A lovely sunny day

I really missed the hour this morning and could have stayed in bed a bit longer!

As we were up late the morning seemed to go over very fast and I don't really know what we did. I  went out for coffee to the garden centre and brought it back and Jon was watching the golf.

I took Totty out for her walk but I don't think she is very well. Her infected ear is very red inside and looks blocked and she is now completely deaf so I might take her back to the vet again tomorrow. Not only do I have a deaf husband I now have a deaf dog!!

I went into the garden and cut a piece off the wire mesh fence we put up across the bottom of the drive to stop Tot going up to the front of the house where she could get out. I used it to cover the gap in the fence that goes into the park, some kind person seems to have taken one of our pieces and I think if Tot sees a dog in the park that she decides she wants to play with she could easily get through. Unfortunately, there are quite a few people around who have some unsavoury looking dogs and prevention is better than cure and I would prefer to be safe than sorry. So, all secure and I don't need to worry when she is out in the garden.

As it was such a lovely day we decided to go and sit out in the garden, something Jon doesn't normally do as he is always pottering. It was lovely and warm and we both sat listening to our audio books - I love my iPod!!

I made lunch and took it out and we stayed in the garden for a long time. It had been very quiet as the tide was out but as it came in more people came into the park. I looked up and saw a big collie dog coming round the corner near where we were sitting. I think it got more of  a fright than we did. Totty jumped up and chased it and fortunately it was friendly and stopped near the bottom of the garden to sniff her and then I chased it and told it to get out of the garden and it jumped back down onto the beach. As I was going back it came back again and I had to chase it, the owners said nothing and just looked at me. This is the biggest problem, apart from the cold, with this house. Being next to the park some people think it is OK to walk on our grass even though there is a four foot bank to get up. If it was our house I would definitely put a fence right across the waterfront.

Later on a family arrived and parked their car under the shade of our palm tree which is right next to our gate into the park. That would have been fine BUT they then sat there talking very loudly and the baby crying and then he turned the car radio on full blast and then sat on the grass, it was so loud it was distorted!!! Fortunately, he didn't keep it on for too long. Oh the joys of living next to a park.

Jon went back indoors and I made a cup of tea and then I decided to go and clear the deck downstairs. The owner is coming up from the S. Island tomorrow and wants to come with some builders to check out the plans for the garage so I imagine work will start on that soon - it should have been done in March!!! I thought I ought to tidy the outside as the ferns make a terrible mess and need sweeping up.

I came in and made dinner and then we watched some TV.

WEATHER
Sunny 21 degrees

I must remember to change the clock tonight!

I had a little lie in this morning but when I got up Jon was lying on the sofa as he had woken early and couldn't get back to sleep. He also told me he had stopped his morphine yesterday and he was feeling rough again! He shouldn't have stopped it like that he should have reduced the dose so no wonder he is feeling bad. At least it has shown him that it works and he needs it. He also tried to sleep on the side of the bed without the blow up mattress, that didn't work either!!! Patience Jon!!!

I showered and just as I came downstairs the gardener, Mark, came  with his son, Deltram, to give us a quote for the grass. He looked around and then said $42  (£21) and asked me if that was OK. When we moved in here the agent wanted $60 to cut it so of course it was OK. He told me his son would come back later to do it.

I made scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast and then had a call from Sharon to say she would come round later with Des to see Jon. I was just about to go into Tauranga and then Jane called to have a chat which was nice.

I went to the sports shop, Kathmandu, and bought an inflatable camping cushion for Jon. As we can't get the other one repaired till Monday hopefully it will help.

I brought some coffees back and we had a cake with them and I then hung a load of washing out.

Sharon and Des arrived and pretty soon after the gardener came. He is such a happy chap. His father looks European but he is definitely Maori and has that lovely slow way of speaking, its like singing.

Jon really cheered up chatting to Des and Sharon, they are such a lovely couple and they stayed till about 1.30.

We had lunch and the gardener was still out mowing the grass. He trimmed all the edges, blew it all onto the grass and mowed it up, he cut the bit outside the front and took it all away with him and it took him well over two hours. I was going to give him some extra, to buy a beer, as it was long with not being cut for about a month but he didn't knock to say he had finished and for the money so not sure when he will come for it. He has done a really good job and was so happy doing it.

We had lunch and then Jon went and sat on the sun lounger in the garden as it was so lovely and sunny. It has made a big difference to him being able to sit in different places and the cushion is working well.

I cooked beef ragu for dinner and I made a really rich chocolate dessert which was yummy but in small portions. It was supposed to have brandy in it but as Jon is not allowed alcohol I had to leave it out but I will pour some Baileys on mine. I made six little pots and then put some chilli powder in the rest so have two with chilli, I love chilli chocolate but it might be too spicy for Jon at the moment.

I put some photos on Facbebook but they have changed how you do it and it seemed to take forever but I am nearly up to date now.

We had dinner and watched some TV. I had just logged on to do my blog and Heather called for a chat which wa nice and unexpected. I need to try and make my blog more interesting as she says it is boring Lol but as I am not doing much I can't help it.

I am off to bed now and need to remember to change the clocks. Yeah! Summer is not far off now.

WEATHER
Sunny 20 degrees

Friday

I was up early today as I needed to wash my hair and get ready. I did all that but didn't manage to get Tot out before I left for the shop.

Jon wanted a shower on his own this morning - without Bertie - and I needed to be around to help him once he had finished. I can't believe Jon's skin is not sore from the patch on it all the time but it seems to be fine.

I left for the shop and we had a busy morning and lots of chatting with Sharon and Les which was nice. I found a couple of nice summer tops and a few bits to send to the UK.

I left and came home and Jon seemed a bit happier as Mike had called round with a coffee for him and had stayed chatting for a while. I just wish we could get the cushion to stay up as that would at least allow him to sit on a chair.

I had lunch and then phoned the vet for Totty as I felt she had an ear infection and she has. We now have drops to put in twice a day and hopefully that will sort it. He said it was this time last year that she had the seed stuck down her ear so I hope it is only an infection!!

We saw a man cutting the grass at a house down the road and he is going to ask his boss to come and give us a price for doing ours as it is getting long now and Jon says I won't manage it.

I made some little cakes and some biscuits this afternoon and we had a cuppa.

We had fish for dinner which was nice and then watched TV.

I am really tired now and need my bed.


WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 17 degrees

Thursday

We had a nice chat with Heather this morning and that was the highlight of the day really.

I went to get some coffee for Jon and then I went to take his cushion back to the Occupational Health so that they could sort out the valve and stop it deflating. I arrived at 11.58 and was told the technician had left as he only works till 12.00 and he has a day off tomorrow!!! I now need to take it again on Monday.

I did a supermarket shop and then back home just as Gill arrived. She changed the dressing and will not come again till Monday.

After lunch Jon went for a sleep and I went to take the recycling.

I went to see Margaret on the way back as I had picked some oranges and lemons from next door and took them to her. We had a cuppa and a quick chat.

I got back and made Jon a cup of tea and then brought the washing in.

I cooked a nice steak for Jon tonight and he said it is the first meal he has really enjoyed since he came home.

I spent ages taking off my Shellac nail polish which has been on since before the wedding.

Jon made himself his Ovaltine tonight and then went to bed.

Not the best day of my life. Looking forward the the Red Cross tomorrow and some conversation.

WEATHER
Sunny spells 17 degrees.

Wednesday

We didn't really do much at all today.

I took Tot out this morning as it was forecast to rain so I wanted to make sure she had her walk.

I did some washing this morning and Jon got up late and then watched TV. He is very quiet today and he is very, very bored and fed up.

After lunch he went to sort out Bertie just as my friend and Avon lady arrived not good timing but never mind she understood. Jon then had a sleep. I imagine it must be the morphine that is making him sleep so much but probably the best thing for him.

It was nice to sit and chat with Carol and I showed her the wedding photos so that was nice to go through again.

Jon was still asleep when she left so I had a quiet hour, without the TV on, and read my book.

We had to have the fire on again tonight as this house is so cold. It is amazing how warm it is when you go outside and I look a bit silly dressed up to walk the dog with my coat and scarf on only to find it is too hot!! I am sure we weren't still having a fire this time last year.

I made the dinner and we watched TV and then Jon went to bed,

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 17 degrees

A much better day

Jon was feeling much better when he woke this morning but we are not sure if it was due to being high on morphine, the floating mattress or the antibiotics!! Whatever it is we need to keep it up.

Heather called and we had  quick chat but not for long as she was tired and wanted an early night but it was good to hear all about the walk/cycle on Saturday.

I went out to my keep fit class which I really enjoyed and it was nice to see Ros back from the UK. I didn't stay for coffee but picked up two on the way home and also dropped off the collecting buckets to the Cancer Society.

When I got back we had our coffee and then I took Totty out. I really needed a decent walk today and so I 'dragged' her along with me. She eventually realised I was not giving in and walked with me.

When I got back Gill was with Jon and she was helping him with changing his bag. He will eventually be able to do it himself but as it and his tummy is still very swollen it is easier to do it lying down. She told him to use one of the tablets in the bag to stop odour. I think the cheese we had yesterday for lunch was the culprit so we need to be aware of that.

