Blog 104 Tuesday 17th April 2012

Today, I have included  a copy of Bowel Cancer UK's 25th Anniversary press release and parts of the Executive Summary................... Tomorrow; as part of the Bowel Cancer UK awareness campaign, I am being interviewed by a journalist from "Northants News"  who will be reporting on my personal experience with Bowel Cancer.

Embargoed press release: 00:01 Wednesday 18^th April 2012

GOVERNMENT COULD CUT BOWEL CANCER DEATHS BY 60% BY 2025 SAYS BOWEL CANCER UK

The Government could cut deaths from bowel cancer by 60% by 2025 if it followed the recommendations in a new report launched today by Bowel Cancer UK. Bowel Cancer UK's ambition is also for an additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025. The report also reveals that more than one in five patients weren’t treated with respect and dignity by doctors and nurses

 Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, and the overall five-year survival rate of those diagnosed is just over 50% 2. In its report, 2025 Challenge: Saving and Improving Lives, Bowel Cancer UK calls on the Government to examine its targets in reducing mortality, improving patient experience and increasing survival to dramatically improve outcomes in all three areas by 2025.

 The report reveals that:

• Deaths from bowel cancer could be cut by 60% by 2025 – from 18 in 100,000 to 7 in 100,000 – if realistic goals were followed.
• Almost one in four patients do not understand doctors’ explanations about their disease, and one in five say that they are not treated with dignity and respect 3.
• 20% of patients say they have received conflicting information about their condition 4.
• Currently, the survival rate of patients with bowel cancer is just over 50%.

Bowel Cancer UK’s ambition is to increase the proportion of people with bowel cancer diagnosed at an early stage, and improve the survival rate of people diagnosed with advanced disease. Achieving these goals would save an additional 2,500 more lives per year by 2025.

Bowel Cancer UK is calling on the Government to improve all three aspects of cancer care by:

• Encouraging greater uptake of screening to ensure earlier diagnosis. Uptake is only just over 50% at the moment
• Improving diagnostic capacity and reducing waiting times to cope with growing demand.
• Detecting and diagnosing bowel cancer at an earlier stage. Currently only 9% of patients in the UK are detected at the very earliest stage of the disease 6.
• Ensuring access to and support in decision making about the best treatments for advanced cancer regardless of where they live.
• Making sure patients receive the best care by ensuring that hospital, community and social care services are joined up.
• Improving the quality and consistency of written information given to patients with bowel cancer – currently one in three patients receive no written information.

Deborah Alsina, CEO, Bowel Cancer UK said: “We want to dramatically improve outcomes for people affected by bowel cancer, minimising the disease’s impact and helping people lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”

“We have a duty to save more lives and the proposals outlined in this report should be the Government’s absolute minimum goal.

“We look forward to working with the government, NHS and other charities to help save more lives from the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.”

 About the Bowel Cancer UK ‘2025 Challenge: Saving and Improving Lives’ report:

This report explores the progress over the past 25 years in relation to mortality, survival and patient experience. It celebrates the progress over the last 25 years and identifies the areas where more work is required and establishes realistic goals for improvement by 2025.

Mortality

The past 25 years:

Nearly half a million people in the UK died from bowel cancer in the past 25 years.

Our goal:

An age-standardised mortality rate of 7, meaning 7 people out of a standard population of 100,000 dying from bowel cancer by 2025.

Survival

The past 25 years:

Until recently, the majority of people with bowel cancer had not survived five years after their diagnosis.

Our goal:

An additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025.

Patient experience

The past 25 years:

Overall, cancer patients’ experience of care has improved since 1999, but not in all areas.

Our goal:

All trusts achieving 98% on all key patient experiences measures by 2025.

       

About Bowel Cancer:

Bowel Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year just over 40,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 16,000 people die of the disease.

About Bowel Cancer UK:

Bowel Cancer UK is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary. We are a charity aiming to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best treatment and care, and providing practical support and advice.

2. Executive Summary

This report explores progress over the past 25 years on mortality, survival and patient experience. It celebrates the progress that has been made, identifies the areas where more work is required and establishes realistic goals for improvement by 2025.

The projections are made on the basis of what we know about bowel cancer, as well as the progress that has been made in the past. The goals should therefore be seen as a minimum objective for improving bowel cancer outcomes.

Achieving these goals will inform Bowel Cancer UK’s work over the next few years, helping us focus on what matters most to patients. We have developed several calls for action which, when implemented, will help even more people affected by bowel cancer and help us further improve the experience of people with bowel cancer.

Mortality

The past 25 years: Nearly half a million people in the UK died from bowel cancer in the past 25 years Our goal: An age-standardised mortality rate of 7, meaning 7 people out of a standard population of 100,000 dying from bowel cancer by 2025. This would mean that there would have been a 75% reduction in the age standardised mortality rate from 1987.

Our calls to action

Reducing the number of people who die as a result of bowel cancer will require improvements in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. We need to:

· Focus on preventing bowel cancer through simple changes to diet and lifestyle as these can reduce someone’s risk of developing bowel cancer.

· Improve diagnostic capacity with short waiting times. Endoscopy capacity should more than double over the next five years to cope with the growing demand created in part by a rise in incidence due to an ageing population.

· Encourage greater uptake of screening as it can prevent cancer for some people and ensure that others are diagnosed at an early stage.

· Implement new screening technologies and develop the next generation of screening tests so that we can maximise the number of cancers prevented and lives saved.

· Investigate the symptoms of bowel cancer. This must involve empowering and supporting GPs to refer people with possible symptoms properly.

· Raise public awareness of bowel cancer so people understand their risk and are motivated to act promptly.

· Ensure consistent best treatment for every patient irrespective of postcode.

Survival

The past 25 years: Until recently, the majority of people with bowel cancer had not survived five years after their diagnosis. Our goal: An additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025.

Our calls to action

Helping people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer to live longer will require improvements across the patient pathway, ensuring that patients are able to benefit from the best of what we already know, as well as the results of continuing efforts to develop more effective interventions. We need to:

· Detect, diagnose, prevent and manage bowel cancer at the earliest possible stage when interventions are most effective.

· Improve treatment rates and offer the most appropriate treatment for all groups in society. There are currently wide variations in the numbers of patients who are offered a choice of treatment, both across the UK and according to demographic group.

