valjee

Hi Gerry,

I’m coming in on a thread here so apologies to Michael (I’m pleased you’ve joined us, the level of information & knowledge on this site is second to none. I do wish your dad well with his treatment regime)

Gerry, looking at your post you have your Whipple op tomorrow, so the very best of luck to you.

My main post op problem was wound infection which has dogged my recovery, but I am finally mended & have a scar instead of a wound! And a damned impressive scar it is too.

It’s a haul back to some sort of normality – I seem to have taken forever & still 6 months on can’t keep up any physical activity for too long, but things are improving month on month – doubtless without the recurrent infection it would have been quicker. Don’t worry if your recovery doesn’t happen as quickly as you think it should – your body will take it’s own time to decide.

I’ll be rooting for you tomorrow, I hope your operation goes as planned & is a success.
Best Wishes, Val

Hi Gavin

I’m really sorry to see all the new developments with your dad. At least he still feels able to take his daily walk to the paper shop, which as you say is some exercise for him.

Just a thought on the medication situation – do you know if your pharmacy supplies to nursing homes etc?

Once upon a time when I was still dispensing, Boots did a pre-pack system for homes (I thnk it was extended to individual patients after I’d left) which is like your folder system but bigger, so all medication for the morning would be in one blister, everything for lunchtime in another etc etc.
It comes on a ring binder type arrangement. It may be worth checking as this could be a help & should be large enough to accomodate most of the items. (except Solpadol – HUGE!)
I’m fairly sure some other pharmacies were taking on this kind of packaging but as they’re all busy taking over each other I wouldn’t like to say who does what these days! Your Macmillan nurse may well know if the service might be available for you.

My folks are on so much between them the kitchen cupboard is like our very own dispensary! If my mum wasn’t on the case with theirs I would try to get the blister packs cos even I would struggle with the regime. and my dad unfortunatley has no idea any more – he likes to drop his tablets in his cup of tea on a bad day…..or hide them under a scrap of bread – it’s a wonder his blood glucose levels stay so good!

On your blood pressure, do take some time for yourself – all of this can be an absolute nightmare & even when you think you’re chilled it’s all going on in your head. Diversion therapy is always good. Curries are particularly good!
I’m currently watching Gavin & Stacey – that’s very good diversion therapy… so funny!

You take care, keep your wooly hat on against the cold, best wishes, Val

Ah Kris, always an inspiration!

Do you think your psychologist would like to have a world wide clientele?
It’s all too easy to sit around letting the world go by – I think many people (with or without disease) are guilty of this from time to time.

My good friend Frannie (who lives 150 miles away & has severe mobillity problems) & I take ‘virtual’ trips. This year we’ve done Bermuda (cos my brother & sis-in-law actually went!) & we’ve recently done a balloon trip over Cappodocia in Turkey! It is at least less expensive than the real thing! Think we’ll work up to the Paria Canyon ‘Wave’ formation in Arizona next.

On the red coat – go for it – I have one, although bought last year before the illness, I’m intending to drag it out of the wardrobe now that Cornwall’s joined in with the frosty mornings. When you get the coat you’ll have an excuse (if required) to get more matching scarves etc!

Hope the bulb planting goes well,
Best Wishes, Val x

Hi Rick, Firstly congratulations on Carter – your photos show a lovely family group. I am so sorry to read of your ongoing problems. I have only just caught up with your thread – I did have a cystic duct tumour, which I think appeared as a klatskin tumour- looks like the opposite way round from yours. Just goes to show cc is very individual in it’s modus operandi!

Be kind to yourself, enjoy your little ones & enjoy the good days with them. Keep fighting & if you feel the need to rant & rave – this is just the place!

Very best wishes, Val

Margaret & Blair,
I am so sorry to read of Ron’s passing – my sincere condolences to you both.

I’ve enjoyed Ron’s helpful & humourous posts very much since joining this ‘family’ forum.

With regards, Val

Hi Ron,

Fluconazole will do the trick too – marvellous!

Hope you’re still asleep as I write…..zzzzzzz

Val

Hi Gavin,
I am sorry to hear about your dad. Hopefully when you’rve seen the onc & have more info he will be able to get his head round the options. It’s good that he’s continuing with day care.

His confusion must be a worry – my father has vascular dementia (in addition to insulin controlled type 2 diabetes) and although is not always confused per se, it can be a real challenge to tell when it’s the dementia or if he’s having a hypo. He also sleeps for up to 20 hours a day.

Bazel is right to watch for UTIs & likewise chest infections which are also notorious for confusional states. It has been known for dad to have a chest infection when he hasn’t been coughing – strange but true! The hydration advice is very sound.

On his need to increase protein intake, a suggestion, I use a pea protein powder from a company called Nature’s Best in Tunbridge Wells. They have a very efficient mail order service & online ordering. Their advisor service is excellent, they don’t try to recommend anything you don’t need – remarkable in a retail company!

I use the powder in smoothies, both fruit (where it can affect the tase a little) & veg juices – I liquidise various juices with an avocado & the powder. It’s a very easy product to digest & can be put into allsorts of soups & other liquids though I’ve not used it like that yet. It’s not cheap, about