When she left I went into the garden to do some tidying as there are magnolia petals and sticks and fern branches everywhere due to the wind blowing them down. I worked in the garden till lunch and then came in. I have a feeling my back might complain tomorrow.

After lunch Jon went for a sleep and I spent the afternoon ironing and watching Neighbours and I am finally up to date with my ironing for the first time since we got back!

Jon got up and we had a cup of tea and a crumpet and then I spent ages on the computer looking for a recipe that I had seen on River Cottage the other day and fancy making it. I love River Cottage and his recipes and I am now registered on the site and it is my favourite of the moment!!

The neighbour from next door came round tonight. I didn't realise who it was as I have only spoken to her once. She told me that Jon spoke to her a couple of weeks ago when he was cutting the grass and told her we would have to move. She came to tell us that the tenants in her house (their pension fund investment) at number 15 were moving and if we wanted it we could move in. It was nice of her to think of us but we have a contract till November and we can stay till March. Also, a move for us right now would not be a good idea and her property is not on the water and is a divided plot and has one house behind which is on the water so I can see no point in moving there and we really fancy moving to the Mount when we have to.

We had lamb casserole for dinner that I had in the freezer so nice and easy.

We watched some TV and then I helped Jon with Berite again and then after his shot of morphine he went to bed.

WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunny spells 18 degrees

One step forward and two steps back!

I got up just before 8.00 but Jon didn't get up till 9.00 as he had had a bad night and hadn't been able to sleep.

Jon had breakfast and I did some cleaning before he got settled in to watch the Grand Prix. I did some washing and general cleaning and the district nurse came about 11.00. Jon told her he had not been able to sleep and that his bottom was very, very sore. We wondered if maybe the walk yesterday had been too much.

Gill changed the dressing and by the end of it Jon could hardly stand, it is usually easier to do it standing up, and he was a very odd colour and looked awful. The nurse said she would ring the stoma nurse at the hospital for advice and also the doctor to get a stronger painkiller. Jon went to lie down in the spare room and he had a sleep.

Gill phoned me to say the stoma nurse thought Jon ought to be seen by the GP and that I would need to take him as they don't do house calls. She kindly rang them back and told them that Jon would need to be taken in straight away as he could not sit or stand and they said that would be fine. We didn't have an appointment and were just going to be seen in the walk in clinic and from past experience I know you can wait for up to a couple of hours and I knew Jon would not be able to do that.

I managed to get Totty out for a quick walk round the block and it was so lovely and warm.

We set off and every bump in the road was painful for him and although it is only 3km it seemed to take forever and he was in a lot of pain by the time we arrived.

True to their word when I told them about Jon they took us through to a treatment room and he was able to lie on a couch. A nurse came in and took all the particulars and said that Dr Matsom, Jon's GP, and the one who didn't refer him as urgent way back in March, was at lunch and we would be seen by another doctor and I was quite pleased about that. Unfortunately, he came back and said he would like to see Jon as he knew him - he has only seen him once!!!!!!

He came in and we explained what was happening and he asked to have a look at the wound on Jon's bottom and was really quite rough with him and pulled the dressing off that the DN had put on and Jon nearly shot off the bed. He wore no gloves and didn't use alcohol on his hands!!! He said it looked OK but maybe a bit pink. He gave us a prescription for antibiotics and liquid morphine for more pain relief.

I really didn't like him at all. He closes his eyes when he speaks to you which I found most off putting. I asked him did the wound not need another dressing and he said no then decided to have another look and decided to put one on!

We went back to reception to pay the bill and then into the pharmacy for the prescription. The pharmacist asked if we had used morphine before and we said no so she told us it was better to measure it through a syringe to get the dose right so we bought one of those, too. Jon can start with just 2mls and work up to 10mls. Hopefully, the antibiotics will kick in and that will sort it out, too.

We drove home and he was just about done in when we got back. I had wanted to stop off for some stamps but he didn't want me to so we came home.

It was by now 2.00 and we were both hungry so I made the lunch and Jon took the antibiotics and the morphine which tastes horrible he said. I wonder how people get hooked on something that doesn't taste good? I'll stick with wine and chocolate!!

The occupational therapist called this afternoon with a blow up cushion for him to sit on and a special mattress that blows up and stays blown up all the time and different parts sort of go harder and softer. It is mainly used to avoid bedsores but they hope it will help him sleep. The only problem is it is the size of a single bed and if we put it on our bed there wouldn't be much room for me so we have decided to put it on the bed in the spare bedroom and Jon can sleep there till he is more comfortable.

I am very impressed with DN, Gill, as she arranged all of that this morning. I think she was concerned about Jon as he had been doing so well but she saw a big change in him today. Hopefully, things will now improve.

Jon had a sleep and then woke and watched the Grand Prix. I think it was the longest race ever as it seemed to be on all day and we kept having to pause it for different people coming in and also going to the doctors. I was completely fed up with it by the time it finished. I knew the result anyway as I had read it online!

I made the dinner and for the first time, with the aid of his cushion, Jon sat at the table to eat his dinner instead of on the settee.

We watched some TV and then Jon went to bed for which he needs a ladder to climb into as it is so high. I hope it works and he manages to get a good night, nothing worse than not being able to sleep.


WEATHER
Cloudy start then sunny spells and warm 19 degrees

A quiet Sunday

We both had a pretty good night last night and didn't wake till 8.00

I logged into Facebook when I was dressed to see how the walk went and it looks like it all went very well, well done to everyone especially Heather who must be very relieved that it is all over.

After breakfast i asked Jon if he wanted to come out for a walk with me and Totty and he said OK. Between Totty and Jon it was pretty slow going but we managed to make it all the way round the block.

I went out to get our coffee and then I did a bit of housework. Although it is very sunny it is very cold in the house and so much nicer outside.

Jon is in a lot of pain today and finds it better to stand up so he is getting on with his jigsaw but then he does get tired standing and has to lie down.

We had some soup for lunch and then I went out to buy a mattress cover and i bought some birthday cards for the coming month as I have been a bit forgetful of late!!

I stopped in at the supermarket to buy a chicken for our dinner.

Once home it was time to feed Tot and make a cup of tea.

I lit the fire again as it does get cold. I think we have enough logs for about another ten fires so hopefully the weather, or at least this house, will get better.

The dinner was good and we then watched some TV before Jon went to bed and I watched the netball. Yes, I said netball!!

WEATHER
Sunny with clear skies 17 degrees

Cancer Walk Day

We woke to a lovely, clear, sunny day, perfect for a walk along the beach.

I got up and had breakfast and was rushing a round a bit to leave things organised and Jon asked me for help with Bertie. I said OK but the next thing I knew he was asking me to check if it was OK. It wasn't! It was not stuck down properly underneath. I asked him why he hadn't told me he was ready and he said I sounded as if I didn't want to do it!!!! Not the case at all and he needs to not be so touchy. It had to come off and we started again and I did it.

I went off out to meet the people for the walk and we had a good turn out with about 25 people. A mixed group with some friends from keep fit, swimming, Lions ladies, friends and people from Genera. We set off walking and it was all very nice to chat to people along the way.

We arrived at the Mount stopped for a rest and a chat and then set off back arriving at 11.45. We then went across to the cafe for a coffee. I showed Elizabeth the wedding photos and then Lisa had a look at them.

Lisa said we collected $180 today and I think she said she has already got $800 from donations which is very good.

I got back home just before 1.00 and made lunch for Jon. I then took Totty out and came back and had my lunch.

We spent the afternoon watching TV. and Jon started a jigsaw puzzle, he is getting very bored now and his bottom is very sore.

I made a coconut cake for tea which was OK but as it was fat free it was a bit rubbery. I think I will have to put some lemon drizzle on it tomorrow or it will be too dry. I had to light the fire as these clear days mean cold nights.

I cooked lamb leg steaks for dinner which were very nice.

We watched some TV and then Jon noticed he had a leak which we sorted out. I will buy a mattress cover tomorrow just in case. I have put a towel under the sheet for now but it is better to be ready just in case anything happens, I hadn't thought about it till now.

Heather's walk will be under way now and I hope it all goes well for her.

WEATHER
Sunny 17 degrees

Friday

It was really cold this morning and we had a bit of a frost, thank goodness for the oil filled radiator!!

I was well up before Jon today and got ready to go the the Red Cross. I took Tot out for her walk, well pulled her and Jon got up and showered and I made his breakfast before going to the shop. I left a sandwich for his lunch as I had to take his library books back before I came home.

Work was busy and we were kept on the go all morning. I went out for our coffee at 11.00 and then before I knew it it was 1.00 and time to go. I had a really good morning.

I drove into Tauranga and took the books back and then popped in to see Dana, my hairdresser, to give her a card for her wedding.

I then drove home and had my lunch. Jon was fine and the nurse had been and brought some more supplies, it is like a chemist shop here now!

I spent the afternoon answering lots of long overdue emails and I still have lots to answer.

I made dinner and we watched some TV and then Jon took himself and his very sore rear end off to bed while I did my blog.

Nothing much to report today.

WEATHER
Sunny cold start to the day 17 degrees

Thursday

I woke at 7.30 to hear the alarm on my phone going off! The problem was I had left my phone downstairs last night. Jon was not in bed so I thought he would turn it off but after a few minutes it was still playing so I got up and went down to turn it off. Jon was asleep in the spare room downstairs.