· Ensure access to and support in decision making about the best treatments for advanced cancer. This should be regardless of geographical area as it is now possible to significantly extend and improve quality of life.

· Improve bowel cancer patient safety by using good practice guidance on infection control.

· Help and support people to recover from treatment by developing appropriate services and interventions. This is including for the late effects of treatment.

· Provide high quality palliative care as a vital component to improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

· Improve data collection to understand more about what improves survival as well as why variations in survival occur.

· Continue and prioritise research into bowel cancer as this will have a significant impact on survival by 2025.

Patient Experience

The past 25 years: Overall, cancer patients’ experience of care has improved since 1999, but not in all areas. Our goal: All trusts achieving 98% on all key patient experience measures by 2025.

Our calls to action

A positive experience of treatment and care should be a minimum standard for every bowel cancer patient. More can and should be done. We need to:

· Expand access to bowel cancer clinical nurse specialists as they have a significant positive impact on the experience of cancer patients.

· Ensure strong multi-disciplinary working to ensure the best interests of the patient which in turn is the key to good patient experience.

· Ensure healthcare professionals communicate effectively and compassionately with patients about their condition and treatment.

· Improve the quality and consistency of written information given to patients with bowel cancer so they feel supported throughout the different stages of their pathway.

· Promote access to specialist supportive services, including diet and nutrition advice and stoma care as this can help with a patient’s experience of treatment and care.

· Ensure that joined up services are shaped around the needs of patients rather than the other way around.

Conclusion

Over the past quarter of a century, the way in which bowel cancer is perceived has been transformed. Public attitudes are changing, awareness is higher, screening offers the opportunity of earlier diagnosis and new treatments have transformed patients’ prospects. Although this is a cause for celebration, we must also remember the half a million people who have lost their lives to bowel cancer in the UK during this period and the many thousands more who have had their quality of life limited by the disease.

Now is not the time for complacency. It is the time to raise our ambitions. This document sets out some challenging but achievable goals for improving every dimension of bowel cancer outcomes, as well as the practical steps that need to be taken to meet them.

Blog 103 Thursday 12th April 2012

All went well yesterday with the removal of the Porta Cath albeit quite painful. As I was in as a day case surgery, the intention is to get the patient out as soon as possible. In less than two minutes my right side chest was shaved, spray frozen, daubed with iodine, and injected with anaesthetic, I was covered almost like a tent and the incision began. within fifteen minutes it was finished and sewn up. With the surgeon's wishes of not wanting to see me again (Meant in the best possible way) I was on my way home. When the anaesthetic wore off , Wow................... trying to sleep was a pain !!!!

Today I was so pleased to read the following article in our local paper for those that have suffered this particular cancer .......................................

NEW WAY TO PREDICT CANCER RETURNING           

Published on Thursday 12 April 2012 16:28 Kettering Evening Telegraph

Researchers have developed a new breast cancer test “that predicts whether or not their breast cancer will return after surgery”, The Daily Telegraph has today reported. The newspaper says the test may mean that thousands of women with a low risk of recurrence could be spared unnecessary chemotherapy.
The story is based on new research that compared an existing method for predicting cancer recurrence, the Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS), and an adapted version that also took other clinical data into account. To test this new method, called the “recurrence score-pathology-clinical assessment” (RSPC), researchers examined long-term study data on 1,444 women with early-stage, hormone-sensitive cancer that had not spread beyond the breast.
The researchers found that under the RSPC model, more patients were classified as being at low risk for disease recurrence compared to the original test. It did not, however, improve the ability to predict which patients would benefit from receiving chemotherapy. As such, the test should be considered “still in development” and not yet ready for use in practice. Its accuracy and ability to guide treatment choices will now need testing prospectively by applying the model to women with breast cancer before treatment and waiting to see if its results later prove to be accurate.

Read the full article HERE 

Blog 102 Tuesday 10th April 2012

Finally ......................I will be attending The Three Shires Hospital in Cliftonville Northampton tomorrow at 13.50 to remove the Porta Cath in my chest. The Porta Cath is a wonderful device is inserted completely under the skin via surgery and takes the Chemotherapy drugs without fear of infection. It can take approximately 1000 injections before it needs replacing.  I have been very fortunate having my Chemo at home via the above it made it all so easy. Having said that I haven't really got on with it, Its become quite sore and irritating especially when trying to sleep.The last remnants reminding me of the cancer and a journey that has lasted almost three years. My consultant for tomorrow is David A Ratliff MD FRCP FRCS Vascular, Laparoscopic and Endocrine Surgeon. My son Matthew & his galfriend Timone are safely back from Australia and will be driving me to/from hospital. I'm warned no driving for 48hours after the surgery............Brilliant !!!!!!Wendy will have to drive when we visit our friends Iain & Myra next weekend.

Blog 101 Wednesday 4th April 2012

Anyone who has previously read this blog will know, I have volunteered for Bowel Cancer UK. Unfortunately I missed the 2nd training session due to the recent loss of my father. Bowel Cancer UK volunteers attend events and give talks to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer, using statistics, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention. The volunteer is armed with leaflets with loads of information for good bowel health and also on the UK's screening programme. Bowel Cancer UK give you the facts about bowel cancer Telephone      0800 8 40 34 40         If, like me you are diagnosed early, bowel cancer is very treatable. What you must look out for is :-)

(1) Bleeding from your bottom and or blood in your poo. (2) A change in your bowel habits, lasting three weeks or more. (3) Unexplained weight loss. (4) Extreme tiredness for no reason. (5) A pain or lump in your tummy.

In my experience, I only had one of the above symptoms being, a change in my bowel habits. I had diarrhoea, which my doctor wrongly diagnosed as Irritable bowel syndrome. It still makes me angry, because, apparently I didn't fit the "profile" of someone that could have the early signs of cancer. (I was too young at 46) , my doctor at the time didn't bother with further tests. It took a doctor in Australia when we emigrated, to take things further and finally diagnose the disease.

Bowel Cancer UK warns of eating too much processed foods, ie bacon, ham,salami, sausages and burgers, and suggests that we should eat them as a treat only, as these foods could lead to bowel cancer. Studies from Sweden, also show that  just 50grams of processed meat a day raises the risk of pancreatic cancer by a fifth.  SO!!!!!!! I was amazed to read in
the Mail on Sunday "Review" paper that "Bacon can be good for you" by Zoe Dare HALL.

