My Own Nurse or so it seems…
“Nurse H” came to into my life like a hurricane then developed into the calmest, warmest and welcoming summer breeze there could be.
Meeting “Nurse H” was the most serious of all the events up to date as it was her that delivered the results of the tests. The news was not good. The results had shown that the polyp that had been discovered would need to be removed. I can’t be certain if she actually said it was cancerous or I just assumed it was….
However, the following information gave me much more of a shock “ It will need to be removed” said “Nurse H” “and most likely also part of your bowel. You will then be fitted with a bag.” She said this in the best way she could but bad news is the same no matter how well it’s put to you. I simply replied, “ this will change my life totally” and added “I’m an active person and some of my greatest joys in life are walking on the hills, sailing, swimming and riding my bike. I guess all that will have to change” I am sorry to say that my thoughts at this point were quite selfish and I thought only of myself and what my life would be like in the future.
Then “Nurse H” said the most important words that she could ever say to me, “The only thing that will limit what you do is yourself. You can carry on with all those activities even the swimming. This procedure will not mean that you can’t live a normal life.” This statement fitted in entirely with my philosophy of life, which was to “Look on the bright side of life”. Never give up and never give in to negative thoughts.
Like most people my knowledge of medical matters is limited however, I was aware of developments in recent years in the fight against cancer. I knew that it was a cancer that could now be treated with some success and that……. I would beat it.
“Nurse H” explained to me that an appointment with the consultant had already been arranged and that the confirmation would arrive in the post soon. She added, “Before your appointment the consultant will meet with others who have been involved in the diagnosis so far and those who maybe involved in any future procedures. They will discuss the best way forward. I will also attend.” She did add, “In the end the choice is yours, you don’t have to follow the treatment offered.” I could not think that I would ever reject the advice of doctors or consultants, no matter how upsetting the treatment may be. Why should I? This treatment could mean the difference between life and death. It appeared that she had arranged all this before meeting me. I am sure this happens with every patient but at this point I felt that I was being looked after on a personal level.
I should add that throughout the whole of my treatment I did feel that all the people I met in the NHS were looking me after on that same very personal level which is incredible when you think of the number of people that I met on this journey from discovery to recovery. More about these dedicated people later in my blog.
“Nurse H” was the one person who was easily available at the end of a telephone line when I needed help understanding what was happening with my treatment. She monitored my progress throughout, at the highest standard possible and still does. Many times giving me a boost in confidence and reassurance. Thanks should be given to all the nurses who perform this service.
Well so much for trying to make this post as funny as I can. I had some humorous thoughts but as you have read it was a time of receiving information that was extremely hard-hitting and so this post lacks humour in order to explain the gravity of the situation.
Tractor man
GBNHS