Jon got up not long after I came down and said he had needed to attend to Bertie and as all of his 'stuff' is kept in the downstairs bathroom it was easier to stay down than struggle back up the stairs. He said he hadn't had a very good night sleep as he couldn't get comfy. I don't think the very long sleep in the afternoon helped either.

I made him some porridge for breakfast as he is not allowed his usual muesli yet and the other cereals I have are all high fibre. He wasn't keen to have porridge but really enjoyed it!

My friend Carol (Avon Carol) called today and was really surprised at Jon being home. She has a friend who was diagnosed at the same time as Jon but he is not doing very well at all. He won't eat properly and has lost a lot of weight and should have had surgery a few days after Jon but has put it off till October. She says he really is negative about everything which made me realise just how positive Jon had been throughout the whole time and I am sure this has helped a great deal with his recovery.

I did some washing and housework and we waited for the DN to come as she was bringing the new supply of bags. Unfortunately, she was very late today as she was busy and I was waiting to go to the supermarket and I could have done it early had I known.

The bag she brought are too small as the stoma has not shrunk enough yet so after dressing the wound on his tummy she said she would go and get more bags from the store and bring them back.

The bag situation is a bit difficult as, depending on the type of bag you use, disposable or ones you empty and change every couple of days, the prescription allows you only two a day hopefully when things settle that will be enough but it is very hit and miss at the moment so a lot of trial and error.

I went off to the supermarket and intended to go to Bayfair which is down near the Mount and all under cover and as I needed to look for more jogging bottoms for Jon I thought that would be easier. It was only when I found myself driving up 15th Avenue that I realised I was going in the wrong direction and heading for Tauranga!!! I think my car and my brain are so used to going to the hospital that is the way I went. I need to concentrate I think.

Never mind I just had to shop outdoors instead but I managed to get the jogging bottoms.

I then went to the supermarket and I now have to look carefully at what I buy to make sure there are no grains or seeds and I am now buying all the things we used to avoid. I managed to buy some breakfast cereals that don't have grins and that are not too sweet.

I made lunch once I got back as it was late and we were both hungry. Jon didn't have a sleep this afternoon. He is still very uncomfortable when he is sitting down and likes to stand up for a change but then gets tired.

The DN came back when I was out and brought the bags and they are OK. She walked him down to the end of the drive and back so he got some fresh air and later he went out on the deck for a few minutes. He is finding he gets very hot one minute and then when he takes a layer off he is cold.

I made shepherds pie for dinner which was a nice change and I did a sweet potato mash on the top and we had paw paw and crem fraiche for pudding.

Jon needed to change his bag before bed and while he can do the messy bit himself getting it back on is a bit difficult as it is still so swollen. The nurse did it this morning for him and he asked me if I minded doing it for him tonight. He was pretty impressed at how I got it on with no wrinkles! They are, and I can understand why, very sticky! I am sure all these things will get easier - one day!!

I am looking forward to my Red Cross day tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny spells but mostly cloudy 17 degrees

Wednesday

We both slept really well last night and Bertie only woke me once!! Looks like there are three in this marriage now!!!

We have moved all of Jon's things to the bathroom downstairs to save him going up and down the stairs as he is finding it difficult and painful and the shower is easier to get into.

Shortly after breakfast the district nurse, Gill, arrived and she took the dressings off his bottom and he felt much better as they were pulling a lot and he now finds walking a little easier. She helped him change his bag but the new, one piece, bags have not arrived yet so we are still with the bigger ones. His stoma is very large, about the size of a large egg and will take about six weeks to shrink and 'calm down'. It is one thing for us to go into fits of giggles when it happens but Jon is going to find it embarrassing if/when it happens in meetings.

I went out to buy us some coffee and then we sat and watched the first part of the James Herriot series which was really good.

I took Totty out for her walk and it was really lovely and sunny outside.

I am finding it a little boring at the moment as I can't go anywhere or do the usual things I do and feel like a loose part but I am sure it will get better.

I made lunch and then Jon decided to go for a sleep about 3.00 and he didn't wake again till just after 6.00. I lit the fire as the sun went in and it gets cold here in this house without sunshine.

My friend Sharon called to see how things are going and we had a chat and then I made dinner. I am not sure how Jon stayed away to eat it as he was so tired. He went to bed early and I am sure that is the best thing for him.

I watched some TV and now it is bedtime for me, too.

WEATHER
Sunny spells 17 degrees.

Home!

When I logged on to Facebook this morning there was a message from Jon saying he could come home!!! What a surprise as it was not expected till Wed or Thurs.

He had an appointment this morning with the radiologist consultant, we don't know why as he is finished with him anyway. I called the clinic to say he was still in hospital II didn't know at the time he was being discharged) and they said they would call the ward and see if the orderlies could bring him down.

I went off to my keep fit class which was nice to get back to. The teacher announced the walk on Saturday and some people made a note and one lady gave me a donation. I didn't stay for coffee as I was going to see Jon.

I arrived with the coffee and he told me he was ready to go anytime and that the appointment with the radiologist has been moved to next month. The grumpy man in the next bed was sitting up and ready to go home when I went in. He did smile and say hello. I think he must have blood pressure problems as he was very, very rosy on his face.

I went home to get his clothes and walk the dog, poor thing has been so neglected. I got back just after 1.00 and Helen, the stoma nurse, came up to show us once again how to change the bag. At the moment it is very big but they say it will shrink down in a couple of weeks. Helen I also changing him to a one piece, smaller bag which means he will not need to empty it and reuse it as he does now. He will need to keep the skin very clean around it so that it does not become sore.

The nurse that has been attending to Jon today, Kirsty, another lovely young girl, was horrified when we told her what the man in the next bed had said, just as well he had left before we told her. Part of the process with stoma patients is being able to joke about the bag and make them feel at ease.

We then packed and were ready to go. I went down to take the bag and collect his medication from the pharmacy and Jon was brought down in a wheelchair by an orderly, the walk would have been too much for him and the stitches in his bottom are now painful as the wound heals.

Jon sat in reception and I brought the car to the front door and it was agony for him to get in and every bump I drove over was painful.

We got home and he enjoyed sitting in the chair and we just spent the afternoon watching TV and I made a lamb casserole for dinner. I had to pop out for a loaf of bread as I only have the whole grain stuff and he can't eat grains yet.

We had dinner early for us, 6.30 and Jon managed to eat a reasonable meal but had to go and sit on the sofa for pudding. Bertie has been making noises but has not performed again yet so we have that to come. I am beginning to realise how this is going to change our lives and it is going to take a lot of time and patience from us both to get to grips with it all, it really is not easy.

Jon went to bed at 10.00 and hopefully he will have a good night. The district nurse is due tomorrow but we don't know what time.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees

Some people are so ignorant

I set the alarm this morning for 7.30 but was awake at 7.15 so got up to have a shower.

Probably for the first time since we came back from the UK I didn't have any emails to read or reply to so I got on with doing some housework.

I took Totty out for her walk and she reluctantly walked around the block.

I went to the hospital and bought some coffees on the way in and a coconut muffin.

Jon was in bed with his headphones on and eyes closed so I gently tapped him as he has a habit of jumping up so I needed to be careful and not give him a fright.

He had had the catheter taken out and so now we just have the drain to go and once that is out he can come home but it is still draining so not sure when it will be. He had managed to shower himslef this morning and now that he only has one bottle to carry can get around easier and without the aid of the walker so lots of progress.

Shane, the man in the next bed who is huge even though he has lost 25 kilos, was leaving today to go back to Whakatane Hospital which would be much better for his family to visit as it is an hour away. Jon asked Dani, nice nurse, if he could move into the bay when Shane left as it is next to a window and she said he could.

I left to go and see if I could find a button cardigan for Jon as he thinks he will need one when sitting around in the house and doesn't want to be stretching his hands above his head to put jumpers on all the time. I haven't been able to find one yet that doesn't look like it is for an old man!!

I got back and made my lunch and then put some photos on Facebook and then did the ironing that I had leftover from our UK trip.

I cooked some dinner for Jon and then took it in to him for 5.00 and I arrived just as the lady was bringing the meals around. Jon's did look better than the hospital stuff. However, the man opposite Jon and Shane both enjoy the meals and say how good they are - not sure what they are used to.

Jon is now in the bay near the window and another man is in his old spot. He had just come back from theatre and was groggy and his wife was there.

Jon really enjoyed his meal and not long after he finsihed 'Bertie' began to make noises. We both burst out laughing and then we heard the man next to Jon shout 'Stop making those disgusting noises'. We thought he was joking as it is a bit of a joke on these wards and we laughed again. He then shouted 'It isn't funny, farting and making that noise in your bed and thinking it is funny'.

I was so mad. His wife was telling him to be quiet and I said 'He can't help it'. We were both upset by the reaction and that is the last thing Jon needs. After a few minutes I decided to go and speak to them. I put my head round the curtain and said 'My husband has a stoma bag and has no control over the noise at the moment'. His wife was embarrassed and he said 'I am not used to that'. I said 'Neither are we and it has been life changing'. Had he not just come up from surgery I think I might have been tempted to hit him.