Be sure to read the bit that says  buy "Good-Quality Sausages"  "Made from Outdoor-Reared",  "Toxin-Free Pork" and which contain "90 per cent pork meat".  I'm sorry, but like the majority of British people, I do not shop at Harrods for my sausages !!! and reading the fine print on sausage packaging from supermarkets is becoming evermore problematic for me with age!!!!!

Zoe Dare HALL also quotes Rachel Green, of BBC3’s Kill It, Cook It, Eat It, who suggests that we buy from Farm Shops. Rachel says ..."I like to use more mature, flavoursome rare-breed porks such as Gloucestershire Old Spot or Tamworth."  We do not have the luxury of a farm shop selling such high end sausages in our area, but Zoe, I will try in Tesco and Morrisons for a laugh!!!!!!! I believe its headlines like that above that causes confusion amongst the majority and aimed at the minority who are demographically privileged.

Blog 100 Monday 26th March 2012

Never thought I would have enough to say for 100 blogs!! I've surpassed our Australian Trip with the amount of blogs and visitors. I was thinking that I would have to change the name of this blog from "Living with Bowel Cancer by....... " to "Surviving Bowel Cancer by......" but I have been informed that, officially, you are not a cancer "Survivor" until you are clear and non-recurrences of the disease for 5 years ................. in my last blog I stated that I will always be looking over my shoulder. I'm sure I was thinking along those lines.  I had a discussion some while ago with my hospital ward colleague Michael. Michael was saying that he looks to 3 years then 5 years as a survivor. I'm thinking even 3 years is a long time to think about whether I'm still clear or not, so even if it's in the back of my mind, I shall not attach any length of time. I shall be grateful of all the additional time I have, to see my sons and daughter grow.

Beautiful warm and sunny weather in UK presently, like last year March / April  then we had a rubbish summer. Matthew and girlfriend Timone have landed in Sydney Australia today for a few weeks holiday. Spoke on Free Skype, its a wonderful tool.....  

Blog 99 Friday 23rd March 2012

Contemplating my fathers funeral two days ago, one thing will always stay with me in my thoughts of that day. My fathers coffin was draped in the "Union Flag", I'm not sure why I was surprised, as he fought his way through the 2nd world war in the desert rats. It made me very proud that this was almost a final thank you to him for what he had endured all those years ago. My Dad sometimes enjoyed a Whiskey (or two) and I made sure I had a Whiskey (or two) after his funeral, in the memory of a very great man. Paul McCartney and Wings song "Picasso's last words" came to mind.

The grand old painter died last night
His painting' s on the wall
Before he went, he bade us well
And said goodnight to us all
Drink to me, drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more
Drink to me, drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more

........................................................and finally ...............on our return home; a letter from Mr Ratliff's secretary from  the Three Shires hospital in Northampton was waiting for me. It was concerning my Porta Cath. My Porta Cath will be removed on the 11th April, day surgery and home the same day ..........Yeeeaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh  !!!!!!!

Blog 98 Friday 16th March 2012

With the passing of Janice in January, my first wife and mother of my three sons,  and the passing of my father this month, the year 2012 so far, has not been good. My news of being given the "All Clear" has been a bit of an anti climax. I am relieved and pleased obviously, but no celebrations. Its Mothers day on Sunday 18th March (In UK) but what must my sons be going through and feeling when they see all the Mothers Day gifts and cards in the shops, and what do I give my mother?, just a few days before my fathers funeral on the 21st March .......... Wendy and I have sent flowers to my mother for Mothers Day as a gesture and we will be thinking of her, but I'm sure she will not be celebrating or thinking of herself.

It is the family wish, that any donations, in place of flowers go to  St Dunstans . Dad was registered blind for a number of years and St Dunstans, which is a charity for visually impaired veterans, helped and supported in many ways.

Tomorrow at 10am,  I visit my Oncologist at the Three Shires in Northampton, hopefully for the last time.. Dr Craig MacMillan has been very good over the course of the last six months chemotherapy.  Arrangements will be made by Dr MacMillan to remove my Porta Cath which will signal the final demise of the Cancer that has invaded me, and finally I can say "I have kicked cancer's butt"......................but I'm sure I will always be looking over my shoulder.        

Blog 97 Tuesday 13th March 2012

I believe this has got to be the ultimate, "I've got good news and bad news" story. I always ask for the "bad news" first when it is presented in this way. The bad news, as Wendy wrote my father passed last Saturday,  I had seen him over the last couple of weeks and had sat by him for a while in his last hours his funeral is Wednesday 21st March.

The "good news" is that my appointment with Mr Waller was all positive and I have been given the all clear from the recent CT scan. My son Jonathan, turned up out of the blue yesterday, and it was nice that he came to the hospital with Wendy and I.

It feels like a weight has been lifted and am able to get on with my life without that dreaded "What If" feeling. Thanks for all the well wishes received and support over the last few months. I would like to continue with the blog and record any cancer related stories and information. I would love to hear from my followers of the blog in the 29 different countries or if you have a related story to tell.     

Blog 96 Saturday 10 March 2012

Wendy's Blog

Sad news, John's dad, my father in law, passed away this morning. Although this was not unexpected it still comes as a shock when you hear the news. Thankfully John went down yesterday so was able to give his support to his mum, sisters and brother. It is never easy saying goodbye to a loved one, but when you see them in pain and suffering it makes it easier to know that they are no longer suffering.

At 93 Vic had been blessed with a wonderful wife who he was married to for 63 years, 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grand children. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to share a whiskey with John. He loved nothing more than having a house full of people and so for many years all family parties where held there. It won't be the same now.

Music by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory---
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken,
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.

