radiotherapy has been unsuccessful or that the problem is caused by her kidneys.
He has booked her in for another PET scan in the next two weeks and in the meantime I have discussed the situation over the phone with the renal department who promised to get back to me today.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part seventeen

2011-06-08T19:17:00.002+01:00

Well all good things have to come to and end, and now our tour of Europe is finished.
We arrived home at 12-30pm safe and well after covering just over 4,000 miles.
It was ironic that after all those miles on European roads with hardly a pause, we left the ferry at Dover at 5am this morning and two hours later were sitting in a traffic jam for 3 hours as they closed the M25 because of an accident!
But it has been a wonderful experience, and it has left us with unforgettable memories.
Thank you to everyone who has shared this adventure with us by following the blog, and sending us e-mails along the way.
God willing we may do the whole thing again next year, we rather fancy Italy.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part sixteen

2011-06-07T07:04:00.001+01:00

The weather was still overcast with intermittent rain as we met at 8am for the commerative service to remember those who fell on the beaches at Normandy and to pay respect to the half a dozen or so of surviving veterans all around 90 years old, including Cyril. There was an apology of absence from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
We reconvened at 3pm for a larger service which included leaders of the armed forces and local mayors and dignitaries.
Sadly our tour is now coming to an end as we move to Guines today, a small village near Calais where we hope to get a ferry crossing tomorrow.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part sixteen

2011-06-07T07:04:00.000+01:00

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part fifteen

2011-06-05T08:19:00.001+01:00

What a contrast!
After all the heat and sunshine I am writing this in a thunderstorm.
It began last evening and reached biblical proportions during the night.
But we have survived intact and at least the car looks cleaner!
We left Tours in warm sunshine and travelled to Normandy in the normal weather for us. When we arrived here at Berniers sur mer the place was very full and we were fortunate to find a good pitch, many more arrived later and were disappointed. We set up the awning and sat outside in the warm sun eating our dinner and reading with no inkling of what was about to break.
This is the site of Juno Beach, one of the landing beaches of D day and the spot where Cyril came ashore in 1944. Tomorrow once again we shall take part in a re-enactment of what happened all those years ago.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part fourteen

2011-06-02T17:58:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we walked into Aranjuez in the morning through the gardens and onto the Royal Palace which was very beautiful and impressive.
It turned out that entrance was free to European nationals on Wednesdays on production of their passport which was an unexpected bonus.
The palace was the spring residence of many of the Kings and Queens of Spain and full of paintings, sculptures and other artefacts.
When we returned to the camp we had lunch in the restaurant and spent the afternoon by the pool.
Today we drove north through Spain over the Pyrenees and returned to the site in France that we left two weeks ago.
We are now back on schedule to meet up with Lesley’s uncle Cyril and her cousin Rob and his wife Angela along with Colonel Fotheringham of The Queens Own Rifles of Canada in Normandy for the D-day commemorations on the 6th.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part thirteen

2011-05-31T19:07:00.003+01:00

Today we had another really spectacular day’s travelling.
We left the coast behind us and drove up through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, passing over amazing ravines on bridges that were engineering miracles, through mountain passes and tunnels and almost up to the snow fields and then plunging down to Granada.
From there we drove for a hundred miles and all we saw were serried ranks of olive trees disappearing over the horizon on both sides of the road. What can they do with that olive oil?
After that we reached the Spanish plains (where the rain falls mainly) then we saw millions of vines (good old Spanish wine) eventually we arrived at Aranjuez made famous by Joaquin Rodrigo in his famous concerto.
The site is set on a river and is beautifully laid out. Once again we have changed our plans and will stay here tomorrow and visit the Royal palace and gardens which are open to the public on Wednesdays. And the sun is still shining!
Health note: Lesley is extremely well and very tanned, European travel and weather is just what she needed.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part twelve

2011-05-29T17:20:00.001+01:00

We now have some new neighbours. A family of baby siskins have taken up residence on the floor in front of our van. To safeguard them from cats I put them on the wall where the parents come to feed them, they can flutter but not fly yet.
This morning we attended a communion service at the local church with Mike and Margaret. The Spanish priest who took the service was ordained in Oxford and so spoke very good English.
Tomorrow will be our last day here as we plan to move North on Tuesday probably to a site near Madrid.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part eleven

2011-05-28T08:20:00.003+01:00

The weather continues to be kind to us and we are really enjoying this site.
It was market day on Thursday and we managed to buy a new backpack style handbag for Lesley to replace the one she had stolen. Yesterday we visited the amazing cave system at Nerja, a few miles down the coast with Mike and Margaret. A lot of new neighbours arrived last evening as I think the Spanish have a bank holiday this week-end too.

The Stevenson’s Grand Tour of Europe – part ten

2011-05-26T07:42:00.004+01:00

I celebrated my birthday in great style on Tuesday. We drove to Puerto de la Duquesa on the Costa Del Sol and had lunch with our friends Richard and Sheila, and then on to Almayati where we set up camp and then had supper with more friends, Mike and Margaret in Torre del Mar.
The site is the best situated one we have been on so far it has a private beach; it also has a full size outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. We have had a tactical discussion and as the temperature is holding at 31 degrees and Lesley is very happy here we have changed our plans and will probably stay here for a week and postpone the trip to Barcelona for another time.
Yesterday we swam in the sea in the morning and the pool in the afternoon. (imagine having Bramcote pool to yourself all afternoon). So after all the travelling (2,400 miles so far), it is chill-out time!

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part nine

2011-05-23T20:01:00.002+01:00

We spent the week end in Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal with Esther, Fiona and Arlene. The weather continued hot and sunny and we had meals on Esther’s patio.
On Sunday we went to the estuary where we saw Kentish Plovers nesting and I had two lifetime sightings, Azure-winged magpie and Zitting Cistacola.
After saying our goodbyes we drove on out of Portugal and back into Spain via Saville and Jerez and onto our current site at Conil de la Frontera. The site is set in a pine forest beside a beautiful beach, it is so remote even the sat-nav failed to find it. It is also interesting that all the facililities are brand new and there only about six other vans on the site and a few tents scattered among the trees.
The area we are in is the nudist section, but we are allowed in here for the Wi-Fi connection as long as we keep our eyes closed, and don't cook any suasages!
Sorry about the lack of photos but we have been unable to find a wi fi site until this evening. Will post a photo tomorrow.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part eight

2011-05-20T19:44:00.000+01:00

Past put behind us, for the future take us”
Our spirits have been lifted today as we drove through Spain and Portugal on a beautiful sunny day (25 degrees).
We passed by snow capped mountains, blue lakes, on roads almost deserted and fringed with yellow broom/gorse and pink oleander.
On the way we saw hundreds of white storks nesting on miles of power pylons, black kites, and buzzards overhead and large unidentifiable raptors.
This site is wonderful with a 25 metre outdoor pool which we dived into on our arrival. The site is surrounded by palm trees and eucalyptus.
This is our first visit to Portugal and so we have to learn a few more phrases.
Tomorrow we are meeting up with our friend Esther Pauley
Thank you to all who have e-mailed us it’s good to hear from you.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part seven

2011-05-19T20:38:00.000+01:00

We left Bidart in a shower of rain, but as we crossed the Pyrenees the sun broke out and we went over spectacular bridges and through long mountain tunnels and then down onto the Spanish plains. All was going so well and we called into a motorway service area for a coffee when disaster struck! In just a split second Lesley had her bag stolen, in it was her camera, mobile phone, prescription glasses, medication, and all the other things that ladies carry in their bags. We called the police who took details an said we had to report to the police station in Salamanca (our campsite was just outside).
When we arrived there it was a large sprawling town and the first six people we asked could not understand English. Eventually we found the local police who said we should contact the National Police and after realising we were lost they gave us a police escort through the town. Then they said we should go to the Garda and so off with another police escort where we had to fill in various forms in Spanish!
We eventually arrived on camp at 8pm, tired hungry, thirsty, and pretty unhappy with the day. Hope tomorrow brings us some relief!