Nobody had said it was going to be noisy and hopefully it will settle down or I can see Jon getting very upset by it and not sure how he will manage at meetings as he gets no warnings.

I left shortly after and they both said goodbye to me so I hope he doesn't say anymore tonight.

I got home and made some dinner and then watched some TV.

WEATHER
Sunny spells 17 degrees

Sunday and 'Bertie' makes his debut!

I could not believe it this morning when I woke and looked at the clock it was five to nine!! I did enjoy the lie in though. Not sure that Totty did as soon as I got up she was barking to go out, poor thing.

I had my shower and breakfast but it was far too wet to take Tot out. Bronwyn called to see how things were.

I went in to see Jon and when I arrived the door to the ward was closed and nobody could get in, not even one of the patients who belonged there and had been out for a walk in her chair!! We all had to wait till somebody came out and then we all got in and I made sure the door was on the latch!! Jon said he had a good night and he was feeling up to a coffee so I went down to the cafe in the foyer to get them. I also bought a chocolate muffin but when we tasted it we didn't like it, very odd texture.

We sat and chatted and Jon said he was good but he had not been able to use his iPad much as they only allow a short time free and so he bought some time and can now download his newspaper.

He decided he wanted to go for a walk around the corridors so we got him and his bottles and walker sorted and off we went. Funny to think that had I said to him a few months ago that he would be walking round Tauranga hospital with a bottle of wee and a drip and not bat an eye, he would never have believed me!! Life is a funny thing.

We didn't walk far but by the time he got back to bed he was really tired. Lunch had arrived, chicken soup and one egg sandwich and one beef sandwich. He made an effort and tried them all but feels full very quickly. I left him not long after lunch for him to have a sleep.

I got soaked walking back to the car as we had a particularly heavy shower and it was blowing a gale.

I got home and heated some soup for lunch and then I lit the fire as it was so cold. I spent a while putting photos on Facebook and then decided it was time to go back to the hospital.

I fed Tot and put some wood on the fire but due to the strong winds when I shut down the flue the fire didn't die down and I was a bit nervous leaving it burning so strongly so I had to wait for it to calm down. I sent Jon and email to tell him I would be late, so glad I can communicate with him now.

I arrived at the ward and he said he felt tired and had a temperature but wanted to get up and sit in the chair as his bottom is getting sore. We managed that and I sat on the bed chatting. The man in the opposite bed joined in and also the man from the opposite corner who had been walking around. They were all talking about their 'conditions' when I heard a loud noise, which gave me a fright and I turned round and realised it was Bertie!!! It is all so matter of fact in this ward and all the men continued with the conversation!

After a few minutes Jon said I think I need some attention with this. The nurse allocated to his ward, you can't just have any nurse, was busy with the man in the next bed so I went to find another nurse. She came back with me and just told the nurse who was busy that she was needed!!!! Amanda, Jon's nurse, called through 'I won't be a minute Jon and I will be there'. Unbelievable!

It didn't take long and she did come to see him - she is very nice and such a calm person. She got all the things she needed and we had our first taste of emptying Bertie. I am not sure how Jon is going to manage as you need to have so many hands and if I am entirely honest it was not nice but I am sure we will adjust. You can wash the bag but Amanda decided to put a new one on, it is certainly going to take some practice. She did bring a fresh air spray bottle and it was very effective.

Unfortunately, while all of this was going on Jon's dinner arrived and so once cleaned up he really didn't feel like eating his dinner which in actual fact was the same as last night's. He pushed it around and then I said I would go and find out what was on offer in the canteen.

I brought him back a roast chicken dinner which, although not particularly nice, was better than the meal and he made a good effort with it. I had taken him some paw paw in which he did enjoy.

I suppose, now that he is eating proper food, we will have to get used to the unpredictable with Bertie and hope that once he gets into a normal eating pattern things will sort themselves out and hopefully ;Bertie' will not make his presence felt so loudly.

I got Jon settled once again  and charged his iPad and then I left to come home.

The rain had eased and when I got in the fire was just about lit so I threw on some wood chips to get it going again.

I had some dinner and watched TV. Tomorrow is the start of a new week and hopefully it will be less stressful than the last!

WEATHER
Heavy rain and strong winds 16 degrees

Day 4 post op

I woke up around 6.00 this morning and felt a very cold, wet patch near my feet - my hot water bottle had leaked due to a perished rubber seal!! I got up and covered it with a towel and went back to sleep till 7.30.

Really cold again this morning and I decided to get the fire ready so I just had to put a match to it later.I had started to do some housework and the phone rang and it was Bronwyn - just as well I was up early, it was only 8.00 but she thought I might be off to the hospital and wanted to catch me. Bronwyn has been in Fiji for a week and wanted to now how Jon had got on. We had a nice chat and she told me to call her whenever as she went through all of this with her husband 12 years ago so knows what it is like.

I took Tot for a walk and she is back to square one and not wanting to walk so it is the foot up her bottom method again!

I hung out the washing and hoped it would dry and not rain before I got home to bring it in. I managed to vacuum the house and do the dusting, too.

I went up to the hospital for 10.30 and was pleased to see Jon looking much better. He said he slept from the time I left yesterday afternoon till about 9.00 so it was just as well I didn't go back. They gave him his medication and he settled down for the night and had a good night.

He said the whole atmosphere on the ward today is different and the weekend staff are so much nicer. I said it was probably less busy as there would not be the usual amounts of operations and no ward rounds from doctors. Whatever it is it makes such a difference.

He had managed to eat some breakfast and had stood up for his shower rather than sitting down. His drip had been taken out during the night and he is now drinking enough so his kidneys are working better but he still needs oxygen unless he is sitting in the chair beside the bed.

I went down to get some coffees for us, we can't miss our coffee on a Saturday!! They only had banana and walnut muffins and he can't have nuts at the moment so I bought a chocolate chip cookie instead. He managed half of his coffee which isn't bad.

We sat chatting and then I said I would go and buy some vegetables and make some soup to bring back to him.

I bought some pumpkin for soup and some cheese snack biscuits for him to keep as he says sometimes he wakes in the night and feels hungry and there is nothing available.

I made the soup when I got home and had some myself and then took some to him in a flask with a roll and real butter not spread!! I also took his iPad in as he needs something to do and the books he chose from the library are not very good and he can't get into them. I just hope he can keep it in  a safe place and it doesn't get stolen, there are some very odd and suspicious looking people who walk around.

We sat chatting for a while and then he said he wanted to get up and go for a walk. This is no easy task as he needs to use a frame and hook his catheter bag onto it and he also has a bottle for the drain which I have to carry being careful not to pull it. But first we have to get him up and that takes a lot of effort but he is very determined, I am just nervous!

We finally managed and off we set to the lounge which must be all of 25 yards!! The TV was on and I got him by a chair and then had to go back to the ward to get a pillow for him to sit on. I hid the iPad while I was there and brought my handbag with me. We sat watching TV for a while and then he said he wanted to go back so off we set again.

Once back we managed to get him back into bed with no mishaps and I felt better and he felt proud to have done it. He is a completely different person today.

We Brits, as a race, have a very good sense of humour and it is showing so much at the moment. Unfortunately, not everyone shares it. 1) Yesterday Jon told the stoma nurse, when she was changing his bag, that Mark (surgeon) had said to him that if he passes wind and the bag blows up he could find himself flying round the room! Jon thought this was funny but the stoma nurse very seriously said 'Oh no that won't happen'!!!! 2) The registrar came to check on the drain and Jon said that Mark told him that he would be running marathons by this time next year and the registrar said 'Oh I don't think so'. Jon said I have never been able to run a marathon so why should I now after surgery? Nothing!!!

Once Jon got back into bed I heard, for the first time, a 'belly burp' and yes it is loud. Not sure how that is going to go down in the middle of a board meeting!! It is very funny though and we think we are going to call 'it' 'Bertie Belly Bag' unless we get a better suggestion. We are told it will get better once he starts to eat properly but I think his long beer or wine sessions are over.

I am amazed at how well he is taking it and told him that today. 'Well' he said 'I can't do anything about it so I had just better get on with it'. I know it is not going to be plane sailing and we will have bad days and changing it is not going to be easy at first but I am feeling far more optimistic now than I have for a long time.

The nurse came in to do his obs and said it was good to laugh and I thought the other three patients in the ward must have thought we were mad.

His dinner arrived and he managed to eat some of the chicken and some carrots but left the grey mash again. He enjoyed some of the bread roll I brought and managed some ice cream but was then full.

I left him with his iPad and he was looking so much better I felt happy to be leaving him so well.

Poor Tot is getting used to her dinner at 6.00 now instead of 4.00 but was very hungry when I got in.

The rain finally arrived with strong winds tonight and I lit the fire and it was cosy and warm and I didn't need to go out again I am glad to say.

I made some dinner and watched TV and feel better than I have for a week.

Not sure how I am going to get on without a hot water bottle tonight though!


WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunny spells not as wet as forecast 17 degrees

Day 3 post op

I really didn't want to get up this morning as I felt so tired and was glad I had to wait for the electrician and didn't need to rush.

Heather called and we had a chat and I was telling her about my electricity disaster! She told me that Kirsty and James had got back from honeymoon and had gone to bed as they were so tired. She was looking forward to some company but they told her they were going out on Friday night for James' dad's birthday. James told her that she can go out with them but she doesn't want to gate crash but I am sure they won't think that and they do like her so I think she should and will go with them.

The electrician, Dean, (you don't expect an old man to be called Dean) arrived and yes, he is very retired and arrived with a little old, metal tool box. He said he has been friends with the owner for more than 40 years and has done a few odd jobs for him. I explained what had happened and he looked in the fuse box which is full of the old fashioned fuses that pull out. He pulled the one that I knew was the problem, and the button would not go back in, out and he used a lot of technology - he banged it on the wall and then with a hammer! He pushed the button again and it went in. The fuse was put back in and I went down to the office and the sockets were working again and the modem was back on.

Dean said I must have had too many appliances on at one time and it had tripped the fuse. I told him 'I only had the radio and oven on' The perv then said to me I would have liked to have seen that! It took a minute to sink in what he meant and I just gave him a dirty look. How could you say that to anyone let alone someone you have only just met! He gave me his number to call if I have any further problems, hopefully, I won't need to call him ever again.

I took Tot out as I didn't know what time I was going to get back and then I went out to the Red Cross and picked up a coffee for Les and I on the way, Sharon doesn't drink coffee.

I arrived at the shop and they were very glad to see me but the cake I took them might have had something to do with that.

We had a busy morning and before I knew it I had to rush off for my 1.00 hair appointment. I took the wedding photos to show Dana at The Salon and she thought they were lovely. She is getting married to an English guy and they go off to the Cook Islands next Monday so she is very excited.

It was still a bit too early to go to the hospital so I went back to the Red Cross and bought some lunch on my way and stayed chatting to the girls there.

I arrived at the hospital at 3.00 and Jon was asleep and looked a little pale. He woke and told me had had not been able to sleep and called the nurse to help him get up which she did but he thought it was morning and it was 2.00 in the night. I am not sure why she let him get up and then when he went back to bed he couldn't sleep.

He said breakfast was awful again and he had waited for over two hours for them to take him to the shower. He said they just kept ignoring him and then one of the nurses told him he was not the only patient and they were busy. He told her it was the only thing he had asked for all morning and he was not impressed.

Surgeon Mark came up to see him and asked if he was eating and he told him not much as the food was 'crap' and Mark agreed.

He had drunk another Fortisip and not long after he was sick again. They now have him on anti nausea medication and he is not drinking enough again.

Not long after I arrived the stoma nurse came in and she changed his bag and talked us through it. Jon only glanced at it for a minute but I watched what she did. It is big at the moment but she says it will shrink down over time. I am not sure how his trousers are going to cover it as it looks quite high up to me and she said something bout him not being able to wear his shirts tucked in. I am not sure how that will work for the office and neither is he - he has never worn shirts un tucked. Hopefully, over time we will both be able to manage it. I also saw the scar down his tummy which is long but not stitched, it has a sort of tape on it holding it together. He has been given a small black bag which holds all the bags and kit that he will need and the nurse said he must take it everywhere with him just in case he ever needs to change it.

Once that was finished and the nurse had gone Jon decided he wanted to get up and sit in the chair. It was really hard to help him as he has a drain in his bottom and also he has been cut and has stitches in his bottom and a catheter and i really didn't know where to hold him. We got to the point he was like the Grand Old Duke of York - he was neither up or down! I had to go and get the nurse to help and she got him into the chair. He still has a fan on him as he is hot.

We sat chatting and he said he was hungry so I went to buy him a sandwich and a yogurt. I got back and first he said the cheese was too strong so I took that out and then he ate some of the bread and ham but really couldn't manage it.

I said I would bring him some food back tonight and said I would go but he wanted to get back into bed before I left so I had to wait with him till the nurse was free to help him as I was scared I would pull tubes out.

She came to help him and I think the sheer effort of it all made him feel sick again and the nurse came and put three types of medication into his drip and told him to take deep breaths and eventually he felt better. I think it would be better and I wish he would just lie there and stop pushing himself to do things as it is still early days and he is putting himself back by trying to rush things.

Once he was settled again and comfortable he looked better. Then his dinner tray arrived and it really didn't look appetising, a scoop of lumpy mash, some carrots and either fish or chicken in a white sauce none of which would he try. The Fortisip was caramel flavour and as the vanilla had made him ill he would not try it. I asked the orderly for a strawberry or banana one but when I left it had not been brought. He did eat some of the jelly and most of the ice cream though.

I left to come home at nearly 6.00 and told him I might get back late but he said he didn't mind if I didn't.

Once home I fed Totty and let her out and had a little play with her in the garden as poor thing has been in on her own all day.

I really couldn't bring myself to go back again. It is so exhausting backwards and forwards and I just don't get time to eat and then watching him like he is is distressing for me. He is a terrible patient and I told him he needs to learn to be patient as he is not doing himself any good like this.

I had some chicken for my dinner and watched some TV. I now feel really guilty that I didn't go back but I am going to have an early night and then take him a coffee and muffin in the morning and hope he is feeling better.

I tried to call my elderly neighbour in the UK as she will be worried as she has not heard from me but my phone card says it has expired but I still had $16 + on it last time I used it so I have had to send them and email to see what is wrong. One thing after another. Maybe I wasn't cut out to be a nurse.

WEATHER
Sunny but still cold 14 degrees

Day 2 post op

Another really cold night and a frost this morning which caused the kiwi fruit growers to get the helicopters out as the vines are just coming into bud.

I got all excited and had to check my Lotto ticket as I heard the jackpot had been won here in Tauranga. I don't usually buy a ticket but I did yesterday. Unfortunately it isn't us that won the 27 million but I am happy with my $12 for three numbers.

I was up at 6.00 with Tot but went back to bed and at last my new phone did something right - the alarm went off at 7.30 just as I had set it to, I must be learning.

I was collecting the dirty washing from the bedroom this morning and I saw a cockroach on the floor. I don't like using the spray to kill them as it smells so I grabbed it with what I had in my hand - my knickers! I opened the window to throw it out and out went my knickers with it! Fortunately, the porch roof stopped them from floating down to the garden and full view of my neighbour who was standing on his deck having his early morning fag! I managed to fish them back in with a coat hanger and I hope nobody saw!! Next time I will use the spray.

Jane called and we chatted for an hour and she was telling me all about her wedding dress and how well Heather is doing with the Charity Event. Heather is really looking forward to having Kirsty back and Jane and Jason are going to cook her dinner tomorrow night while she does her housework ready for them to come home late Thursday night.

I had washed my hair when Jane called and as it was now dry I had to go and wet it again to dry it and then I had breakfast. I did some washing and once all the various bin companies had collected the rubbish I took Totty out for her walk. When she won't walk now I can pull her on the new harness and at least she doesn't sound like she is choking to death.

I went to see Jon at 12.00 and he didn't look very well and was quite pale. He had a tray in front of him with a bowl of soup on which he didn't want but he had drunk the Fortisip.

He is sitting up better now but he told me one of his drains was not working and two of Mark's registrars had come up to see why. They asked him if he could turn over and he said he could with some help. He said one of the registrars then pulled him really hard on the arm and rolled him over. It really hurt him and he said 'what the hell are you trying to do to me'. These young doctors have never been on the receiving end and have no idea. Anyway they sorted it out and it is now draining better.

They needed to take the drip out of his hand and put another one in further up his arm and the nurse that did it made a bit of a mess and he said if I had come in 20 minutes sooner I would have been shocked as there was blood spurting everywhere! I think he was really shocked at that. He also has a big bruise on his arm where they have taken blood which is unusual as he has never had a bruise and he has had a lot of blood tests over the past few months.

He was sitting up with a fan on him as he is getting too hot but has no temperature. However, he is not drinking enough and so his kidneys are not working properly. I told him he needs to keep sipping the water and then he will be able to have the drip out. He said he doesn't want to drink too much and be sick again like yesterday.I think he drank the juice I took in too fast as he was thirsty and that made him sick. The nurse was there and I asked her and she said it was a combination of the major trauma to his body and all the medication and the water won't make him sick so hopefully now he will drink more.

They are worried about his oxygen levels and pulse, too. He is very tense and not breathing properly. He needs to be taking deep breaths right down into his stomach and this will help keep his chest clear. They are pleased he has manged to come off the morphine drip and is now on oral pain relief but they are now giving it to him every half hour as they think he is holding himself stiff and not relaxing as it hurts and this is causing his pulse rate to be high.

One good thing, he did manage to walk to the shower with a walking frame and was able to shower and wash his hair so he feels much cleaner.

He is a very bad patient though and very impatient and is so like Victor Mildrew!!! I hope he gets over it soon or I think we might come to blows and they will be calling him a whinging pom!

I came home about 1.30 and stopped off at the Cancer Society office to ask if we can borrow some collecting buckets for the walk. I know the manager there from my daffodil phoning days. She has given me eight buckets and I think that will be enough.

I got home and had a sandwich and I made a cake this afternoon with apples and walnuts. Sharon and Les will be very upset if they have another Friday without cake.

Les phoned to see if I was OK and Mike from the office texted me and I also spoke to the owner of the company this morning so everyone is up to date.