We have wonderful memories of a wonderful man. Rest in Peace Dad and Grandad xxxx


Hope's Blog

I'm really sad for my grandad and just to let you know i'm 9years old. I was really upset this morning and I couldn't stop crying. My Grandad was a Husband, Dad, Brother,Great Grandad and Grandad and who ever we were we all loved him for who he was. He's really lucky because he died aged 93 so thats really good but he was in a lot of pain and I'm sure he feels really good now and that he can see and hear properly. I just want to say SORRY!!! Granny and Daddy xx

Blog 95 Thursday 8th March 2012

Only a few days left to the 13th and the results of my scan. Am I superstitious? No,........... I was born on the 13th, and the 13th has been very kind to me over the years! so, "no worries" there. I am however not good at waiting.......................... I shall be spending some time this weekend with my father, as previously mentioned, he is no longer mobile, he sleeps most of the time is not eating much, and only takes small amounts of fluid. He has a mass growing in his stomach, which is believed to be a tumour but will not be attended to due to dads age. From my point of view I would like to know what it is, as every doctor or surgeon that I speak to, asks if there is any cancer in the immediate family,............. I've always replied to  the negative.

Eat well, avoid processed foods, don't stress and be positive.!!

Blog 94 Tuesday 6th March 2012

Yesterday, I attended at The Leicester Spire Hospital for my CT Scan. The CT scan was ordered by my Thoracic Surgeon to confirm, or otherwise that the Chemotherapy has worked! As usual, the back to front gown didn't fit, and a white dressing gown, given to hide my embarrassment, was also a few sizes to small. The staff were not equipped to use  my Porta Cath for the injection of Iodine contrast, so a canulla was fitted in my right arm "Just a small scratch"...............Why do they say that? its not, and it hurts like hell !!! When fitted up with the injection via canulla the machine takes over and injects automatically at the precise time. My thoughts turn to the lethal injection on death row as seen in many US movies, the mechanism must be the same. Why did I think about that ?? It was all over very quickly. Now, a six day wait for the scan results. Today I went for my reflexology by Integrated Cancer Therapies as previously blogged, a charity that caters for cancer patients in  Northamptonshire. Wow what a relaxation!!. and has gone a long way to bringing back the feeling I had lost in the soles of my feet through the side effects of the Chemotherapy.

Blog 93 Friday 2nd March 2012

Only a few days to go before my CT Scan. My Oncologist, Mr MacMillan, is superstitious about removal of my Porta Cath until after the results. I can't wait to have it removed as its starting to bother me. It tends to pull on the vein its connected to in my neck. Its all very hygienic and hidden under the skin, but it does feel a bit like an alien sitting there as its quite a lump!

The Porta Cath

Yesterday, I completed the first training with Bowel Cancer UK's  Claire and Eimear The training session was in Southwark, London SE1. Next session on 21st March.

 I have been amazed at the amount of people I have reached via this blog in 28 different countries! so volunteering for Bowel Cancer UK I will be able to spread the word even further. "Get yourself checked" " If you receive a Bowel Cancer screening test kit USE IT!! do not be one of the 48% that do not send it back !!! see cancer screening nhs remember Early diagnosis is the key!!!!!

Blog 92 Monday 27th February 2012

I have found I have lots more energy this weekend Maybe because its my last Chemo session and I'm on a high. I have completed my forms to volunteer for Bowel Cancer UK and on Saturday helped set up Corby Open, exhibition. After a few hours the old Corby library was transformed, thanks to many volunteers. Sunday, I spent most of the day clearing out the garage ready to repair large sections of roof when the weather gets better. My newly found energy is "All in the mind" as keeping busy is a ploy to winding down the clock before the 5th March, when I attend for my CT Scan. Then a nail biting wait for the results !!  Today I volunteered to spend 3 hours at the Corby Open exhibition, cleaning the windows. I have dates that I am to attend for my Community Awareness  training with Bowel Cancer UK.

Again today, I spoke with a person that, like me, had been mis-diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Its shocking how many people have the same story!!!!  

Blog 91 Thursday 23rd February 2012

I received a call back from my Thoracic Surgeon Mr Waller (Blog 90) He couldn't see me until 29th Feb so I thought I would leave it and see what happens to the pain in my left side and ribs over the next few days . I ended up last night going to the doctor on call service at 23.30. The surgery was full of tired looking Mums, babies and young children. I was eventually seen at 01.00 this morning. The doctor was unable to diagnose the problem and suggested I wait for my CT Scan on 5th March !! I was prescribed pain killers and sent packing a bit of a waste of time, but I've been saying to everyone "Early Diagnosis" is the key !!

Today my Chemotherapy sessions conclude with the removal of the Chemo Folfuser, hopefully for the last time ever, GMT 10.00 am, no celebration until after the scan though. As previously blogged it is imperative that when going through the cancer journey, you stay positive, make plans for the future, keep active and eat healthy. Wendy and I are planning a Road Trip across America for next year East to West Coast !!! Based on our trip around Australia    http://naisbit.blogspot.com/  it should be great fun and will be asking for advice from our blog followers in America, to ensure we see some great "outdoors"

Blog 90 Tuesday 21st February 2012

My Chemotherapy journey started in September 2011 (Blog 36) and here I am contemplating my last session over the next two days I am looking forward to Getting my life back on track as a Cancer Survivor . Since being hooked up this morning I have had enforced sleeps on and off. I have also developed some pain in the left side of my ribs, on the site of my previous (July 2011) chest operation. My nurse in attendance told me to contact Mr Waller my Thoracic surgeon. I am waiting for a call back, as my next appointment with Mr Waller is not until March 13th' I don't feel I should wait. My CT Scan is March 5th (fingers crossed) but the results are not until 13th March at the time of the Mr Waller appointment.  Please check out this website and pass it on its got some good articles on healthy eating for cancer patients, early diagnosis and lots more  http://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/index.aspx

Wendy's Blog

It is John's last week of chemo, thank goodness for that. When we started on this journey the end looked so far away, quite daunting really. I think it was more the unknown, we have heard all different horror stories about chemo and cancer and it was this that was at the back of our minds.

Well it wasn't as bad as we imagined apart from a short stay in hospital it has been relatively un eventful....fantastic. We have been extremely blessed that it has gone so smoothly and it is in a large part down to John's positive outlook and determination to continue with day to day tasks. Yes he has been tired  and occasionally a bit down but he woke up each day and dealt with each day as they came, with his positive attitude.

I am proud of John and the way he has dealt with this hurdle in his life.....well done love!

