I thought I’d write an update as to how things are here at present. I have to say that you Lancashire lads certainly have what it takes, that is if my L.L. is anything to go by. He is proving to be an inspiration to us all in a situation that none of us want to be in but unfortunately so many are.
He continues to think positively and while we talk openly about what fate has decided for him he will not let us dwell on it. We are not stupid and we know what the inevitable will be (no cure or treatment for his cancer, no stopping it in its tracks, no erasing it, and definitely not expecting miracles) but until that time comes his attitude is ‘up yours, mate’.
Every day is precious and he is doing all he can to keep on keeping on. Having lost 15 kgs in a reasonably short time this has now been halted and he is in fact putting a little bit back on. Although he lost his appetite there for a while this is now back to normal and he is eating well. He was determined to do so.
A cough that can be quite nasty worries him at times but he takes it all in his stride. Says it's par for the course.
We have been enjoying different events as they come and go. Planning for something in 10 years time would be extremely unrealistic and a waste of time – which is something we can’t afford to do (waste time) so we just look forward to the next thing coming along.
Since he was diagnosed we have had a good Christmas, another anniversary (61 years now but who’s counting), a quiet but happy Easter, my birthday (and I’ve had a LOT of those, too many to think about), as well as family birthdays. His is coming up in July so that is the next ‘event’. My oldest daughter says that Christmas is at their place this year and as his nibs loves their Ponderosa (as he calls it) he is aiming to be there. She says he has to be. I hope he is.
Has taken up reading again and rediscovered the joy of books. Having walked many miles in the Lake District when he was a lad (and it remains his favourite place) he is presently reading books by Alfred Wainwright about the Fell walks that A.W. did. I am continually purchasing new books by this man so that my bloke will have to stay around if only to read them and finish them all. I’ve told him I’m thinking of buying War and Peace – that’s a heck-of-a-long volume for him to read and will keep him here for a while to come.
When family and friends visit we share plenty of laughs - no doom and gloom allowed, though we speak openly about everything. We certainly don’t hide our heads in the sand. We also manage to retain a sense of humour.
Unfortunately he’s not able to do anything that requires any effort as he soon gets out of steam but that’s okay, nothing to do anyway.
That is the situation at present. He is not feeling sorry for himself (he said he would be if he was 43 and not 83) and so none of us are allowed to feel sorry for him either (but of course we feel sad at the situation, though we make the effort not to show it).
So as I started off by saying that Lancashire Lads are made of the ‘reet stuff’ I finish off this blog by saying ‘Here’s cheers to you all’ especially those of my bloke’s generation.
He continues to think positively and while we talk openly about what fate has decided for him he will not let us dwell on it. We are not stupid and we know what the inevitable will be (no cure or treatment for his cancer, no stopping it in its tracks, no erasing it, and definitely not expecting miracles) but until that time comes his attitude is ‘up yours, mate’.
Every day is precious and he is doing all he can to keep on keeping on. Having lost 15 kgs in a reasonably short time this has now been halted and he is in fact putting a little bit back on. Although he lost his appetite there for a while this is now back to normal and he is eating well. He was determined to do so.
A cough that can be quite nasty worries him at times but he takes it all in his stride. Says it's par for the course.
We have been enjoying different events as they come and go. Planning for something in 10 years time would be extremely unrealistic and a waste of time – which is something we can’t afford to do (waste time) so we just look forward to the next thing coming along.
Since he was diagnosed we have had a good Christmas, another anniversary (61 years now but who’s counting), a quiet but happy Easter, my birthday (and I’ve had a LOT of those, too many to think about), as well as family birthdays. His is coming up in July so that is the next ‘event’. My oldest daughter says that Christmas is at their place this year and as his nibs loves their Ponderosa (as he calls it) he is aiming to be there. She says he has to be. I hope he is.
Has taken up reading again and rediscovered the joy of books. Having walked many miles in the Lake District when he was a lad (and it remains his favourite place) he is presently reading books by Alfred Wainwright about the Fell walks that A.W. did. I am continually purchasing new books by this man so that my bloke will have to stay around if only to read them and finish them all. I’ve told him I’m thinking of buying War and Peace – that’s a heck-of-a-long volume for him to read and will keep him here for a while to come.
When family and friends visit we share plenty of laughs - no doom and gloom allowed, though we speak openly about everything. We certainly don’t hide our heads in the sand. We also manage to retain a sense of humour.
Unfortunately he’s not able to do anything that requires any effort as he soon gets out of steam but that’s okay, nothing to do anyway.
That is the situation at present. He is not feeling sorry for himself (he said he would be if he was 43 and not 83) and so none of us are allowed to feel sorry for him either (but of course we feel sad at the situation, though we make the effort not to show it).
So as I started off by saying that Lancashire Lads are made of the ‘reet stuff’ I finish off this blog by saying ‘Here’s cheers to you all’ especially those of my bloke’s generation.