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part six

2011-05-18T17:53:00.002+01:00

This morning we said our sad goodbyes to the isle d’Oleron and moved on to Bidart, a small sea side village on the French/Spanish border. We have been here before and it has very happy memories for us.
But we will only stay overnight and push on tomorrow into Spain. This evening we have had a strange experience – rain. But is was only a light shower and it is still 27 degrees.
If anyone back home is finding this interesting at all please e-mail and let us know.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part six

2011-05-18T17:53:00.000+01:00

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part five

2011-05-16T20:07:00.002+01:00

Lesley on the beach at the south of the island

Last evening we ate at a harbour side restaurant and watched the sun go down over the moored yachts. Really magical.
The weather continues to amaze us; today has again been very sunny and warm.
We explored the south of the island today which is mainly pine forests sweeping down to soft sandy beaches and almost devoid of people.
We have decided to stay for at least another day here before moving on; it really is a hidden paradise.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part four

2011-05-16T07:32:00.002+01:00

We are really enjoying the ile d'Oleron toured, the Northern area yesterday, there is a lighthouse on the northern most tip which is quite spectacular.
(note for fellow birders)As we ate our breakfast in the sun this morning we were serenaded by a turtle dove, and last night we had a scops owl sending us to sleep.
Apologies to those who have e-mailed us and are waiting for a reply, but the signal here is too weak to send out e-mails. I will try again when we move on to Spain later this week.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part three

2011-05-14T19:26:00.000+01:00

We are now on the ile d’Oleron on a wonderful campsite with views of the sea from our caravan window.
Yesterday was exciting as we were mixed up with thousands of bikers as they arrived for the Grand Prix on the 24 hour circuit many were on our site with small tents and barbeques.
At lunchtime we stopped in a small lay-by next to the main road and were serenaded by a nightingale in a nearby bush, a real treat.
We had hoped to stay in La Rochelle but the site was not up to the standard we have become used to and so we moved on to here.
The island looks very interesting with nature reserves and castles and so we have decided to put up the awning and stay here for a few days to explore.
The weather so far has been amazing with wall to wall sunshine. AsI write this at 7.45 it is still warm and sunny.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part two

2011-05-12T19:10:00.000+01:00

Our wonderful engineer Ian fixed the problem and so after an early night once more we left home at 5.30 and this time drove to Dover without incident. We caught the 10.45 Sea France ferry to Calais and from there we drove to Guines a small town to the South and found the camp site among the trees out in the country.
The day was warm and sunny and after setting up camp we went off for a swim in the pool. The site is first class with great amenities. We have just returned from a meal in the onsite restaurant and I am now waiting to see if Forest can do the business against Swansea.
Off to Le Mans tomorrow.

The stevenson's grand tour of Europe - part one

2011-05-11T07:25:00.002+01:00

Not the greatest of starts to our holiday. We are currently sitting in the Watford Gap Service Centre at 7am waiting for a roadside assistance.
One of the wheels on the caravan is running hot due to a break binding and so we are patiently waiting for help and hoping the ferry will wait for us at Dover.
Later:
It is now 1pm and instead of being on a ferry heading to France, we are back home. The engineer could not fix the problem and so they have brought it back on a low loader. An engineer has promised to come at 5 this evening and if he can fix the problem we will have another try tomorrow.
And so this day has cost us 100 wasted miles and a ferry crossing, but no harm has been done, we are still well and still looking forward to our holiday.

Lesley's health 231

2011-04-27T14:36:00.000+01:00

In the last two weeks Lesley has shown a remarkable improvement.
The shingles are almost gone and so has her cough, all this means she is feeling so much better.
Today we saw Dr. McMillan who confirmed that her blood results were good and he suggests another PET scan in seven weeks which means we can go away for our grand tour of Europe.
I intent to do a separate blog for those who would be interested in keeping up to date with our progress, and for those who will keep us in their prayers for the next few weeks – so watch this space.

Lesley's health 230

2011-04-13T12:48:00.000+01:00

Lesley has had a very hard month. The fatigue was worse that expected and her cough has been if anything much worse, and then to crown it all she has developed shingles which is very painful.
Today we saw one of the oncologists who seemed pleased with her progress and has now passed her back to the Haematology Department and we will see her consultant Dr. McMillan on the 27th.
There certainly seems to be a slight improvement with the tiredness this week, and the oncologist recommends we return to her G.P. about the cough.
Dr McMillan is our final hurdle. If he says it is o.k. to travel then we go ahead with our plans.
I know it may seem a trivial thing to be concentrating on, but the thought of a few weeks away from it all in the sunshine is what has helped to keep us both positive in the face of all the problems.
Thank you all as always for your prayers, your e-mails, your support and your concern.

Lesley's health 229

2011-03-16T19:19:00.000Z

It has been a week of ups and downs.
On Friday Lesley was given a day off treatment as the machine was being serviced but she was hit by a chest infection and so we had to see her own doctor who prescribed an antibiotic.
By Sunday evening she was better but the treatment re-commenced on Monday and so did her throat problems.
We had expected the treatment to end on Tuesday, but learned that there was another day to go and so at last it ended today.
She has been told that the symptoms will probably get worse rather than better over the next few days and then things should start to settle down.
We are not now due to see anyone for a month and so unless there is a change in her condition this will be the last bulletin until then.
To celebrate the end of the treatment I have booked a cross-channel ferry for May the 11th!

Lesley's health 228

2011-03-08T21:18:00.000Z

The side affects of the treatment are now having an effect on Lesley.
She is finding it very painful to swallow and has lost her voice.
She is also very tired and listless.
Today she saw the doctor who said it is not unusual to have these symptoms but they are more severe than expected.
This evening she tried to attend the Lent Course at church but after half an hour had to come home and went straight to bed.
In spite of all this she is still in good heart and looking forward to the end of the treatment next week.

Lesley's health 227

2011-02-25T19:13:00.000Z

Lesley’s first three days of radiotherapy have so far been trouble free for her with no side effects to worry about.
Although the machine has not fared as well as today she broke it!
It actually stopped working half way through her treatment and so they had to transfer her to another one.
It is amazing how quickly one gets into a daily routine even though the times vary and so it will be good to have the week end off.
I will write another report next week as the treatment progresses.