Blog 89 Saturday 18th February 2012

Twelfth and final Chemotherapy session starts this week, Tuesday 21st February, I have already had the telephone call from the nurses confirming my appointments for next week for taking bloods and Chemotherapy sessions start times, now looking forward to the end. I can't wait to get to the CT scan following my treatment, I feel my life is a little bit on hold until I get these results.

Wendy was owed some leave, so we have taken a few days out. My father, who is 93 years young is not very well and has confined himself to bed !! so we took the opportunity to visit the south coast for a few days, staying with our friends Bill & Trish (Thanks once again you guys). My father has some kind of mass growing in his stomach but this will not be investigated due to his age. He is quite perky when not sleeping and can still hold a conversation but soon drops of to sleep after. He is being well looked after by my Mum and Sister.

Lots of mentions by people having seen the television campaign for Bowel Cancer it has obviously got the message out there.  I have previously blogged that it is important to keep oneself busy during these times. With this in mind, I recently entered some of my artworks (Pastel & Chalk) into a local request for works to be exhibited in  http://corbyopen.yolasite.com/ originally set up to show local artists work, it was calling for works to be sent for consideration. Out of three submitted, I was successful with one, a picture of a charging elephant !!! inspired by my trip to Addo elephant park in South Africa many years ago. I have also volunteered to help set up the exhibition. It should keep me out of mischief for a few days and pass the time waiting for my scan and surgeon appointment!!!

Blog 88 Friday 10th February 2012

Heavy snow again overnight in the Midlands. Hope and I will be out tobogganing later, after her school. Its school holidays next week so will be looking for things to do for her.. Wendy has ventured into London by train today for a works meeting. I took great delight taking photos of her clearing her car of snow so she can drive to the station. Our Labrador, "Jack" just wants to get out into the white stuff and chase squirrel's. I have finished my penultimate chemotherapy session and feel totally washed out. I have managed to sleep this time which is a bonus!! my head feels full of cotton wool as if I have a heavy cold,  I read somewhere that you never know when a Taurean is sad or depressed, but this week has seen me quite depressed. I'm not sure why. I think I just need some sunshine.
I have booked my free sessions with  Integrated Cancer Therapies reflexology, etc for next Monday. I found out about these free sessions via my nurse. Integrated Cancer Therapies is  a registered charity for cancer sufferers that live in Northamptonshire, perfect!!! Two weeks time my final Chemotherapy session and then CT scan to check how successful the treatment has been.........here's hoping

I have to include this link in my blog as I want everyone to check it out from Cancer research UK please click on the link and watch the video.

Blog 87 Tuesday 7th February 2012

Today is the 11th Chemotherapy session and it is all boringly normal. I have been fitted with the Folfuser Fluorouracil to be infused over the next 46 hours. The warning on the bottle is very clear
"Cytotoxic - handle with care" I am extremely pleased that I have had the opportunity of the Chemotherapy, but boy, will I be glad when it is over! If I can give any advice, for anyone starting on this journey, for the first time, Don't fret, the sessions come around and go very quickly. You will get some or most of the side effects that you will read about, there's lots of information out there of how to deal with this. Take a loved one with you when attending appointments, especially the Oncologist. I got into the habit, of asking the Oncologist to write down the name of drugs, treatments and any information that I didn't understand. I then looked it up on line to understand fully. Stay active and positive...... I have got into a routine of regularly walking the dog, in different locations. I have started a small business, business plan, marketing plan, website, flyer's, business cards, targeting business. All the information is available on-line or library. I have also started to decorate the hallway !!!!! (I was pressurised to do that).
But above all remember each session is doing you good......................and there is a lot of available support out there, write a blog its great hearing from others, join Twitter............... I have learnt there is a lot of people out there far worst of than me.......................

Blog 86 Saturday 4th February 2012

I have recently discovered that anyone suffering from cancer who live in Northamptonshire, can receive free of charge integrated cancer therapy's such as aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, therapeutic touch, reflexology, hypnotherapy and tai chi (chi kung)

Integrated Cancer Therapies is a registered charity specialising in delivering complementary therapy to people with cancer living in Northamptonshire. They are a team of fully qualified and insured therapists with over 25 years collective experience in treating cancer patients. Their purpose is to improve the well-being of people with cancer by providing holistic care using evidence based complementary therapies. The delivery of this service will rely upon charitable funding and voluntary donations. I know where I will be next week !!!! I am secretly hoping that the therapy's will help with the numbness experienced across my left side chest following my lung operation  and the numbness in my feet from the Oxaliplatin drug. I shall also ask about the Tinnitus in my ears since the Oxaliplatin drug.................... Or  I shall just lay back and enjoy !!!  I am hoping by highlighting this service that, maybe, you will have a similar service where you live, for you, or any cancer sufferer that you may know. I'm sure this cannot be unique to Northamptonshire please let me know if you have a similar service, or any other service for cancer sufferers in your City. I will then include any in my blog to assist others. I am starting my 11th and second to last Chemotherapy session next week 7th Feb until 10th Feb. Bloods will be taken on the 6th Feb. Its bitterly cold in Northamptonshire today, last night was reported as minus -10degrees,  and its currently snowing roll on summer!!!!!!!!!! 

Wendy's Blog

I cannot believe that with all the vitamins and berocca that I have been taking to ward off all sickness, so John is not exposed to any bugs, and what happens I get sick! I am full of cold, sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, cold and miserable. I just hope that John does not get infected, it would be very cruel if he gets sick when he only has two more chemo's to go.

I have a very busy week next week, visits to Birmingham, Grimsby, Manchester and London and then 4 days off the week after next, what to do, it would be nice to get away but John has been stripping the hall way to decorate so I imagine that is what we will be doing!

He likes to potter about the house keeping himself busy. I am pleased that he does not work because  when it gets a bit much he can sleep or just relax. Let us just hope that he doesn't catch what I have got.