I am going to make a chicken dish now and take some in to Jon and see if I can tempt him to eat as they need to know if the bag is working but he hasn't had any proper food yet. He says he is not hungry but I have a suspicion he doesn't want to see what happens with the bag.

Well from now on my day went belly up!

I was in the kitchen preparing the chicken meal I was going to eat and also take some in for Jon and the radio stopped playing. I waited for a while and then went to have a fiddle with it. The radio is all connected to the TV sound system and nothing on it was working. I then checked the lights and they weren’t working either. The oven was still on and the light above the hob but the hob wasn’t working. The sockets were working but not the lights so at least I had the bedside lamps upstairs.

I went round to my neighbour and asked if they had electricity and he, Pat, said they did. He came back with me and had a look at the fuse box, which is very outdated. He could see that one of the fuses was out but when he pushed it it would not go back in. He said he really was not well up on electrics and didn’t want to touch anything which is fair enough. Unfortunately, I had also lost the Internet as the modem was out.

I tired to get an electrician but nobody would come out. I sent an email from Jon’s phone to the owner and hopefully he will get back to me.

I texted Carol as I didn’t even know the number for Directory Enquiries, so lost without Internet!!! She gave me the number and said I could go and stay at her place but I have the dog and I did have some light.

I decided to go and see Jon and take a torch with me as it was going to be dark when I got back and with no outside lights not very nice. Fortunately, I had lit the fire so at least the house would be warm.

Jon was looking much better and his wee was also looking a better colour and he said he had been drinking a bit more so hopefully the telling off I gave him worked. He still hadn’t eaten though, only another Fortisip.

He did say he had done a big ‘fart’ which blew his bag up and gave him a fright!! It was soon followed by another!! He had pressed the bell for the nurse and fortunately, this time, she came straight away and released the gas and told him to call when it happens again. We did have a giggle about it, a whole new meaning to ‘botty burps’!

The nurses told him I can go in tomorrow at 3.30 and they will show me how to change the bag so that we both know how to do it should I ever need to so I said I would be there. Not sure how I will feel about it but it has to be done.

He told me to go home and try and contact the owner on his mobile and told me where he had his number.

When I got home I drove into the car port and the security light came on which I thought was strange as it was off when I left. I got inside and tried the lights and they were all on as was the TV!! I have no idea what is going on. I tried the computer but that wasn’t working. The modem is down in the office and after checking the plug found that the sockets downstairs were still not working but at least everything else was.

I rang the owner and he said he would find an electrician and call me back.

Meanwhile, I rang Sharon and told her I might not be in the shop tomorrow as it would depend on an electrician.

I managed to cook the chicken I had planned and decided to have a glass of wine with my first dinner since Monday.

Later in the evening a man called to say he would come and have a look in the morning at 10.00. He is a retired electrician and is not sure he can fix it but will have a look, typical of the owner to get it done on the cheap.

Hopefully he can sort it but it is a mystery.

I am glad I have the fire tonight as it is so cold again.

WEATHER
Very cold overnight frost, sunny 14 degrees

Day 1 post op

It was really cold last night and when I went to bed I had to put the radiator on, some bed socks and my dressing gown on top of the duvet, I think winter is back.

Despite the cold I had a reasonable sleep and woke at 7.00.

I waited till 8.00 to phone the hospital on the direct number for the ward. It took ages to answer but eventually they did, I was then put through to another phone and the nurse said she would find out how Jon was  and the next thing Jon was on the phone.

He sounded very distressed and asked me to bring him some drinks in that had the push/sip tops on as he couldn't hold a cup and straw. I couldn't get much sense out of him but he said the water was horrible and could I bring some cold water in, too. I told him I would be in later. Visiting is 2.00 - 8.00 but I hoped they would let me in.

Heather called to see how he was and we had a chat. I then took tot out for her walk as I didn't know how long I would be out at the hospital.

I took a bottle of lemon squash and a bottle of cold water (just as well we have a water filter) and when I got to the ward the doors were locked and there was nobody on the desk to let me in. I waited around and then a nurse came along and let me in and said it was fine to see him.

He really wasn't happy and said he had had a bad night and his breathing wasn't right and they had had to give him something. He told me the epidural hadn't worked before the op as they hadn't been able to get it into his back and that was why he was in so much pain when he came round and it took them a long time to get it under control.

He told me they had brought breakfast to him on a tray and it was a big bowl of rice crispies and a carton of milk, nobody had opened the milk for him and with only one hand and lying down it was impossible for him to do it. He had a dish of tinned pears but once again he couldn't cut them and nobody helped. He had a carton of juice which he asked one of the nurses to open for him and then they couldn't find a straw. He pretty much gave up then and that was when I phoned and why he was so upset as he said he feels so useless. You read about elderly patients having this problem and if they are in hospital for a long time it is no wonder they are starving.

He was very grateful for the drinks I took in and was obviously very thirsty. They have now increased his fluids through the drip as he is not putting enough out and his mouth is not so dry. I am not sure why it took all night to realise this.

The nurse told me they had taken the self medication morphine from him and put him on a morphine drip which seemed to be controlling the pain better. I did say to her that he was grumpy and she said yes he was but she was quite used to it and she understands he is frustrated at feeling so weak and angry at having a bag he did not want.

One thing I did find amusing this morning was listening to the visitor of the man in the bay opposite. I haven't seen him but they are obviously Maori and from Whakatane as I overheard. The visitor was reading the death announcements to him from the newspaper!! 'Beloved father and husband to etc etc' and all the funeral details and what was happening after!! Not sure I would like her to visit me in hospital.

I stayed till 10.30 and left as he just wanted to sleep. It is quite funny in a bizarre kind of way that he has asked for ear plugs as it is too noisy!!! At home, he can never hear a thing!!!!

The owner of the company called me when I was in the hospital but i didn't want to speak in the ward so said I would call him later. I bought a coffee on my way out and sat in the car and tried to call him, he had told me he was on the way to Auckland but as I called my phone said it was out of credit!!! I now had to find how to top up this new phone and couldn't find the number. A few deep breaths later and I calmed down and decided to go to the supermarket and buy a top up voucher - simple solution when you are not in a panic.

I bought the voucher and some custard type puddings and a paw paw that I thought Jon might like and sat in the car to try Mark again. The phone rang, someone answered and then it cut off so I imagine he must have been in a meeting. So far he hasn't called again. I then rang my friend Carol and went over to see her and had a cuppa.

I got back and was starving as I had forgotten breakfast so I had a sandwich and then went back to the hospital.

They told me he had not been well and had sickness and so they had given him something and also put up a bottle of paracetamol by drip which went through while I was there. The nurse said he hadn't eaten any lunch but she said it wasn't unusual for the first day after surgery but she did say he can have anything he wants but he didn't want the fruit or custard I took in.

The afternoon tea lady came round and they gave him some Fortisip which is a protein drink. When he woke i gave him some of that but for most of the time I sat listening to an audio book on my iPod and he slept. I left again at 4.00.

I got back and fed the dog and had a cup of tea.

I went back to the hospital around 6.30 and saw a big improvement. His pain is now well under control and he was actually making sense when he was speaking. He said he wanted to stay awake till 8.00 when they would come to do his obs again but he could hardly keep his eyes open. He told me that last night the man in the bay opposite and who is now beside him had been talking on his mobile till 10.30 last night. He asked the nurses to tell him to stop but they didn't which is why he had earplugs in today. He said he still can't hear when he takes them out but they do block out the noises.

They brought him dinner tonight but once again nobody to help him eat it. He said he wasn't hungry anyway but would have liked the ice cream and jelly. I will go in tomorrow and help him with his lunch and dinner. He really is not a good patient and I am glad I am not his nurse at the minute!

The nurse came in for his obs and also gave him an injection into his tummy to thin his blood. She gave him lots of pills including some large panadol tablets but he couldn't get them down so she gave him liquid instead. He has a small cushion on his tummy which he presses on when he coughs and it is not so painful.

The nurse told him it was a good looking stoma and he said he hadn't seen it yet and didn't want to. The other nurse said he would be showing it off to everyone in a year. I don't think so!!

I got home at 8.30 and rang back Sharon who had left a message for me. I had some toast and now it is just gone ten o'clock so I think I might go to bed as I am so tired.

WEATHER
Clear blue sky but cold wind 16 degrees

A very lonely day

We were up early and off by 6.40 to the hospital.

We didn't have long to wait before being called in with a nurse who checked bp, temp and went through the notes to check everything.

She gave Jon a gown and dressing gown and then put some socks on to protect against DVT on top of those he was given some blue, paper slippers to wear and a white hat which he could keep in his pocket until later. All his things were put into a brown bag which would be taken to the ward later. The nurse asked for my mobile number and as I don't use my mobile much I didn't know it and thought I had it written down but I didn't. Seven o'clock is a bit early to be texting people so the nurse gave me the number of the office we were in and I called that and she then took the umber from the display, wrote it in the notes and gave it to me on a piece of paper! I have now written it in my diary.

We then went to sit and wait with all the other day surgery cases. The registrar anesthetist came in and went over all the things we discussed last week and recommended that he have the epidural as it was going to be painful when he woke up.