Lesley's health 226

2011-02-22T18:34:00.000Z

Today we paid a visit to the South Radiotherapy out patients department at the City Hospital for Lesley to have a trial run on the machine and another tattoo. (She will soon look like David Beckham)
From there we went to the Radiotherapy Treatment centre North for a brief meeting with Dr. March signed the consent forms and now the treatment begins properly tomorrow.
It will consist of 15 daily radiotherapy sessions with week ends off.
So three weeks in all.
So for the next three weeks our days will be spent travelling to and from the hospital, sitting in waiting rooms, treatment and home for Lesley to rest.
She will also have to put up with my cooking again, but all this is a small price to pay if it destroys the lymphoma cells and gets Lesley back to good health again.
We keep looking out of the window at our little caravan and thinking “I wonder………….

Lesley's health 225

2011-02-09T08:04:00.000Z

The waiting area in the new Radiotherapy Treatment centre at the City Hospital is a very pleasant place with comfy chairs, up-to-date magazines to read, televisions and a coffee bar. Which is good news as I suppose we will be seeing it very often over the few weeks.
Yesterday was our first visit and Lesley had a scan, and was tattooed in preparation for the treatment which will begin in about 10 days.
This week-end is our Pearl wedding anniversary and so I have booked a couple of nights in a posh hotel in Harrogate which will be a pleasant break before the treatment begins.
Today we have a full day. We see Dr. McMillan the haematologist at the City Hospital in the morning and Mr. Orr the ophthalmologist at the QMC in the afternoon.
What a full and exciting life we lead!

Lesley's health 224

2011-02-01T13:53:00.000Z

Today we met Dr. Johnson a very helpful and articulate doctor who is semi-retired.
Again we looked at the PET scan, this time in high definition and he explained that it was a little less conclusive than we had been led to believe.
He is still pretty sure that the chest nodule is affected with lymphoma and to that end will arrange a three week course of radiotherapy which will mean a visit to the City Hospital every day, hopefully to begin in two weeks.
We also asked if we could plan for a holiday in Europe in our caravan in May and he said that a holiday would do her the world of good, but not to make any plans until after the treatment

Lesley's health 223

2011-01-12T12:30:00.002Z

Today we saw Dr. McMillan who gave us the good news that the pulmonary nodules have been re-classified as infected rather than containing lymphoma, he has now wrote to the radiotherapist Dr. Bessel hoping that he will agree to radiation treatment for the nodes in her chest and neck area.
We are naturally feeling very relieved.
I know we have some way to go yet, but a last after some weeks of not having any good news at all we can see light at the end of a long tunnel.
Or to put another way we have been given hope where none was offered before.
As for us, we have always clung to the hope we have in a higher authority than doctors and surgeons, and once again our hope has not been confounded, Praise the Lord!

Lesley's health 222

2011-01-05T17:25:00.001Z

First the good news, Lesley’s bone marrow biopsy revealed that it is clear of lymphoma.
But the area of concern now moves to her lungs, where there are suspicious readings.
Dr. McMillan will discuss this further with the radiologist as once again we are in a situation where radiotherapy is not an option.
We are to see him again next Wednesday to see what treatment will be necessary

Lesley's health 221

2010-12-22T10:50:00.001Z

Lesley had the bone marrow biopsy on Friday as planned.
It is a very painful procedure involving a needle being driven through the hip bone under local anaesthetic and a core sample being extracted.This time I was allowed to sit with her and hold her hand - it was not a pleasant experience.
Now we must wait for three weeks for the early results to see if lymphoma is present in her bone marrow, if it shows clear then there will be a “trefine” result to be absolutely sure, which involves another wait.
The situation now is very straightforward. If lymphoma is present there is not much more they can do as chemotherapy is not an option. But if it is clear they will begin radiotherapy in the New Year.
In the meantime we are going to have a good family Christmas, especially with our new granddaughter Millie, and we will visit the other three between Christmas and the New Year in Yorkshire.
We hope you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas, and bless you all for your prayers and your concern.

Lesley's health 220

2010-12-15T15:35:00.000Z

Lesley’s blood results continue to be normal and she looks and feels very well, in fact Dr. McMillan agreed that on that basis he would probably have sent Lesley away for six months, but he still insists that the problem is lymphoma and that her symptoms will change as the disease begins to take hold again.
On that basis has arranged a bone marrow biopsy for Friday.
We pray that the bone marrow is clear to allow radiotherapy to take place.
We are having difficulty in arranging to see a radiologist as Dr. Bessell the chief consultant is not available and so we will probably see Dr. Sally Morgan who specialises in radiography of the lungs.

Lesley's health 219

2010-12-01T16:47:00.000Z

We are both in a state of shock!
The PET scan has revealed that the enlarged lymph node in Lesley’s chest is almost certainly caused by lymphoma.
And so after five and a half years of battling against this awful disease it looks like it is back again.
Due to the frail state of her kidneys, it is not going to be possible to give her anymore chemotherapy and so our hopes rest in radiotherapy, and we are to see the specialist in that field in two weeks, in the meantime she will probably have to have another bone marrow biopsy which is not at all a pleasant operation.
We really do need your prayers at this time. I will write more later when we have come to terms with the news.

Lesley's health 218

2010-11-19T09:22:00.000Z

Just to bring you up to date.
Lesley’s PET scan has been arranged for next Monday the 22nd and we are booked to see Dr. McMillan again on December 1st.
Generally Lesley is feeling well and shows no signs of the illness, but we know from past experience that is no guarantee, and so we patiently wait…….

Lesley's health 217

2010-11-11T07:42:00.000Z

This strange roller coaster continues.
Yesterday we saw Dr. McMillan himself (Lesley’s consultant) for the first time in over a year. He showed more concern over the enlarged lymph node and will arrange a PET scan for the next week.
This scan involves injecting with a radio-active substance and watching the results on a CAT scanner. The results can take some time to evaluate and so our sigh of relief was only temporary and we are now back in anxious mode for the run up to Christmas.

Lesley's health 216

2010-10-27T15:58:00.000+01:00

Today Dr. Amott, the doctor Lesley saw at the City, phoned to tell us that the CAT scan revealed “nothing to worry about”.
The scan revealed fluid in the chest that was causing her cough, and an enlarged lymph node, but nothing that would lead them to suspect the Lymphoma had returned.
We are due to see Dr. McMillan next month who will explain the situation in detail, but in the meantime we can sigh with relief.

Lesley's health 215

2010-10-14T09:02:00.001+01:00

The meeting on Wednesday was rather inconclusive but he was more positive than the doctor.
Looking at previous x-rays he is hopeful that the “nodules” are an area of scar tissue from her treatment.
But he cannot be sure until a CAT scan reveals the area in detail. A scan has been arranged for next Tuesday (19th)
We may then have to wait until November 10th when we see Dr. McMillan before we know the outcome.
As always we need patience, as everything seems to take so long, but of course there are so many others in Lesley’s situation and I am sure they are working as hard as they can.