Blog 85 Monday 30 January 2012

The trouble with Chemotherapy is that you don't actually know the good its doing, you can only experience the bad through the side effects and symptoms. I can actually feel the harm the drugs are doing to my body, through loss of feeling in my hands and feet, tinnitus in my ears nausea, headaches and constant nose bleeds, but the hope is that the drugs are fighting for you. My friend Michael whom I met in the Spire Leicester hospital, has been through three bouts of 12 sessions of chemotherapy some few years apart, but each time, the cancer has returned in different parts of his body. But It is also about prolonging ones life, which has worked for Michael, he is a very pleasant man with a good sense of humour and is always encouraging and supportive when discussing our situation. I have realised that there are lots of campaigns out there trying to get the message across regarding early diagnosis of cancer it was on the 5 o'clock news today, it is always being featured in the Sunday Papers as individual personal stories. Its in various magazines Corporate and others and as featured in my blog on Saturday its even in the retired policemans magazine !!!! It sounds as if that could be turned into one of those jokes about "The Policemans Ball"

I have often wondered if my years in the Police Service may have contributed to my contracting cancer, eating take away junk on almost every nightshift, quick changeover shifts very little or no sleep with a few pints in between, long hours in police vans and cars, the basic lethargy of the meandering courts system, and the daily stress of witnesing our fellow man destroying himself and others.  

Blog 84 Saturday 28th January 2012

A few blogs ago (Blog 79) I mentioned that the food service industry is spreading the word of healthy eating and I included links to an article on "Poor Diet raises Cancer Risk". The article by Cancer Research UK was based on risks highlighted in the British Journal of Cancer specifically targeting processed foods.

Today, I was very pleased to receive an article from an "old" police chum, Iain. The article had appeared in the NARPO magazine. (National Association of Retired Police Officers) and it included a link to a campaign called "One Click" http://www.bowelcancer.tv/oneclickcampaign/

It is so good to see that, once more, we can spread the word, the article is written by Geoff Stuttaford, the secretary Health & Safety Committee, Police Federation England and Wales. Geoff was invited by Lynn Fauld Wood to attend the House of Lords, for a summit on bowel cancer. Lynn is a cancer survivor and was once a TV presenter for Watchdog. It appears from her story, that Lynn suffered rectal bleeding and was diagnosed as suffering piles. Lynn later found she had bowel cancer at an advanced stage. See Lynns story on You Tube.  As previously blogged, I was diagnosed with "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" and later after colonoscopy discovered I had an advanced stage of bowel cancer which has since spread to my lungs. Once again the story is early diagnosis saves lives

Please click on the "One Click" link above  and than check out  http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/spotcancerearly/cancersignandsymptoms/

Blog 83 Thursday 26th January 2012

Today, Janice said goodbye to everyone, in a fitting tribute to her life. She was the only person smiling  at the St Mary's Church, Lower Heyford congregation. Janice was smiling from the photos, projecting from a screen, of her, meticulously prepared by Jonathan, our eldest son, from her early years, to her teen years and on to motherhood. It was a fitting way to remember her. Janice, the person that had been overwhelmed by cancer, which eventually took her life, was not the same person, smiling down from the screen and will always be remembered in that way, by all, and especially, in the hearts of my sons.

The church was packed with family and friends, George, Jan's dad. Jane, Jan's boss. Anita, Jan's friend from South Africa and Jonathan gave tributes.   The choir sang, and a reading from the bible John 14:1-6 was given spoken by the minister.  Music chosen by Janice "You raise me up" by Josh Groban and Jonathan chose "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins, played. Janice kept smiling throughout the proceedings from the photos being portrayed on the screen and from the, 'order of service' prepared leaflets. Back at the house after the ceremony, quiet reflection.....and a chance to catch up with all the people not seen for many years...............As I left to return home, heavy snow started to fall and stayed with me for my journey. I felt for the family and friends starting their long journeys home.

To my sons.... Your mum wants you to remember her smiling this way and she will always be in your hearts. You should never of experienced this pain at your tender years but it will make you stronger, we all love and support you.............................................Dad x      

Hope's blog

Its really sad that my brothers mummy has passed on but she still lives in our hearts and always will do. Its really hard for me as I am only 9 years of age but we all have to go through those hoops of life. I cried my eyes out when I heard what had happened, I did kind of expect it because I had got told before and then to I was really sad. I'm just glad daddy's all better and wont end up like my brothers mummy.  Love Hope

Blog 82 Tuesday 24th January 2012

Chemo session 10 currently underway, not much I can do apart from write the blog and watch daytime television, occasionally complying with instructions from the nurse and watch the iv slowly do its thing. Its all remarkably uneventful now for the good its doing.  My appointment to the Oncologist last evening was also pretty normal, bloods are good and treatment is going well. Perhaps its because I'm fearing the worst that everything seems a bit dull, or that possibly I'm over these treatments now and can't wait till the twelfth and last one. 

I shall be attending Janice's funeral and celebration of life on Thursday and pray this will bring some closure to my sons. It has not been a good start to 2012 for them and hopefully after Thursday they will be able to look forward once again 

Blog 81 Monday 23rd January 2012

Janice's "Celebration of Life" will be held on Thursday afternoon this week.

This morning I have had two sets of Bloods taken by the nurse from the, at  home service, one set was as a result of my appointment with my Bowel cancer surgeon, El Rabaa last week and the other is the normal set taken prior to my chemotherapy tomorrow. I find it strange in this day and age that the results of one blood test cannot be viewed by the surgeon wanting the same results albeit in different towns but in the same county.

This is my 10th Chemotherapy session, which finishes on Thursday morning . I  have also got an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr MacMillan this afternoon, where I can discuss the Tinnitus, which is still plaguing me after the Oxaliplatin drug was removed, also I seem to be coming out in some weird looking deep purple marks on my skin, which needs to be identified and discussed.

At the end of my chemotherapy in March this year I have the option of keeping, or removing the "Porta Cath"  which has been inserted into my chest especially for the chemotherapy needles. I heard today that if I keep the Porta Cath, I will need the nurse to attend every week to 'flush' the system through.  It may not be my decision, but I would rather have it removed. Dr Ratliff was the surgeon that inserted the Porta Cath at the 'Three Shires Hospital' in Leicester and I assume in consultation with my Oncologist the deciding factor will be with the results of the final CT Scan......... 

Blog 80 Thursday 19th January 2012

At 04.15 today Janice passed away..............my former wife of fifteen years and fantastic mother to my three sons,  has been overwhelmed by cancer, as much as this was expected it is a shock when the news comes of a close friend taken this way. My thoughts are for my sons....................and Janice, who now rests in peace after this battle....................    

