What happened at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday 25th was rather more than a biopsy, because a bladder cancer tumour was removed. The process was very smooth and didn’t last more than an hour. Care and attention during several hours recovery time involved a nurse beside my side full time monitoring progress. I was in fact kept in for two nights which was most apposite because a very painful blood clot developed and was dealt with immediately by attendant urologists. For the next two days care was irreproachable, given by teams of knowledgable professionals from all over the world. This made me realise that the NHS really could not function without its immigrants. Apart from the occasional difficulties with accents communication with me and with each other was very clear and patient.
It was, of course, very difficult to sleep in such a noisy environment when we were constantly woken for checks – but that is life in hospital.
The next stage is to be a discussion of the team with the pathologist to establish how far and how deep the tumour had extended and what else, if anything needs to be done. I will be given another appointment in 3-4 weeks.
Ian joined us this afternoon when we all continued a mixture of each doing our own things and enjoying convivial conversation.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s wholesome cottage pie; very tasty Brussels sprouts; crunchy carrots; firm broccoli and cauliflower.
Thank you for the health status update, Derrick. I’m glad that you’re getting such good care. It makes all the difference.
Much appreciated, Liz
Sounds like the procedure was successful Derrick and hopefully you will be back to normal duties soon … all the best my friend ????
Thank you so much, Ivor
Thank you for sharing your health status. All of your blog friends, I’m sure, have been most anxious. I’m glad you had such good health care, and I like that you pointed out the international team. Rest and take care, Derrick. xx
Much appreciated, Merril XX
Exemplary care Derrick. Hopefully you are not in too much discomfort <3
Thank you so much, Sandra. XX
Derrick, I am so glad that your procedure went smoothly! Sometimes I wish we had an NHS over here. I’ve endured those terrible nights in the hospital too, never fun!
Thank you so much, John
You’re welcome, Derrick. ????????
Thanks for keeping us informed. Glad the care has been so good.
Thanks very much, Peggy
I’m so happy you are getting such good care!
Please just take it easy and rest. Everything else can wait.
We care about you and want you healthy!
Continued ❤️❤️, prayers, bestest wishes, and (((HUGS))) for both you and Jackie!!
Thank you very much from each of us, Carolyn XX
I am pleased that the operation went well and that the care was good. This election reminds us that we cannot take these things for granted. I hope that you recover well from what must have been quite a shock to mind and body alike.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
Good to hear your NHS is flourishing and that you had excellent care. Now to rest and be back among nature again. Go well…
Thank you very much, Catherine
All the best to you, Derrick. Good health, easy treatments and a quality life of love and laughter.
Thank you so much, Zakiah
Thank goodness that this was spotted and removed. My very best wishes to both you and Jackie.
We need to fight to keep our NHS
Thank you very much, from both of us, Kim
Hi, Derrick – I am delighted to hear that you received such great care. Sending you warm wishes for a speedy recovery!
Thank you very much, Donna
Best wishes, old friend.
Thank you so much, Pat
Derrick, thanks for sharing what must’ve been terrifying news. Here’s hoping that your excellent medical team caught all of the tumor. It’s a good sign that you’re eating Jackie’s fine cooking 🙂 <3
Much appreciated, Rosaliene XX
Thanks so very much for the update. I have been thinking about you during my blogging break. Stinking cancer. Been there, done that, and it’s no fun at all. Wishing you the best, Derrick, from across the pond.
Much appreciated, Laurie
Thank you for the update. Hearing the C word can be scary, but I’m very thankful you’re getting excellent care and generally have a lot of stamina.
Much appreciated, JoAnna
Take care Derrick. So pleased the NHS stepped up, it’s a wonderful gift to the country.
Thank you very much, Gary
Thank you for your health update Derrick. I hope you won’t have to undergo chemo. Take care always.❤️
Thank you very much, Arlene XX
Derrick, I wish you a clean bill of health on your next appointment. Glad you got great care at the hospital. God speed!
Thank you very much, Steve
Sounds successful all round. (Except fot hospital sleep. Tis usual.) Pleased you are home and healing.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
I am glad to hear you received excellent care, and you are home now to recover. You will do well under Jackie’s loving care.
I am a cancer (2010) survivor too, Derrick, as well as the heart attack 2 years ago. I am still here. You will too.
You are inspirational, Lavinia. Thank you very much
Hi Derrick, I am so sorry to read about your tumour and hospitalization. Sending you love and light. My aunt collapsed at home last Saturday early morning and I had to take her to the hospital emergency room. It was very dramatic and she was in ICU until yesterday. I know exactly what you have gone through. Huge hugs.
Thank you so much, Robbie XX I read about your aunt and am pleased she is out of ICU
Me too ????.
Derrick, take care and allow your recovery to follow its natural course. You are kind to keep your readers in the loop – it is heartening to know you have family around and Jackie to look after you.
Thank you so. much, Anne XX
Good Morning, Derrick. I hope you are feeling rested this morning. You received excellent care but it must have been an ordeal for you, including the past few weeks of worry. Do keep resting.
I’m very impressed with the speed of Southampton General in getting you in for the tests and the follow-up surgery. 🙂
Thank you so much, Sue XX
I had no idea, Derrick. Please do take care of yourself!!