Later the anesthetist came in to introduce herself and told me she would take good care of him and expect the operation to take most of the day but I would get a call once he was in recovery.

The consultant came to see us and said that if Jon woke with the bag on the right it would be good but there was a tiny chance it would be on the left and permanent.

Eventually a theatre nurse came in and went through everything again and checked his name tag and said they were just about ready and so she took him down. There is none of this going down on a trolley, he walked down and I said goodbye at the theatre door.

I drove home with my tummy in knots.

I took Tot out for a walk and she doesn't seem to like her expensive harness as much as the cheap one and I am back to 'gently' pulling her along!

I went out to the Red Cross and did some work there. I explained to them that I was just there to keep busy and not to serve in the shop but I was surprised at how little the Tuesday ladies do. They seem to spend most of their time going through the rails looking for themselves or going upstairs for a cuppa. I am not surprised Les, Sharon and I are referred to as the A Team!!

Carol came in and helped with putting stock out and then when Les arrived we went across the road to the cafe for a coffee and sat having a chat. Carol left to meet her brother and then Bianca, Les' daughter and the manager of the shop came over for a chat.

When we got back we got stuck in to putting stock out and the rest of the morning passed OK. It was by now 2.00 and I was getting very nervous as time went on so decided to go home and I gave Les a lift home, too.

When I got in I sent a few emails and waited for the call. When it came I could not believe it, I couldn't answer the call. Jon bought me a new phone and as I have not had any calls on it I thought you just touched the green icon on the screen but it wouldn't answer and eventually the phone stopped. I was starting to panic.

I rang my phone from Jon's mobile and tried again but no luck. I rang the hospital and explained somebody was trying to call me from recovery and she was not very nice and told me she couldn't put me through to recovery and would put me through to the ward where he was due to go. They did not answer and it just rang and rang. By now I was in a panic. I found my instruction book for the phone and had just read how to answer a call when my mobile rang again and it was Mark, the surgeon. Moral - don't buy a new phone at a stressful time in your life!!

It was now 4.00 and Mark told me it had gone well but taken much longer than he thought - seven and a half hours. He said he was sorry that he had had to do a permanent bag and he knew Jon would be upset. He said he had a second surgeon with him and they both agreed it was the only option to get a clear margin around the tumour. We knew there was a 10% chance he would have to have a permanent bag. He said the good news was the tumour was gone and there were no signs of cancer in his liver so we have to be positive. He told me I should wait a couple of hours before going in to see him.

I rang Heather just before I left and woke her up but I thought it best to speak to her before she went to work. I sent out lots of emails and then left for the hospital arriving just on 6.00.

I asked at reception where he was and she rang recovery and told me he was still there and would not be on the ward till 6.30. She asked me if I had eaten and when I said no she told me to go and get a meal in the canteen and then go to the ward at 6.30. She even looked up the menu for me.

The canteen was serving huge portions of roast beef and I just couldn't face it so opted for a sandwich which was fine.

I arrived at the ward just as they were bringing him in. I spoke to the nurse and asked her if he knew about the bag and she said he did. She said it had been a difficult and longer operation than first thought but the results were good. She also said she had kept him in recovery for two and a half hours as he had had a lot of medication and they wanted to make sure he was OK and had the correct pain relief.

Once he was settled in the ward, only four beds in it, I went and sat with him. He opened his eyes and looked at me and just said 'left' so although pretty much out of it he did know. He said he had never been in so much pain and of course he wouldn't have. He has a morphine pump in his hand for self administration which he was using a lot.

The nurses were in and out checking all the time and seem very attentive. They asked if I needed anything but I was OK. It was quite uncomfortable holding his hand and leaning over the sides of the bed though and I was stiff.

I decided at 8.00 to go home as he was mostly sleeping but I did feel mean leaving him there. I asked if it was OK for me to call in the morning and they said that was fine and gave me the direct line number.

Once home I sent more emails and answered some I had received. We have had so many messages and emails. I will print them off and take them in for him to read.

I worry that he will be really down and get depressed about the bag and I know we have a long way to go yet.

WEATHER
Sunny spells but windy 17 degrees

Monday

Jon had to get up early this morning to start his medication for the bowel prep. It was a much better medication than the last time and was taken in three glasses of juice, twenty minutes apart and by the time I got up he was watching the Grand Prix and didn't have any bad side effects.

Heather called and we had a chat and then I had breakfast before putting the dye on my hair.

The day has passed slowly as Jon has not been able to go anywhere. I did my washing and went to the supermarket to get a water filter and some Lucazade and fizzy drinks for Jon as that is all he is allowed. I made him come chicken noodle soup for lunch but it had to be strained but made a change.

Jon watched TV and I did the ironing - I still haven't caught up from our trip.

I felt very mean making my dinner and only had leftovers from last night so that there was not much cooking smell.

Jon had to take the second bottle of bowel prep. I think he will be starving by Thursday when they say he will get his first meal!!

We had a nice email from Kirsty and James this afternoon with two photos. They are having a good time and just wanted to wish Jon well for tomorrow. We have had so many emails it is amazing.

He had to have a shower this evening with some special shower gel and again in the morning.

He has now gone to bed to read and it is closer to the loo.

On the whole he has been OK today we just need to get through tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud and strong winds in the evening 17 degrees

Sunday

We had a lot of rain and wind overnight but the weather this morning is, once again, not as bad as they forecast.

I was up before Jon this morning and made a cup of tea and then waited for him to get up before I had a shower. Jon watched the F1 qualifying and I made him some scrambled eggs - he will be looking like an egg soon.

We took Totty out for a walk but she didn't seem to like her new harness and wouldn't walk very well. When we got back I realised I had it on a bit too tight!!

We went down to the local garden centre for a coffee and bought the paper on the way back.

I read the paper and Jon went and did a few things in the garden. I had a really bad headache and I think it is because I am tense. I suddenly realise that I have my teeth clenched together and so relax but find I do it again and so it goes on and I think this must be causing the headache.

We had lunch and Jon went back into the garden. He hasn't said much today and I know he is very worried about Tuesday.

I did some ironing and the afternoon soon passed.

I cooked some pork steaks with apple and a mustard sauce which was very nice. Probably the last meal Jon will have now till Thursday or Friday. He is on clear liquids tomorrow and they say it could be three or four days after the op before he will have solid food.

We watched NZ's Got Talent tonight, it was the first show and very interesting!! The first act was a man dressed as a soldier and playing a one man bad, the Dad's Army tune and his cymbal hits him on the head mmmm!!!

Heather called to chat to Jon and she might try again tomorrow, bless her. Jon booked her flight today and she leaves on 22 December with Emirates but has stopovers in Dubai and Sydney.

It has just started to rain again but I don't mind it at night if the days are dry.

Really tired so off to bed now.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 18 degrees

Saturday

After a lovely sleep we didn't wake till gone 7.00 and to a lovely sunny day.

I had put my washing on last night as I knew rain was forecast for the afternoon and Sunday and Monday so thought I would get it out early which is what I did. However, there was no sign of rain at all.

We had scrambled eggs for breakfast as Jon is not allowed cereal now.

We took Tot out for a walk and then went into Tauranga to get his bloods done. There was quite a queue and we thought we were in for a long wait however, it only took about 15 minutes.

We then went for a coffee and chocolate croissant. We really have to think what we are buying at the moment so no date scones and no muffins with berries with our coffee.

We then went to have a look around a new shop that has opened and sells all UK food products. We didn't find anything much that we can't buy in the supermarkets so not sure how long it will last. They are selling some very nice fudge though!

We then went to the library to get some books for Jon and I found a nice magazine which I read and then decided I would borrow it for a few weeks and copy some of the recipes.

We went to the pet shop next and bought another harness for Totty and at four times the price of the one I bought on Thursday is much better and as the saying goes - you get what you pay for. This one is so much easier to put on and looks more comfortable, it will have its first test run tomorrow.

We went to buy a new filter for the vacuum cleaner but the shop had none in so he is going to order one and call me.

Next stop was the supermarket and we had to decide what to have for dinner. A low fibre diet is really hard. I settled on lamb steaks for tonight on a bed of kumara and parsnip mash and broccoli but Jon can only eat the flower bits.

We got home and I made toasted sandwiches for lunch. I intended to do my ironing and watch TV but Jon fell asleep in the chair and I didn't want to disturb him so I spent the afternoon putting photos on Facebook.

It started to rain at 6.00 which is not bad considering they said it would be bad from mid morning.

We had a nice dinner and some nice mojitos to start.

Heather called to say that the flight we are planning to book for her is fine. I know she would prefer to fly with only one stop but Emirates are offering the best deal which means stopping in Dubai and Oz as she did with Jane in May. It is the last bit that is a killer. We have told Heather not to lift her hand luggage into the overhead locker and have a potential DVT!!!!! They had a power out in UK and we got cut off.

After dinner we talked about what is to come and Jon is understandably worried and upset. All I can do is reassure him but if it was me I know I would be terrified and I know he is scared. I sooooo look forward to next Saturday when it will all be over!

Just as well pudding was no big deal as we didn't eat it!


WEATHER
A lovely day till 6.00 when it rained 19 degrees.

Back to Red Cross

I did manage to stay up till 10.00 last night. I tried to read when I did go to bed but I was too tired and fell asleep very quickly.