Lesley's health 214

2010-10-01T10:06:00.000+01:00

I am trying to stay calm and in control as I write this, but to be honest I am feeling rather anxious.
Lesley went for a routine chest x-ray last week as her cough has returned again (to be honest it had been with her for most of the year).
Yesterday we had a phone call from her doctor to discuss the results and we were so unconcerned that Lesley went in on her own while I found a parking space.
When she came out her face said it all. He told her that they had discovered two “nodules” in her chest cavity and advised a c.a.t. scan and an appointment with Dr. McMillan her haematologist to check that the lymphoma has not returned.
I phone Dr. McMillan’s secretary immediately and was told he is away for two weeks, but they have booked her in to see a registrar next Wednesday.
Lesley is as usual being very brave about the whole thing and I am being as supportive as usual, but next week can’t come soon enough for either of us.
Fortunately we are off to Whitby on Sunday to stay overnight and then staying with our “kittens” on Monday night all this will help to take our mind off what is a worrying situation.
If you read this before Wednesday please pray for Lesley.

Lesley's health 213

2010-09-19T12:59:00.002+01:00

Most of you I am sure saw our brief but memorable appearance on the BBC news channel a few weeks ago as we explained that our flight to Rhodes had been cancelled twice due to both tour operators collapsing.
This was particularly galling as at last Dr. McMillan had said it was safe for Lesley to fly a little further afield.
All this is a long winded way of telling you that Lesley continues to remain stable and generally well and so we can consider looking tentatively into taking our folding caravan into Europe next spring for a week or two.
Her next two meetings with both the haematology consultant and the renal consultant take place next month and so we are still a little anxious over those meetings.
I suppose we have learned very much to take each day as a gift, and not to look too much into the future, but one can’t help making plans!
As always thank you all for your support and prayers, we feel very blessed.

Lesley’s Health 212

2010-05-18T07:58:00.001+01:00

I am aware that it is four months since I last put anything on this blog, but no news in this case is good news.
For those who we do not see very often, and still keep an eye on the situation here is the latest news:
Lesley continues to remain stable and both the haematologist and the renal department who we saw last week have said they are happy with her condition and will see her again in six months.
However she seems very prone to infections and viruses and is just recovering from a third chest infection and a second attack of conjunctivitis.
But overall we continue to give thanks that she is still fighting and very much alive.
As you all know I am loathed to close this blog as I tried once before in December 2005 with disastrous results.
Looking back it is now five years since Lesley first fell ill and I began writing it.
And so I will continue to post information as and when we have any.
If anyone out there is still checking it, perhaps you could find a minute to let us know. Thank you.

Lesley’s Health 211

2010-01-24T07:47:00.002Z

Lesley has recovered very well and is now off all treatment for the pneumonia, it has left her rather weak and shaky but at least the worst is over now.
We have booked to go to Tenerife next Tuesday to have some sunshine and escape from this cold weather, the doctors are happy for her to go and so we are hoping that it is just the tonic she needs.

Lesley’s Health 210

2010-01-06T09:45:00.001Z

This year has begun almost the same as last year.
After a great Christmas in Yorkshire with our grandchildren, which included a walk in the snow on Christmas morning, Lesley became ill at the week end and was diagnosed with pneumonia and pleurisy.
She is currently at home on high doses of anti biotic tablets, and if her condition deteriorates over the next 48 hours they have a bed for her in the City Hospital.
It all seems such a disappointment after a positive end to 2009, but we have learned over the years not to take anything for granted.
The good news is that all her blood results look o.k. and so her lymphoma and renal condition remains unaltered, and we give thanks for that.

Lesley’s Health 209

2009-11-12T07:49:00.001Z

The meeting with Lesley’s consultant yesterday was the best we have had for years.
He was extremely pleased with her results so far and even said he was cautiously optimistic that the cancer had been beaten.
It is now 27 months since Lesley’s transplant and the longer she can keep going without treatment, the more we begin to breathe more easily.
Finally he said he does not want to see her until next May, another big step forward.
I know it is very early but as this is our last blog this year, we hope you all have a peaceful and blessed Christmastime, we continue to thank you for your wonderful support, and we hope to see you all healthy and well in 2010.

Lesley's Health 208

2009-10-21T08:13:00.003+01:00

We had a wonderful time on our first holiday on Corfu. The weather was warm and sunny throughout except for one night when we had a cataclysmic thunderstorm which was amazing, but the next day there was no evidence of it and everyone was back on the beach.
Corfu is a very green island with many quiet and unspoiled beaches. Agios Georgios where we stayed was very quiet and peaceful with a long sandy beach.
Lesley contracted conjunctivitis we think from the swimming pool, but the doctor in the village was great. He treated her with eye drops and steroid cream and she went to see him every morning for four days which cleared the problem.
Apart from that she was very well and we left the island with very happy memories.

Lesley’s Health 207

2009-09-16T09:31:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we passed our final hurdle when the renal consultant confirmed that Lesley’s kidneys are in good enough condition for us to go to Greece.
So now we can begin packing our bags and getting excited.
I’m sure to many people it is just another holiday, but to us it is a sign that Lesley’s recovery is continuing and that all the treatment, prayer and patience is having a positive effect.
It seems hard to believe that the first blog I wrote on Lesley’s health was on Wednesday June 15th 2005 – 206 blogs ago and still we go on!
Yesterday we also attended the funeral of Lesley’s cousin Tony who we used to meet regularly at the hospital as he went through the same treatment as Lesley, and it helps to remind us that not everyone has a successful outcome to this treatment. R.I.P. Tony.
I know you are all busy people with much to fill your time, but please, when you can, remember Lesley in your prayers.
The battle goes on.

Lesley’s Health 206

2009-07-20T07:42:00.001+01:00

Our good news continues.
We saw Lesley’s hematology consultant last week and he was very pleased with her results and general health.
He then gave us the information we had been waiting for, he said she was o.k. to fly on holiday.
However he did not advise us to go to any of the more remote Greek Islands as she would need urgent hospital care if her kidneys failed and so suggested the mainland, or one of the larger islands.
And so, with all this in mind we have booked to go to Corfu in September.
Our insurance possibilities are limited as we are both cancer patients and I am now over 70, but as always we put our trust in the Lord and feel confident he will watch over us.
We are both very excited at the prospect of seeing a new Greek island.

Lesley’s Health 205

2009-06-22T19:51:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Lesley achieved her objective when she walked the 5k “Race for Life” at the Nottingham Victoria Embankment course with hundreds of others.
Firstly we once again want to thank everyone who sponsored her to the tune of £543.01 including tax. (see our web page)
Words can’t express how we both feel when we consider how things have been.
At the moment Lesley is looking and feeling better than she has for over 4 years.
The photograph with her medal is better than an Olympic Gold to me.
Our next hope is that she will be well enough in September to return to our beloved Greece for a well-deserved holiday.
For those who are still keeping an eye on this blog, I promise to update it from time to time.
We are not taking anything for granted but we are enjoying our freedom from hospital visits and treatment for now.

