10th April 16:20

 

We are back at the hospital for our update, had a fairly good day at home just getting over this minor procedure so ready to hear what Prof. Winter has to say. My tongue is swollen and sore, I don't think it's a bad as I thought it would be and I'm eating ok, not much appetite but I'm sure this will improve.

This time we are at the Blenheim Head & Neck unit outpatients clinic. There are many people in here, most look well, but obviously like me they are not, you can look a bit of a fraud as you look normal, but I know in the coming weeks/months this won't be the same look!

In to see Prof. Winter and basically he offers me a few options:

1. He strongly suggest I get a second opinion on TORS at the Royal Marsden and he has actually already referred me as he believe as specialists in this area they could have success

2. I go down the route of open surgery which he will carry out - and I am comfortable with this as I like him and his approach, but see the benefits of the robotic option

3. He wants to put what they call a PEG into my stomach as feeding tube and we talk about the pro's of getting this done before the surgery

4. we agree that we'll meet in two weeks and finalise our options and then plan the date for surgery - at this point the time line is a bit critical for me as my youngest daughter is getting married on the 11th July so the sooner its done the better or can we delay, I'm not sure we can!

I am so excited for Kendal's marriage. In the event that I have a speech problem I have got Bard and his fiancé Jaz to shoot a short Father's speech for the day, but hopefully my dulcet tones will reach out over the event

During this week I have spoken with the speech therapist, dietician and I get my appointment through from the Royal Marsden - 9th May 10:30

I also have a very encouraging chat with Prof Winter's registrar, they are a bit concerned about my blood levels and suggest I go back on Aspirin, they are also bringing forward the CT scan that was being planned for June to check my stent and overall blood flow's. We also talk a bit more about the tube into my stomach and the impact of this - a good chat!

Next session is Thursday 24th April