I woke around 3.00 but went back to sleep straight away. The next time I woke was 6.30 and Totty was still asleep and no presents left around the bedroom and I felt so much better.

Jon couldn't have muesli today so had scrambled eggs instead. I gave him some chocolate and goji berries to take to work and he was going out for lunch today so I didn't do any sandwiches for him.

He left for the office and I got ready and had breakfast. Jon called me and asked me if he could eat the berries and the chocolate as it had nuts in it!!! Oops, I forgot about his low fibre diet.

I went to the Red Cross and actually got there before Sharon - must be a first!! It was lovely to see Les again and she told me things are looking good for her residence visa, it has taken such a long time but fingers crossed she can get it and won't need to leave the country again.

We spent a long time looking at the wedding photos and I told them all about it and they both agreed it all looked like a lovely day.

The shop had the changeover to summer clothes last Sunday so we were busy putting more stock out to get it filled up again. It was also very, very busy, word soon gets round that we have new stock. I didn't get time to look at anything much until just before I was leaving and I found a nice summer dress for $10.

Jon had asked me for some wedding photos to show in the office as people had been asking him. I had put some out for him to take but he forgot them so I went to the office when I finished at the shop and showed them around and everyone thought they were lovely.

I popped in to the supermarket on my way home and I am trying to think of meals Jon can eat that are low fibre. I also need to be careful with vegetables as there are so many he is not allowed. We could just spend the weekend eating junk food as that is pretty much what it amounts to.

Jon went to Burgerfuel for lunch but as the bun had seeds on the top he had to pick them all off!!

Jon said he would be home early and I was surprised that he was and came in about 4.30. He said he has too much going on in his head to think about work now. He went into the garden and cut the front grass.

I took Totty out for her walk and still no rain that was forecast for the whole of the day! Totty seems to be fine now and is taking her antibiotics nicely and is still on the special meat. The test will be when I put her back on her usual food which will be tomorrow afternoon.

We had our fish and chips but couldn't have any peas!!!

We need to go and have some blood tests done tomorrow. They have to be done three days before but as the blood centre is not open on Sunday we can go tomorrow morning. One is to check his blood type to make sure they have a bag of blood should he need it after the operation. We need to get some books from the library, too.

We watched some TV and it is now bedtime again.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 19 degrees.

Poor Totty!

I had not been in bed very long when Jon woke me to say Totty had had another accident!!! So rubber gloves on and scrubbing the carpet at 12.30!!

I eventually got back into bed and then we were up again at 3.30 with the same thing well, a bit more!! Scrubbing carpets at night is no joke. After that it was every half hour she woke me and I managed to get her outside each time. It was five o'clock the last time I took her out and then I couldn't go back to sleep and so was up just after 6.00.

I made a cup of tea while Jon was in the shower and watched some breakfast TV - what rubbish.

Heather called and we both had a chat to her. I had my shower and then called the vet to get an appointment and got one for 10.15.

The vet examined her for a long time and had two students with him so it took even longer but she was so good and allowed them to prod and poke her and didn't complain. He gave her two lots of antibiotics and he gave me a special tin of dog food, well not sure how special it is but it is very expensive. I could only give her a quarter of the tin at tea time today and see how she goes. He also gave me some sachets of electrolytes for her to drink so she is not dehydrated.

On the way back i popped into the post office to send a card and I went to buy a loaf of brown bread but with no grains or seeds as Jon needs to start his low fibre, no seed diet tomorrow.

I went into the pet shop to look for a harness for Totty as she seems to choke a lot with her collar now, not that she pulls much but I think her throat must be sensitive. I chatted to the lady in there who is English and been here for just over four years and she seems very nice.

When we got back we went straight out for a walk. I say straight out but it took me about 15 minutes to work out how to get the new harness on her! It seems to be much better for her and after a few minutes she was fine with it.

When I got back I finally did some housework which was long overdue and I have not dusted since before we left for the UK! It now all looks very nice and tidy.

The weather was really warm today and I sat on the deck reading when I had lunch and it was lovely.

I finished my housework and gave the vacuum cleaner a clean and changed the filter and washed the dust collector - well it is spring!!!

I was so tired and could not face my ironing so I sat and read my book till Jon came home.

I took a chicken, veg and chickpea curry out for dinner so it was nice and easy.

We stayed sitting at the table after dinner and watched some TV as if I sit on the sofa I will fall asleep.

Dishes done and now blog done so I think I might have to go to bed and it's not even 9.00 yet. I think I had better try and stay up a bit longer or I will be awake at 5.00 again.

I must remember to give Tot her antibiotics.

WEATHER
After a cloudy start very sunny and 19 degrees.

Reality!!

I got up to a bit of a mess this morning as Totty had had an accident and instead of staying in one spot had managed to leave little parcels across the bedroom to the door. The first thing I had to do was put on my rubber gloves, clean it and then scrub the carpet!!! Back to chicken and rice today I think.

We did have some nice news from Heather. She has been able to sort out her holidays and can leave on 22 December and so will come over for Christmas. She can stay till 12 January which will be nice. Jon has been looking for flights for her but being Christmas they are more expensive, he will get the travel agent onto it and see if he can find any special deals.

Jon left for work and I had breakfast and got ready and then left to meet him at the hospital for his pre op assessment appointment at 10.00.

We were taken in on time and met firstly with the nurse who did some checks, height, weight, and bp. She told Jon he had the blood pressure of a teenager!! She went through the procedure for admission and what would happen after. He needs to be there at 7.00 am and I asked where he was on the list and she said he would probably be first as the big ops are usually done early. She checked the forms and told us he was down for a 300 minute operation!! Wow! five hours, that is a long time! What am I going to do with myself for five hours?

She explained he would have an epidural for pain relief and that would be left in for four days. He would have a catheter, a drip in his arm to keep him hydrated, drains in the wound, a drip to administer drugs, oxygen mask, the stoma bag and also a self medication pain relief button in his hand. Hearing all this was pretty shocking to Jon never having had a major operation in his life (his finger was amputated under local). I can understand why they have to tell you all of that as it would be a shock to wake up and find all those things attached to you. However, it made it all very real and I think we have up till today manged to push it to the back of our minds. I feel so sorry for him having to go through such a big operation and he is feeling and looking so well.

We were also given a tube of antiseptic body wash which he must use on Monday night and Tuesday morning to shower with. We don't need to take any pyjamas in or towels as they provide everything and he won't be doing much for a while although the physio will be seeing him after the op with some breathing exercises and a few other things so that he does not get a chest infection due to lying down.

Unfortunately, they say no iPad or MP3 player as they can't guarantee security so it will be back to library books again.

Jon will have to take bowel preparation again as he did for the colonoscopy when he had to drink 5ltr of this awful liquid which at the end of it made him quite ill. This time he has been given a different one and it can be mixed with lemonade or ginger beer and it is not so much to drink, he will need to take that on Monday and only have liquids to eat i.e. clear broth. So in actual fact his last meal will be on Sunday night - I had better make it a good one!!. As from Friday he will need to be on a low fibre diet and is not allowed anything red just in case it stains the colon. So, no red wine, red jelly or beetroot!! He is also not allowed any bread with seeds in it. I think it is just as well he put on some pounds when we were in the UK as he is going to lose some now as he probably won't feel like eating much after the operation so it could be three days before he eats. They expect he will be in for seven days.

We then saw Helen, the stoma nurse. She once again went through the procedure of the bag and told us Jon would be able to manage it before he went home and not to worry. The district nurses and stoma nurse will visit the day after discharge to make sure all is well. She then marked, with a big black cross in felt tip pen, where the bag should go. I mentioned that Jon is allergic to some plasters so they have put a sample on his arm and if it does not irritate by tomorrow we can then stick a big clear patch over the cross so it doesn't wash off.

We then saw the registrar who looked very young. She didn't look much older than Heather!! She once again went through things and asked about medication - none, allergies - none, past history - nothing much and she, too agreed he was healthy!! After another chest examination she was satisfied things could go ahead.

We then had a few minutes to wait to see the anaesthetist, also very young and kept giving Jon the thumbs up and saying 'great'. Another examination and more questions and a long explanation about the epidural and the self medication drip. Basically what Jon has to remember is that if he feels sick or has any pain he must tell them and they will sort it and not try and be a hero.

We were then free to go and we stopped at the hospital cafe for a coffee before Jon went back to work.

My head was all over the place so I went down to the Red Cross shop to have a chat with Sharon.

I got back home and gave Margaret, Sharon's mum, a call and then took Totty out for a walk and then had a bite to eat before going out to Bethlehem to the book rooms as the Lions had a working bee to sort books for the sale at the end of November.

I was kept busy there and showed them the album I have made of wedding photos which they all liked very much.

On my way home I popped in to see Alison to take her a card for her new granddaughter and we had a chat. She will be off to the UK to visit her daughter and baby, who was born on 25 August, in three weeks time and I hope her time does not fly over as fast as ours did!

I got some petrol on my way home. It was now 5.00 and Jon said he would be home early but he didn't get in till 6.15 and was very tired.

We had dinner and I lit the fire as it was a bit cooler. Jon fell asleep in the chair and finally went to bed at 10.00.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 17 degrees