Blog 79 Wednesday 18th January 2012

Wendy has been involved in catering for majority of her working life. Some years ago was caught up in the hype, when a certain British Chef highlighted the poor nutritional standards in schools. At this time Wendy was responsible for the catering at 253 primary schools, working for a national company on the south coast and was very aware of the problem, but had already taken great steps to alter the nutritional value of the food being offered. Wendy now is responsible for 15 secondary school catering  contracts and facing ever increasing pressure on budgets, government nutrition and food based standards, sourcing and school councils, whilst trying to improve school meal uptake and deliver catering to strict contract conditions.

Having said all that, I was very pleased to see in Wendy's "Cost Sector Catering"a magazine for the food service industry, an article on processed meats which suggests that it increases the risk of bowel cancer and supports an article on "Poor Diet raises Cancer Risk". This article by Cancer Research UK was based on risks highlighted in the British Journal of Cancer. It reports that nearly half of the cases of cancer diagnosed in the UK each year are caused by our lifestyle choices. It is reported that about 100,000 (34%) of UK Cancers are linked to unhealthy diet, carrying too much weight, smoking and alcohol abuse. We all knew the link between smoking and lung cancer but in breast cancer nearly 10th of the risk comes from being overweight or obese.With gullet cancer, half of the risk comes from eating too little fruit and veg and for stomach cancer the data suggests that too much salt in the diet accounts for a fifth of the risk.

"Leading a healthy lifestyle does not guarantee a person will not get cancer, but the study shows we can significantly stack the odds in our favour" ... Dr Harpal Kumar chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

I'm glad to see the food service industry is also banging on about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices throughout their industry..........................

Blog 78 Saturday 14th January 2012

Yesterday I took my three sons out to a pub lunch in the Oxfordshire countryside, it is very rare that I get the opportunity to have all three boys together as they are always working or have other commitments.  The conversation during lunch was all about their Mum, Janice. Janice is extremely poorly suffering from cancer and the after effects of the chemotherapy regime that she has been subjected to in the past few weeks. Jan's Chemotherapy is no longer working and no longer an option and she has now been moved from the NHS hospital in Oxford to a hospice nearby. From what my sons tell me the hospice offers a much better environment for their mum, than that of the busy hospital ward that she was on. Jan's dad, George and Sue are over from South Africa and her brother, Graham, and Gail are over from Australia. Janice, my sons,  and the family, are aware that the consultants have given a limited time to Janice.......... I feel so sad for all, especially for Janice and my sons enduring this travesty. Wendy and I, have continually offered support to the boys during this last few weeks and was glad of a few hours with them yesterday ..............this is such a difficult and traumatic time for them and all involved.   

Blog 77 Wednesday 11th January 2012

Elated that I am 2nd day into 9th treatment. Sunny and warm in the Midlands. Only had about 2 hours sleep last night which is usual for this stage of treatment. I was concerned at the blood results that came back as my liver function and kidney function tests were the worst since treatment has started, I also developed a pain in the general area of my kidneys. As usual the nurse was onto it straight away and sent the information directly to my Oncologist. Yes Yes Yes I am drinking pints of water to flush the system which is a must during the 48hr toxic drugs infusion.

During my bowel operation the surgeon took photographs of my Liver, Kidneys  and various other organs, including an apparent hernia that I did not know I had. On discussion after the surgery, My surgeon stated I had the Liver of a young man being very healthy looking and beautiful shape and colour, and said that I could start drinking alcohol. Wendy's jaw hit the floor and tore a strip of this young upstart of a surgeon stating her husband does not need any encouragement to drink alcohol!!!!!.
(warning pictures to follow)

I have met several sufferers that have had the cancer go from Bowel to Liver then Lungs for some reason mine missed the Liver ......for now.......... probably because my liver was infused with Cabernet  Sav.

Today I put a link on Twitter to  http://www.oncologynews.biz/latest.html Its got some good articles on Bowel, Breast and Prostate cancer research. It can get a bit Techy in places but behind the doctor speak very informative and shows how clever and committed these surgeons, professor's and doctors
are...........

Hope's blog!!!

Daddy does  alot for me so Iv'e decided to write him a poem shhhhhhhhhhhh.

Daddy daddy cleans all day, he does the dishes and shouts hooray, he goes upstairs and closes the door, he snoozes until half past 4, he comes downstairs feeling nice and bright and I say daddy you slept all night!
                         by Hope

Blog 76 Saturday 7th January 2012

Ninth Chemo session on the 9th. My Ninth session is starting next week and I seem to be flying through them. I will be finished this session on Friday 13th January, then it will be the last two sessions to look forward to. As daunting as the prospect was of  going through Twelve weeks of Chemotherapy, I have found the side effects have been manageable, with all the drugs that have been administered to help. Originally, I found not being able to sleep at night was the worst and the pain of the reflux, both of these and the nausea have been managed well by my Oncologist and nurses. I have had my really bad days and nights and mentally every treatment has been challenging. Wendy has supported me throughout, it would have been very easy to fall into a spiral of "What Ifs"  had it not been for her.

I have taken inspiration from the various articles that I have read and the persons that have contacted me via this blog and Twitter as well as the many well wishers and family prayers. I have a CT Scan arranged towards the end of the treatment in February which I'm hopeful of good news.

Blog 75 Wednesday 4th January 2012

Today has been extremely emotional, unexpected news as a dear friend suffers, so many lives young and old affected, loving family expectations........ dashed and shredded, fears abound, emotions we cannot quantify and thoughts on hold............   

Blog 74 Monday 2nd January 2012

Wendy's Blog

On the 6th January 2004 we said goodbye to our baby that we never knew. Our Angel was cremated at Worthing Crematorium. We lost our baby at 20 weeks, it wasn't until we were going through this that I found out that I new a lot of people that had had miscarriages. It isn't until you are experiencing something that you find out that you are not alone.

John has just read a blog that he found on a follower that has just joined him on twitter. This is about a little boy also with cancer. John doesn't cry very often, and has being quite stoical about what he is going through, but hearing about a child with cancer is something that stirs the deepest emotions.