Lesley’s Health 204

2009-05-08T08:03:00.000+01:00

The meeting with the renal specialist last week was much as expected.
Lesley is now defined as stage four chronic kidney failure (stage five means dialysis). And so we were given the stark choices that confront dialysis patients along with a DVD and some booklets.
The task now is to keep her kidneys as well as we can to avoid further degeneration. We had a talk with a dietician and she gave us a list of foods to avoid.
On the positive side, Lesley is feeling much better and doing more walking as she prepares for her “Race for Life” next month.

Lesley’s Health 203

2009-04-18T08:05:00.000+01:00

Lesley continues to feel much better and has even managed to walk into Beeston on her own a couple of times, which may not seem much to a healthy person, but to us it is “Mount Kilimanjaro” time.
With all this in mind she feels it is time once again to give something back to all the people who have brought her to this stage. It is not over dramatic to say they have saved her life on numerous occasions.
And so after your generous response to her 1 mile walk last year, this year she is trying something a little more ambitious and joining with all the others on the Nottingham Trent Embankment for the “Race for Life” on Sunday June 21st at 2-30.
Although in Lesley’s case it will be more a “Walk for Life”
If you would like to sponsor her for this event we have made it easier this year, if you click on the link on the right of the page you can go straight to her sponsorship page.
But if you prefer, we still have the more traditional sponsor forms at home.
Please give what you can, because very few of us will not be touched by cancer in our lives.
Like many others, we believed it would not happen to us, and yet we have both suffered from this terrible disease.
And we are both grateful for the treatment we have received.

Lesley’s Health 202

2009-04-05T07:20:00.000+01:00

It has been a hard week for Lesley as she spent 12 hours at the City Hospital on Tuesday being transfused with 3 units of blood, and she returned on Thursday for an IVIG transfusion. We also had a meeting with the renal consultant.
The result of all this is that she is feeling much better and able to get about again. I have been instructed to re-commence giving her the injections which it is hoped will help to avoid further blood transfusions and keep her stable.
The renal situation is that Lesley is now classes as a pre-dialysis patient, which means that it is inevitable that she will need to go on dialysis eventually, and to that end we have an appointment to see a dialysis nurse next month to discuss what it all entails.
To end on a good note: her platelets continue to rise which is an indication that the lymphoma is in remission and if all continues in that direction, and the recession leaves us with any money, we could consider flying to a sunny place for a holiday later in the year.

Lesley’s Health 201

2009-03-25T21:55:00.000Z

We saw the haematology consultant today who is now mostly concerned that her blood count is low again due to poor kidney function.
Next week Lesley will need to have 3 more blood transfusions before we see the renal consultant again.
All this means once more Lesley is very tired and listless, and looks very pale and washed out.
I have begun giving her injections again to replace the EPO that the kidneys are failing to produce.
We now hope that the renal experts can provide something that will stabilise the position next week.

Lesley’s Health 200

2009-03-10T11:20:00.001Z

Lesley is still doing o.k. and is now eating us out of house and home.
Her kidneys are still the main concern, but we cannot do anything about that, so we press on regardless.
If you were kind enough to have a go on the “Red Nose Faces Card” I have included the filled in sheet and can now announce that Cynthia Kirk of Hinckley was the winner with Graham Norton.
We have just sent £40.00 to the Red Nose charity, thank you.
The next challenge for Lesley is to walk the “Race for Life” course in June and so watch this space for sponsorship details.

Lesley’s Health 199

2009-02-25T17:27:00.000Z

Lesley’s results today were better than we expected, and he will not want to see her again for four weeks.
Praise the Lord!
Her kidney function is said to be stable but very low, but we will know more about that next week when we see the renal consultant.
The City Hospital would fail to function if we did not visit it at least once a week!
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers, we now hope that as the weather improves so does Lesley’s health, and we will get the chance to visit some of our distant (in miles only) friends later in the year.

Lesley’s Health 198

2009-02-23T08:08:00.002Z

I have now built a new computer and so I am fully functional again. The plumber has finished the bathroom so that is nearly complete except for the floor which we have not decided on yet.
Last week we had a holiday in Hartsop in the Lake District which was wonderful. Lesley had never been to the Lakes before so it was especially exciting for her.
She even managed a little fell walking to Patterdale 2 miles away; and although she was exhausted when we returned she was also feeling triumphant.
This week we are due to see her consultant, and so will find out how things are, but she really does look much better and is generally feeling better, let’s hope the results bear out her feelings.

Lesley's Health - 197

2009-02-03T08:08:00.000Z

We managed to walk to church on Sunday morning which was a breakthrough, but it took its toll on Lesley later in the day.
The current snow has meant Lesley has been housebound for a couple of days and to add to her discomfort a plumber comes today to remove our bath and fit some new units, so we have no heating for a couple of days – it’s called planning!
Overall Lesley is feeling a little better except for a cold and sore throat.
The intravenous transfusion last week was not without side effects and she is due another one tomorrow, but we are hoping it does the trick and helps to protect her kidneys from any more damage.
We hope you are all keeping warm and managing to get around in this weather.

Lesley's Health - 196

2009-01-22T12:25:00.001Z

Yesterday’s meeting with the consultant was a little subdued.
The blood results were a little down and he has taken her off two kinds of medication.
He has also prescribed a course of intra-venous transfusions commencing next Wednesday.
Lesley is still feeling tired and lethargic most of the time, and everything is quite an effort.
Hope for better news next week.

Lesley's Health - 195

2009-01-14T14:53:00.001Z

It has been a quiet week in many ways.
Lesley has not left the house at all, and I have been on chef and housemaid duties.
Today we had more tests at the hospital and all of her figures are very slightly up, but “up” is what we want to hear.
I hope I will be able to continue to post blogs in the next few days, but the computer is dying on me and I need to buy the parts to build another one. If there is a bit of a gap before I write again, you will know the reason so don’t worry too much.

Lesley's Health - 194

2009-01-09T13:58:00.000Z

We had a very worrying meeting on Wednesday with the Nephrologist who spelled out the danger Lesley’s kidneys are in and the possibility of Chronic Kidney failure.
He also said her blood results were very low and a biopsy was a real possibility in the next few days.
Today we attended the day clinic and her blood levels had risen slightly and so we had a few tears, and pray that this increase will continue as the infection is overcome.

Lesley's Health - 193

2009-01-07T10:35:00.001Z

Good news at last!
Lesley is home. I collected her at about 3 yesterday and she is currently resting in bed, feeling a little weak but otherwise in good spirits.
We have to return to the City later today for a meeting with the Nephrologist (Kidneys) and again on Friday for more blood tests.
Finally after all this we meet her haematology consultant again next week to see what is the next stage.
Never a dull moment!

Lesley's Health - 192

2009-01-05T13:14:00.000Z

Lesley continues to improve a little and there is a possibility that she can come home tomorrow.
There will be several visits to specialist in the coming week at both the QMC and the City and she is to have another biopsy, which is what we were both afraid of.
We still cling to the hope that this latest set-back is due to the lung infection, but her blood counts are causing concern to the haematologist, hence the need for a biopsy.

Lesley's Health - 191

2009-01-03T09:06:00.001Z

Lesley is still in the hospital and is a little better. The blood transfusions have given her a little more colour, and the antibiotics are easing the effects of the infection.
She is still rather weak though and once again her appetite has decreased.
There is to be a meeting with the ophthalmologists and haematologists next week about her drug routine. It is felt that the drug being used to protect her eyes is having a bad effect on her kidneys. It is all a balancing effect.
Thank you for your e-mails and messages of support as always. They really do help.

Lesley's Health - 190

2008-12-31T14:19:00.000Z

Sadly we end the year on a low note as Lesley is back in hospital.
She struggled through Christmas with the infection in her chest, and a feeling of weakness. We had to come home on Boxing Day and she went straight to bed.
Things did not improve over the week-end, and so I took her to the hospital yesterday for a check-up and they admitted her straight away.
She has had 3 blood transfusions an intravenous drip of antibiotics and is on a nebuliser. All this means she is feeling rather grotty and will be in for at least until the week-end.
We shall see the New Year in apart for the first time but that is a small price to pay for getting her feeling well again.
I will continue to place the news on the blog, until this latest crisis has passed.

Lesley's Health - 189

2008-12-10T08:07:00.003Z

Since we arrived back from our holiday Lesley has been troubled by a hacking cough, which has lasted over 8 weeks now. Her doctor has diagnosed a lung infection and prescribed some heavy-duty antibiotics.
The other concern is her kidneys, which are not functioning properly; due no doubt to the powerful drugs she was given during chemotherapy.
She has an appointment to see a nephrology specialist in January, but before that we see her consultant on Christmas Eve for a check on the lymphoma situation.
In spite of all this she is still keeping cheerful most of the time, and we are looking forward to attending the wedding of Lesley’s niece Wendy-Kate at the weekend, and a Christmas in Potterspury, Northants with our friends.
We hope you all have a very peaceful and joyous Christmas and we pray for good health for us all in 2009.

Lesley's Health - 188

2008-10-08T10:20:00.001+01:00

We are back home after a wonderful holiday travelling through France and Spain, and staying two weeks in Puerto de la Duquesa on the Costa del Sol.

The weather was wonderful (apart from a biblical style thunderstorm) and the travelling went without a hitch.

Lesley is feeling so much better and even has a tan.

You may like to avoid visiting us for the next few weeks or you will be subjected to hundreds of photographs.

There is talk of a film of the adventure early next year; we certainly have enough stories to tell!

Lesley's Health - 187

2008-09-08T11:11:00.001+01:00

More good news.

Lesley continues to get better, so much so that we are going on holiday – hoorah buckets and spades !!!!!

The consultant says she cannot fly (her wings aren’t strong enough yet) and so we have decided to a Charlie Boorman and we are going to Southern Spain “by any means”.

We are so so grateful to our friend Richard who has put his bungalow at our disposal, and so we don’t have to rush.

We will be away for three whole weeks.

May we ask for your prayers for safe travel and continued good health as we set off next Monday on our big adventure?

Lesley’s Health 186

2008-08-09T07:57:00.001+01:00

It is hard to believe that it is six weeks since I last wrote an entry, but it has been a good six weeks.

Lesley continues to have good results each time we visit the hospital which have now been reduced to fortnightly.

In the next few weeks we are due to see her consultant and we intend to ask him if we can go for a long-awaited holiday abroad, but in the meantime we are off to Norfolk at the end of the month for a few days.

We are also due to see the ophthalmologist soon and hoping he will prescribe some glasses so that Lesley can see clearly again.

We have been getting out and about on our free bus passes recently and enjoying some sunny days in the garden, but life is a long way from being normal yet. Lesley still cannot walk unaided, and her vision is still a problem.

But looking back to this time last year, the improvement is amazing, and so is Lesley!

Lesley’s Health 185

2008-06-26T06:06:00.001+01:00

Lesley’s slow improvement continues.
Yesterday she had a small operation to remove the Hickman Line from her chest, which is a sign that her blood results are encouraging, and she is eating us out of house and home!
Hopefully soon the weekly hospital visits will be reduced to allow us a little more freedom, but we are now so used to going it is just a part of our normal life.
The decorating has spread into the kitchen now, which is keeping me busy, and we are able to attend church every week again.
Looking back, it is still hard to believe Lesley is in such good shape, and we never stop giving thanks for all the miracles we see everyday.

Lesley’s Health 184

2008-06-05T07:05:00.001+01:00

Very slowly we are beginning to return to a more normal life style.
Lesley is now doing most of the cooking, ironing etc. and I am catching up with neglected jobs in the garden, and decorating the hall, stairs and landing!
I am injecting her with a drug three times a week which is avoiding the need for blood transfusions and so the hospital visits now only take us a couple of hours.
Her eye too is improving, and next month we are to see an oculist who will see if she can be supplied with some glasses that will help the blurred vision.
We still have to visit the hospital every week, so no chance of planning a holiday yet, but each visit confirms that Lesley is heading in the right direction.

We hope you all have a good summer, and manage to have a holiday at some time.
Will write more later as things develop.

Lesley’s Health 183

2008-05-07T14:28:00.002+01:00

Lesley continues to show small signs of improvement in all areas.
We do not know how much she will recover but the phrase used by the haematologist “Lesley is now regarded as steady’” is something we are learning to live with.
All this means that there is not very much to report on a week-by-week basis. (It seems not so long ago that I was reporting on a day-by-day basis.)
And so it is inevitable that there will be fewer blog reports in the future, and that is good for all the right reasons.

Looking back to December 2005 I wrote these words:
“I know that this is probably tempting providence but I feel now that the time is right as we stand on the threshold of a new year to close this blog spot.”

Little did we know then what would happen fifteen months later!
So I am not going to close the blog this time. But the entries will be fewer and far between.

Our hearts go out to all you kind people who have read these words and prayed over them.

Every e-mail response has been carefully saved and printed out; I have 108 pages of closely typed messages, all of which are very precious to us.

But that is not an excuse to stop sending them; I have much more A4 paper!

Lesley’s Health 182

2008-04-24T09:08:00.001+01:00

We managed to get away to Norfolk last Thursday, and returned on Tuesday, having had a wonderfully relaxed and peaceful few days.
The weather was kind to us, but there was a persistent Northeasterly wind that you needed to keep out of!
Lesley eye is responding well to treatment, but no improvement in her sight yet (it is still early days)
Yesterday the haematologist told us that Lesley was now regarded as “steady” and any future improvements in her condition will be slow and she may not return to normal blood counts etc.

That may sound a little negative, but when considering other possible results of this disease we are very grateful for all that has been done for Lesley, and is still being done to help her.

We are also constantly aware that the faithful prayers of so many people have made a huge difference to our ability to cope with the traumas we have faced, and given us hope when there seemed very little.

Lesley’s Health 181

2008-04-16T08:14:00.001+01:00

Lesley’s operation was carried out yesterday as planned, and when I visited her at teatime she was sitting up smiling with a great big pad over her eye and eating sausage and chips!
No news of the result yet, but at least she has “ticked another box” on the road to recovery.
Now we hope we can get away to Norfolk later.

Lesley’s Health 180

2008-04-15T11:01:00.001+01:00

Lesley was admitted to ward 25 at the QMC yesterday and several tests were carried out in preparation for the operation to sew in the lens in her eye today.

All this is subject to a blood transfusion this morning followed by a blood test to see if they can continue. I am writing this anxiously waiting for news.

I have sent off another cheque to Sport Aid for £375.00, which makes the grand total £1,770.00. We are still so very grateful to all you wonderful people for helping us to reach this total.

The doctors and nurses (who also contributed generously) said to Lesley that she had “done them all proud”.

Lesley’s Health 179

2008-04-09T09:11:00.002+01:00

We were forcibly reminded of how vulnerable and frail Lesley still is when she stumbled and fell in the bathroom on Monday.

She hit the stone shower tray and finished up rather bruised and battered, but nothing broken thankfully.

Money for Lesley’s sponsorship is still coming in, and we have been promised some more at a family gathering this week, she have now passed £1,700.00 and I will send of another amount next week.

Today we see her haematology consultant in the hope that he will arrange the platelet transfusion she will need for next weeks eye operation.

I thought you might like to see our local cat trying to sneak up on a heron, which landed on our greenhouse. What he hoped to achieve is not really clear!

Lesley’s Health 178

2008-04-03T12:27:00.000+01:00

Lesley is to go into hospital on Monday April 14^th for her long awaited eye operation.

There are several steps we have to make before then to make sure she is prepared for it, but we hope that nothing will stand in her way.

We have also took the risk of booking Sage Cottage in Wells next the Sea for a few days later in the month and of course we are really hoping that we do not have to cancel again, because I’m sure the break will do Lesley a power of good.

She continues to show signs of improvement and had even cooked a couple of meals, and made an apple pie!

The final total for the sponsorship is still not quite finalised but we have now passed £1,600.00. Amazing!

Please pray that the eye operation goes ahead as scheduled, and that it is a success.

Lesley’s Health 177

2008-03-27T17:56:00.001Z

Lesley continues to improve slowly.
On Sunday we were able to attend the morning service as planned, which was another big step forward.
She is eating better and just beginning to expand her diet, which has been centred on my homemade chips recently. She has put on another two pounds in weight this week. The blood transfusions are still needed each week and no news yet about the eye operation, but we are in good spirits and trying very hard to be patient.

Today we sent £1,395.00 to Sport Relief, as we are aware that the money is urgently needed. There are still some more donations to come in, and so the we won’t be able to announce the full total until everything is complete, but we are so overwhelmed by it all and feel that we really have managed to make a difference to others who are suffering.
Thank you all again.

Lesley’s Health 176

2008-03-20T09:25:00.000Z

Yesterday we saw Lesley’s consultant who gave us the good news that the second biopsy result has confirmed that the bone marrow is free from disease. The poor recovery is due to the stem cells being badly affected by the drug regime but he feels that in time (a long time) she will recover.

Added to which, the ophthalmologist will sew a new lens in Lesley’s eye after Easter.

Needless to say we are both feeling very relieved and still trying to come to terms with this new set of circumstances.

Forgive me if I am a little subdued, but there have been so many highs and lows, it is hard to believe that there will be an end to all Lesley’s sufferings.

Tomorrow we are back to the City hospital, as Lesley will need a six-hour blood transfusion but how symbolic is that.
After the trials of Good Friday we will be able to go to church on Easter morning to celebrate and give thanks.

Other good news is that the total raised by Lesley for Sport Relief has now passes £1,000,00 with more still to come.

We continue to give thanks to you all for your generosity, your concern, and your prayers. We are truly blessed.

Lesley’s Health 175

2008-03-16T19:55:00.001Z

The great news is that in spite of the awful weather Lesley was able to walk for one mile from home to the centre of Beeston without a stop.
No words can describe how proud I am of her and the effort she has made for the less fortunate people throughout the world.
We are still being inundated with money and the running total is now £740.00 with many other promises of yet un-revealed amounts.
If you have been kind enough to sponsor Lesley could you please make any cheques out to Lesley and send the money to us at:

24 Brookland Drive
Chilwell
Nottingham
NG9 4BD

and as soon as it is all in I will send a cheque for the full amount through Gift Aid which will add even more to the total. I will announce the full total as soon as it is all in and the cheque is sent.

Thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts, you are all wonderful.

Lesley’s Health 174

2008-03-13T21:15:00.000Z

Without wishing to get too technical, the bone marrow biopsy has two parts. The first is an overall report, the second a microscopic investigation of the cells. Yesterday we were given the good news that the overall report showed no evidence of lymphoma, so now we wait another week for the second and very crucial report. But - so far so good.

There was also good news that Lesley did not need a blood transfusion, and her weight has increased by a pound.

Her medication for the food poisoning was changed twice in 24 hours but so far there is no sign of a recovery.

Lesley’s “training” for her walk is going well and the total so far pledged has passes £300.00 we can hardly believe it, everyone is so generous and it makes one feel so very humble. Thank you all in advance.

2008-03-06T10:51:00.000Z

In the long battle against lymphoma, and the associated health problems Lesley has reached a crossroads.

Today she is receiving a blood transfusion, and this evening she will have a bone marrow biopsy.
This very painful and difficult operation is being carried out again as the doctors are concerned that her blood counts are not recovering to a normal level six months after the transplant.
If the marrow is clear then the treatment continues and there is hope that eventually she will regain some of her former glory.
If the disease is still present, there is no more they can do for her.
As you can imagine there is a great deal of tension and apprehension going through us at the moment, there is not much we can say to each other, as we both are aware of the possibilities that confront us both.
Please pray for a successful outcome to the biopsy, it’s all we can do.

On the subject of the charity walk.
The donations keep on coming in, all the nurses and doctors in the haematology department have pledge to sponsor her, and God willing she is still determined to do it. We even have a hamster in a ball lined up to accompany her (see the BBC advert!)

Lesley’s Health 172

2008-02-29T08:56:00.002Z

Once more we have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of so many people. The pledges for sponsorship of Lesley’s attempted walk have already been pouring in and so I thought I had better explain what we intend to do.

The idea came about because in the past we have always supported Sports Relief with runs and other activities and so this seemed the best we can offer. (I feel it will also help Lesley by giving her target to aim for).
There will be no forms to fill in or anything to sign. We will simply keep a list of all the names who offer sponsorship.
After March 16^th. I will tell you what has happened on the blog, and leave it to you kind and generous people to get the money to us any way you can.
Every penny collected will go to Sports Relief and I will announce the total as soon as the money has been sent.
Thank you all again for your marvellous support and please pray that Lesley will be able to achieve this feat.
Finally, please don’t feel under any pressure to donate to this activity, we still appreciate your support over all this time and if for whatever reason you feel unable to contribute it makes no difference, we are still in your debt.

Lesley’s Health 171

2008-02-27T21:24:00.001Z

Lesley was in hospital for just 24 hours and I collected her at 7.30 pm. on Thursday.
But this week has not been easy for her coping with the pain of the shingles, and various gastric difficulties.
Yesterday we had a phone call from the hospital to say the latest tests had revealed she has food poisoning, which is the cause of the bowl disorders.

Having said all that, there is some good news in that she is beginning to eat a little better, and in a week she has gained two pounds, which is a miracle in itself.

We have been thinking for some time how we could give some help to others specifically for all the help we have received from you all, and Lesley has decided she would like to take part in Sport Relief 2008 and so with that end in mind she has bought a pair of socks!

The plan is that on Sunday March 16^th Lesley will walk from our house to Beeston square and back.
This is about two miles and further that she has walked in over six months.
If you would like to sponsor her in this endeavour please send an e-mail and we will write you on the list.
At this time of writing there is no guarantee that she will even be able to make a start, but she is determined to try.

Lesley’s Health 170

2008-02-21T09:12:00.001Z

After yesterdays meetings with various consultants there was a final twist in the scenario.

We returned to the hospital in the evening and Lesley’s potassium count had dropped alarmingly, and so she was immediately admitted to Toghill Ward.

As you can imagine, this was a blow to both of us, and one more setback that Lesley has to cope with.

I am not sure how long she will be kept in at this stage, but I spoke to her this morning and she is coping well with this latest problem.

Lesley’s Health 169

2008-02-20T15:12:00.000Z

To add to her difficulties Lesley has now developed shingles, and so she requires more medication with the usual side-effects.

Today we saw the consultant Gastroenterologist who has arranged a series of tests to see if the weight loss is being caused by other factors.

The one bright light in an otherwise gloomy situation is that her eye is still healthy, and all being well she should have the lens sewn in before Easter.

Lesley’s Health 168

2008-02-14T07:58:00.000Z

Today is our 27^th wedding anniversary, and we are just pleased to reach this milestone.

Lesley is a little better than last reported. Her cough has now all but gone and her eye is much improved, but the problem with eating is still with her, and her blood results still give cause for concern.

We continue to attend the day case unit at the City Hospital twice a week, and they are marvellous.

Next week we see both specialists again, and a nutrition expert who we hope and pray will find a way to increase her weight and appetite, there is a suggestion that she may have to return to hospital to have a tube inserted, we hope not!

Lesley’s Health 167

2008-01-28T19:17:00.000Z

You may have realised that my long absence from the blog, has been caused by having nothing much to report.

We have seemingly reached a kind of plateau on which not much is happening. Lesley’s cough still troubles her, her appetite refuses to improve, and we continue to visit the hospital once or twice a week for check-ups or blood transfusions.

Today we saw the ophthalmologist hoping that a date could be arranged for the next operation, but believe it or not the virus returned in her eye yesterday! And so we are back putting in cream every two hours.

Looking on the positive side, there has been no deterioration in Lesley’s condition, and her hair continues to grow back (see picture) but no real improvement either so we have a stalemate situation.

As I walked in our garden this morning I saw many signs of new growth, daffodils almost in flower, and one or two crocuses out. We continue to pray for more positive signs for Lesley as the spring approaches.

Lesley’s Health 166

2008-01-16T19:11:00.000Z

This week has been much better, apart from the persistent cough, which is not letting go.
The ophthalmologist has stopped all treatment and will discuss the operation to fit a lens in two weeks.
The haematology consultant feels that Lesley’s results are slightly better and has given her a week off transfusions.
Even her eating has improved a little, but not enough to increase her weight yet.

These are tiny steps along a very long road, but we give thanks for all the prayer and good wishes we are still receiving every day.

You are all wonderful and amazingly loyal to the cause, may God bless you all.

If we get some better weather, I will post a new photograph next week.

Lesley’s Health 165

2008-01-09T15:36:00.000Z

Lesley has been very poorly since Christmas. The heavy cold has really taken its toll on her frail condition, and the constant cough is keeping her awake most of the night.
Today we saw a haematologist at the City hospital who has given her some more medication, and her blood test revealed that her haemoglobin is very low, so tomorrow we are back for two units of blood which will take roughly 7 hours to transfuse.
Currently she is spending most of the day in bed, too weak to dress or move about the house.
We hope and pray that the treatment and blood transfusion will give her sufficient strength to meet the Ophthalmologist next week to discuss the next stage of her eye treatment.
So far 2008 has taken over where 2007 left off, but we are still battling, and still determined to win.

Lesley’s Health 164

2008-01-02T14:52:00.000Z

We hope you all had a very happy Christmastime, and wish you a healthy and peaceful 2008.

We did manage to get to Bramham.
Sharon treated us like royalty, and the kittens were wonderful as always.
Sadly Lesley developed a very heavy cold on Boxing Day, and so we came home at lunchtime, but we at least had a good 24 hours.

The cold has persisted until now so she has had another reason to be off her food, so that has not helped the situation.
But we are still optimistic about 2008, and hope that her recovery will continue as the year unfolds.

Lesley’s Health 163

2007-12-15T11:01:00.000Z

They say “no news is good news” and in this case they are right (whoever “they” are).

Since my last blog Lesley has made steady progress in all areas. She is feeling and looking much better and we are beginning to prepare for Christmas in a very real sense.
Our plan is to go up to Bramwell in Yorkshire next Sunday to spend Christmas with our daughter and the Kittens (grandchildren).
There are several trips to the hospital before then, but we hope they are no more than progress reports.
With all this in mind I think this will be the last report before Christmas, and so I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas on behalf of Lesley and I.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and good wishes over the past year.
It really has been the worst time of both our lives, and we now hope for more peaceful waters for 2008.

Lesley’s Health 162

2007-12-06T20:24:00.000Z

Lesley has now been discharged from the ward and is feeling better now she is at home.

Yesterday we saw the ophthalmologist who is concerned that the cornea has a herpes type virus that is not healing, possibly due to the high level of drugs she is on.
He has prescribed a cream, which must be administered 5 times a day.

Today the problems with her mouth have been diagnosed as thrush so more treatment for that.

These are troublesome problems, but overall she is slowly getting better, her hair is beginning to grow, and we are managing to get out a little, as far as her legs will carry her!

Incidentally we did get to church on Advent Sunday.

Lesley’s Health 161

2007-12-01T06:55:00.001Z

The week has been one of frustrations and uncertainties as each day we have waited to see whether Lesley could be allowed out for an hour or so. In the end we managed it three times.

The final push on this passage of treatment will take place over the weekend, which frustrates our plans to go to church on Advent Sunday, but what is new!

Our big hope now is that Lesley will come home next week and be able to stay home for Christmas. That would be wonderful, but experience has taught us not to look too far ahead.

Lesley’s Health 160

2007-11-25T19:51:00.000Z

Today there is some better news.
I went to visit Lesley this morning and while there met her consultant who said he saw no reason why she should not go home for lunch, and so she spent a few hours at home before returning for treatment at 5pm.

He also told us that the i.v. treatment will need to continue until at least Wednesday, and other treatments even longer, but at least she was able to leave the confines of the room for a few hours and we hope that a pattern of “lunch breaks” will develop in the coming week.