Thank you very much, GP
I hope you don’t require lots more treatment. Fingers crossed for you.
Thank you very much, Sherry
I am glad they removed the tumor and yes, health care all over the world wouldn’t work without immigrants, but that’s food for thought for another post.
I am glad you are back home, in Jackie’s good care.
I hope this was it, and there won’t be any more procedures necessary. Speedy recovery.
Thank you very much, Bridget
Thank you for the health update, Derrick. I wish you a full and speedy recovery and healthy days ahead.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re most welcome, Derrick.
Thank you for your health update and along with all your blogging friends, I send you healing vibes.
You are the second person I know to form a blood clot when going in for something else!
I sincerely hope they got it all and you just have to enjoy life.
Thank you so much, Dale
????
Happy to hear they took such good care of you. Rest up and heal well ❤️
Thank you very much, Donna XX
Happy to hear that the operation went smoothly and I’m glad they kept you over for a couple of nights so that when the blood clot developed they could deal with it immediately. I’m not sure that Kevin would have returned to the hospital if he had been released sooner and the blood clot had developed at home. He can be very stubborn that way. Best of luck on your next visit to the hospital.
Thank you very much, Carol. He would be a very tough cookie to have withstood the pain that went with that
He gets this weird notion that he doesn’t want to bother people.
Fully understood
Get better soon, Derrick! Or as we say in Greece, Perastika!
Thank you very much, Marina
Oh so sorry to hear about your hospitalization, Derrick, but glad the procedure was successful. And yes, rest in a hospital is difficult. Feel better soon.
Thank you very much, Barbara. Hamlet featured yesterday
So glad to hear your surgery went smoothly. It’s great that the hospital staff were so attentive and professional, especially considering the blood clot.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope your upcoming appointment goes well! Take care.
Thank you very much, Deepthy
I wish you only the best as you proceed with the necessary treatment. Keep enjoying the food, family and ponies.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth
Havens to Murgatroid, Derrick … well, cancer sucks, that’s a given … and I truly hope they got it all … all digits crossed for you, my friend.
Thank you so much, Widders. X. So far so good. Don’t fall over crossing all your digits. 🙂
Congratulations on getting through this in good spirits. Hope it’s quick and painless as possible. ????????????????????
Thank you so much, Pat
I’m so sorry to hear this Derrick but I’m glad everything went smooth! Wishing you a speedy recovery and I hope your upcoming appointment goes well! Take care!
Thank you so much, Riba
Good to know that despite everything the NHS still works well when needed.
Absolutely. Thanks very much, Sheree
I wish you all the very best in your journey. I hope very much you can resume your activities very soon.
Thank you very much, Sylvie
Oh dear Derrick. I can imagine the shock on first hearing that news. And the blood clot would have given an additional scare – assuming you could even think through the pain.
Let’s hope the next step is routine.
As you know, I live in an over-55s (and these days, that demographic is closer to an over-90s 🙂 … so I hear such stories all the time. More often than not, it is something entirely different which has precipitated the trip to hospital. I am happy to say that most people have many more productive years, and often, with these kinds of quick diagnosis, even the treatment is not too bad., and soon put behind them.
I love watching emergency shows. My observation of the NHS is that it does a pretty good job – and yes – it is a united nations of staff.
Thank you so much, Gwen. XX
I love you my friend and I’m here always and cheering you on from the sides. I personally have three bladder cancer survivor friends who have regained their lives and I wish the exact same for you my dearest friend. It is very possible. People
survive and thrive. May this be what you experience. I will be in touch via email and letter. Please know I believe in you and care so much and you are surrounded with love on so many fronts. Forever. Candy ????
Thank you so much, Candy XX
Thank you for the update Derrick. It’s sounds like good timing and a promising result. Thank goodness the NHS is still helping people❣️
Indeed, Val. My own experience has always been good. Much appreciated
I bet Jackie’s food was especially good after hospital food! Wishing you good health
Thanks very much, Rose
Derrick, I am not caught up with your blog and thus was in the dark about this news. I am very grateful to have missed the days of worry. What a thoughtful man you are, to let us know you are through it and recovering. Jackie’s cooking will be as helpful as any prescription. I’m thinking that better sleep in your own beautiful and comfortable (and quiet) home will be the best medicine of all. I wish I could drop in and hug you both and leave some of my love on the grounds for you. But know that I am sending it via airwaves. <3
Thank you so very much from each of us, Crystal XX
Now I am getting a full story. I wish you a speedy and full recovery and only good news from the excellent medical professionals who are providing you with such impeccable care.
I survived it twice; first at the age of 21 in an utterly barbarian Russian hospital, and second already in the US, surgery done by a wonderful doctor who was cracking Odessa jokes instead of scaring me. I am here, sailing, riding, dancing, and enjoying grandchildren. You need to be here to see the adorable and precocious Ellie grow up.
That is really encouraging and inspirational, Dolly. Thank you so much XX
We wish you good health always Derrick. A few days ago we were in Heidelberg. We met an Indian outside a church. He is from Kerala but in Heidelberg for 55 years. We talked for some time, while leaving we wished each other good health. Take care, Lakshmi.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi.