Brian's birthday progress

Well, today is Brian's 58th birthday, what a way to be spending it. Thanks to everyone who's sent cards and get well wishes.

After feeling somewhat nauseous earlier in the day, Brian is feeling better now. He has been told by the doctor that he can eat as much or as little as he likes. Their main concern is that his bowels are working properly, and it seems that they are starting to now, when I left at 1pm he seemed to be going to the toilet quite frequently.

He did manage some stairs yesterday, so I joked that he'll have to jog around the hospital today, but I don't think he's quite up to that yet! His brother Ian and wife Amanda and his three nieces are visiting this afternoon, I am sure that will cheer him up!

This will be the last posting on here for 4 days, as I am off to Camp Bestival in Lulworth, Dorset (with some of the cast of "La Boheme" currently performing at the Soho Theatre) this weekend and will return on Monday, when I will post more then.

Bye for now, and thanks for reading!

Lots of love,
Ian xx

Tuesday 27th Visit/Wednesday Morning visit

Hi everyone,
I've seen Brian twice now since his operation, I saw him last night and then again this morning. His progress is excellent, he has had all the tubes, catheter, epidurals and other paraphernalia removed today. As I entered the ward, he was standing by the front nurses desk, and now he's in his own pyjamas, and sitting and standing freely. His doctor has said he can go home on Saturday!

He is quite tired still, (to be expected), but he's striving to keep awake as much as possible. He is eating already, having has porridge, a full meal at lunch, and some soup and a bread roll for dinner yesterday, and porridge and lunch today.

As to the operation, he was in theatre for 6 hours, some of which was due to positioning - apparently because the tumor was really embedded, they couldn't do keyhole surgery, but it was not too large a cut as they knew where they were going. He still has his spleen, too, as this was not injured in the removing of the bowel. Yesterday, he was having trouble walking, because of the 3-needle epidural in his spine, which has now gone.

So, all is positive and looking good for a speedy recovery. The picture was taken yesterday!

All best, more tomorrow. By the way, tomorrow is his birthday, thanks to all who have sent cards and emails!
Ian xx

Brian's had the operation!

Brian was out of the ward for over 9 hours, but was wide-awake and cheerful at 18:30 when Tony went to see him. As I had a dress rehearsal in Soho this evening, I've been unable to see him myself. However, there is a "Quick Recovery" Plan in operation - he has a 3-needle Epidural to avoid having Morphine, which can cause constipation. The Epidural must stay in for 3 days so he must not move and dislodge it. If he does, then he will go onto Morphine, which will delay the healing process. Possibility that if the Epidural works, he may be home by Friday.

I shall be going to see Brian tomorrow afternoon, so will update more tomorrow evening!
Chris and Nikki from M&S will be visiting him on Wednesday.

That's all for now,
Ian xx

Update 2 - New Op time

On my second visit today, Brian's operation time has been moved to 8.30am tomorrow morning.

I also neglected to mention which ward Brian is on in the last update, so I am rectifying that now. He is on Edgcombe 1 Ward, Section 2. This is part of the London Wing, Blue Zone, and is easy to find: through main entrance, head to the escalators ahead of you, go up to 1st Floor, then turn left and left again, walk along the corridor and then turn 1st right. Edgcombe 1 is on the right hand side of the ward.

Although his operation is going to be earlier, Brian feels he won't be ready for visitors till Tuesday.

All best wishes to you all, and thanks for all your messages of love and support!
Ian xx

Sunday 25th July - Operation Looms

Well, it's the day before Brian's operation. Tony and I accompanied him to Mayday Hospital. He is having to purge himself ready for tomorrow, three purges today and then an enema tomorrow morning. (What joy!)

The operation itself is scheduled for 13:30hrs, (He says he'll be starving by then, as he's not allowed any food today!) and so he probably will not be finshed before 17:30, so please, no visitors tomorrow. Thank you.

Talking of which, visiting times are 11am-1pm and 3-8pm every day except Tuesday, which is 11am-1pm, then 4.30-8pm, as they do deep cleaning through the ward.

As far as I am aware, it is generally 2 people to visit at any one time, but here are some details I do know as to who will be visiting:

Tuesday - Faye from M&S around 4-6pm? Ian from 6pm.

Wednesday - Alec and Sue between 3-4pm, Georgie from M&S after 4pm.

Thursday - Ian and Amanda Minter between 3-5pm.

Tony and I will be visiting in the mornings and also in the later evening where possible.

We'll keep you posted as to what happens tomorrow. That's all for now,

Ian xx

First Post - Brian's Operation

Dear Friends,

We have a date for Brian's operation - Monday 26th July at Mayday Hospital.

I'll be posting updates on his progress here, so do subscribe to this blog for more details.

Please try and use this rather than calling the house to see how Brian is doing. This way, we can help keep phone calls to the house minimal, especially when Brian returns home and will really need to rest.

Bye for now,

Ian x