Hope our daughter, asked me the other day what is my biggest fear, instead of  answering straight away I asked her what hers was? She said "dying". Our nine year old is growing up so quickly by circumstances beyond our control. My answer to her " None of us knows when it will be our time, only the Lord knows that, but we mustn't be scared of dying because when it is our time we will join him in Heaven."

Hope was satisfied with that answer but asked again what mine was......."Not being able to protect you."

I think that is why when you read about a child with cancer your heart breaks!!!

Blog 73 Sunday 1st January 2012

Only yesterday I blogged that I had been incorrectly diagnosed with IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome. prior to my diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Today an article appeared in the "Mail on Sunday" Review paper, concerning a very brave lady called Judith McGuinness, a mother of two, who in her 50's started getting symptoms not unlike IBS for which she had been diagnosed previously and thought this was another bout. Judith made the mistake of not seeing her GP  on this occasion. Three years later Judith knows she will die from bowel cancer.

Each year 40,000 Britons are diagnosed with Bowel Cancer and the disease claims 16,000 lives. Judith had the symptoms two years before being diagnosed with bowel cancer. I was diagnosed with IBS a lot earlier, and was not offered any follow up from the GP. It was only after a Colonoscopy that Judith after two years was informed that she had T4 cancer . This basically means the cancer had spread to other organs. Bowel cancer can spread anywhere but normally to Liver and Lungs. I had originally been told by the colorectal surgeon that I had T2 stage cancer and did not need chemotherapy as it was unlikely to have spread. Now following an operation for secondary cancer in my lungs confirms it had. Unfortunately Judith had discovered the tumor too late and the cancer has spread to other parts including lungs and liver. Judith has finished off her story by saying Quote ....."I just hope my experience acts as a warning to other IBS sufferers to be aware that changes in their bowel habits could mean they have cancer..." Unquote.............. I whole heartedly endorse that.

It can be seen from my situation and Judith's that age 50's is a critical time. In Scotland everyone gets a test kit at 50 years of age  to test for blood in the stools whilst incredibly you have to wait to 60 years in England or Wales.     Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, called on the Government to lower the current screening age from 60 to 50 after a major study found the disease is far more common in men in their early 50s than previously thought................................

Blog 72 Saturday 31st December 2011

Yesterday marked the end of my 8th Chemo session. I was in a forced sleep on and off  most of the day and in a constant state of nausea, despite taking the prescribed anti-nausea drugs. My thoughts yesterday for most of the time was with my sons and their mum Janice. As previously blogged, Janice my first wife is currently going through Chemotherapy and having a very difficult time with the side effects. She has been particularly effected lately, which left her unable to attend my eldest sons wedding reception on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Janice was able to attend the church service. My sons lives are hectic, all in their 20's work in retail and the long hours that brings. They should not have the added pressure & worry about both their parents fighting cancer. Again, I consider myself lucky I still have both parents my father just celebrated his 93rd birthday !!

I have had a considerable response to my blog in 2011 given the cluster map visitations / locations over 3,000 page reviews and 22 countries and I thank you all for that.

If I can get just one message out there for 2012 it is from my previous blog 55. If you are over 45 years of age,  get yourself checked for bowel cancer,  that's when it started with me, although I was diagnosed incorrectly with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, at this time. Get a colonoscopy!!! Guy's get yer undercarriage checked, Prostate cancer kills a man every hour in the UK !!!! Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men and is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 44.

Ladies in my blog today and previously I mentioned that my first wife is being seriously effected by cancer this all started in her early fifties this has also devastated my three sons and family. Early diagnosis is vital to effective treatment.

Please check out the interactive  Cancer research UK website for signs and symptoms for early diagnosis.

I am wishing and praying for a Happy and Healthy New Year to you all.

Blog 71 Thursday 29th December 2011

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Long-Term Survivors of Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study - Courtesy of "The Oncolgist" magazine.

Background. The number of long-term colorectal cancer survivors is increasing. Cancer and its treatment can cause physical and psychological complications, but little is known about how it impacts quality of life (QOL) over the long term—5, 10, and 15 years after diagnosis.

Methods. Cancer survivors were randomly selected from three tumor registries in France, diagnosed in 1990 (±1 year), 1995 (±1 year), and 2000 (±1 year). Controls were randomly selected from electoral rolls, stratifying on gender, age group, and residence area. Participants completed two QOL questionnaires, a fatigue questionnaire, an anxiety questionnaire, and a life conditions questionnaire. An analysis of variance was used to compare QOL scores of cancer survivors by period of diagnosis (5, 10, and 15 years) with those of controls.                  

Results. We included 344 colon cancer and 198 rectal cancer survivors and 1,181 controls. In a global analysis, survivors reported a statistically and clinically significant lower score in social functioning 5 years after diagnosis and higher scores in diarrhea symptoms 5 and 10 years after diagnosis. In subgroup analyses, rectal cancer affected QOL in the physical dimensions at 5 years and in the fatigue dimensions at 5 and 10 years.

Conclusion. Survivors of colorectal cancer may experience the effects of cancer and its treatment up to 10 years after diagnosis, particularly for rectal cancer. Clinicians, psychologists, and social workers must pay special attention to rectal cancer survivors to improve overall management...........  How this relates to me is , I had a total of 29cms of my bowel removed which included the colon and rectum I am one of the luckier persons that was saved from having to use a colostomy bag. My quality of life is affected by the continuing diarrhoea  as mentioned above but I have learnt the locations of every public toilet in southern england!!!!!

Chemotherapy started a day later this week due to the Christmas break so I should be finishing today but alas, will not be disconnected until tomorrow about 11am. Woke up at 2am this morning then couldn't sleep. I was getting the normal symptoms, but hey, today is the day all the recycling and rubbish is removed. I set about compacting the recycling of all the Christmas gift boxes and wrapping paper. Removed all the packaging and rubbish that could not be recycled, and completed the composting of the veggies that had not survived. MMmmmmmmm its now 02.45 what next? Now wide awake, I set about clearing up the house (downstairs) whilst the family slept upstairs, dishwasher was thumping away, washing machine churning, dryer tumbling. Its now 03.25 There must be something wrong with the clock! I sent a couple of emails complaining to BHS (British Home Stores) on their on-line returns policy that does not work then I set about reading The Oncologist magazine on-line. Some very interesting articles. I wasn't surprised, when Wendy came down to find out what all the noise was!!!!!!